Twin Leaf Brewery

The tap wall.

If you're ever in Asheville doing the brewery thing you must visit Twin Leaf Brewery at 144 Coxe Ave. on the corner of Coxe and Banks in the South Slope of downtown Asheville! (Entrance on Banks Avenue).  Tim Weber is the co-owner / Head Brewer.  You'll have to ask him who his partner is....  Once I arrived I was immediately taken in by the professional look of this brewery on the left is a beautiful 10bbl system with a very inviting bar directly in front of you.  There were a few folks in there taking in the pleasures this brewery has to offer.  In my normal fashion I ordered a flight and the bartender gave me a choice of their 5 flagships or a mix and match of some of their other one offs and special releases. With 16 taps it was really hard to decide.  After long consideration I settled on the flagships and now I have a reason to return to try the other 11. 

The 10bbl Brew house

I started with the Uproot ESB and found a standard ESB with an American twist that was a dark amber color. A complex malt profile reminiscent of bread, toast and biscuits, with hints of caramel, chocolate and fruity esters. Perfectly balanced bitterness from the earthy, floral hops. This would be my go-to beer.

Next was the White Noise a delicate, crisp and refreshing wit that most of the masses will enjoy.  While I am not a fan of the style typically this one was nice with a distinct bready aroma, pale straw in color with a fluffy white head, lightly sweet with a touch of fruity esters and just a hint of orange and coriander with a dry and slightly tart finish.

The Dark Matter has a deep dark brown color that hints at the flavors within.  An aroma reminiscent of chocolate and fresh baked cookies it is smooth, creamy, full-bodied, roasty and slightly nutty. It is a very balanced and exquisite stout.

I then had the Luminosity a very nice Belgian Tripel and at 9%ABV one needs to be careful as this one hides it's alcohol well. Deep gold in color and a nice complexity. Slightly sweet and fruity, with notes of orange, banana, and spice.  A surprisingly easy drinking that is light bodied and will sneak up on you if you're not careful.

The last one in my flight was the 144 (code name: Juicy Fruit) don't let the name fool you this is one hell of an IPA. It's light golden color with bright and brilliant hop flavor and aroma. Grapefruit, orange, a touch of lime, floral, juicy fruity awesomeness. It has the right amount of hoppy bitterness while the slightest hint of candy-like sweetness rounds it all out.

Tim then told me about the "Toasted Drifter" they brewed in collaboration with Oscar Blues and while the very last keg wasn't carbonated he still let me have a taste.  In short it is one hell of an oatmeal stout aged in bourbon barrels.  A deep dark stout with a thin mocha head. In aroma, nice bitter chocolate with coffee grind, vanilla bean, smooth alcohol, light bourbon barrel, very nice.

My flight 3 beers in.

For a brewery that has been open less than a year and has produced 500bbls on a 10bbl system means they are in it for the long haul and by the taste of their brews and professionalism they will go far.

AHA Rally & Asheville brew scene

This post is a preliminary post for any brewery mentioned here. Mainly about the AHA Rally held at Wicked Weed Funkatorium (where they brew sours and other beers not released at their main pub and elsewhere.)

Entrance to the Rally

The AHA signed up 47 new members at the event and we had an excellent turnout of current members. If you ever have a chance to attend a rally you would be crazy not to go. If you're not a member you'd be crazy not to join.  A few tips to help you. One, get there early. Two, have your membership card handy to expedite the check-in process. Three, have fun and take advantage of the free stuff. Talk to other home-brewers and brewery staff.

I arrived way early and decided to visit Twin Leaf just across the street and was able to meet Tim Weber the Co-Owner/Head Brewer.  Look for an excellent review on this brewery soon.

Twin Leaf

By the time I finished my flight and discussion with Tim at Twin Leaf the rally had been in full swing for about 20 minutes.  I meandered across the street to stand in line to get in and immediately found myself conversing with other home-brewers. I wasn't sure if I was at a Beer or Beard Rally though. Apparently home-brewers have the same affection for facial hair as the pros do.  The volunteers for the first shift moved the line quickly and we were signed in in no time at all.  Wicked Weed was generous enough to give one free beer to all the attendees. Hops and Vines and Asheville Brewers Supply both were represented and both had swag to give out. There was a raffle at the end with some pretty badass prizes.  Your blogger has zero luck and came home with nothing but I was a 2nd shift volunteer and was able to have a ball helping out with the raffle. 

Funkatorium Brewhoouse

Funkatorium Brewhouse

The word across the Rally was you had to go to Burial Beer Co. just down the hill and one block over.  I think 90% of the attendees went there afterward.  I will hold my comments about Burial once I get another opportunity to visit and do a proper review.  After Burial I had to head up to Green Man as I have had many of their brews in the past and have always been impressed.  I'll also go back and do another proper review on these guys as well.  By that time I was hungry and figured Asheville Brewing Company would serve as another brewery hit and good food.  This one will also get a separate review.  After a Jalapeno brew and some nachos I was getting a tad tipsy but just absolutely had to go to Hi Wire around the corner.  I've had a secret love affair with Hi Wire since they took over the location of the former Craggie Brewing Company and I was a fan of some of their brews.  It also takes real balls to open a brewery in a location where one failed.  I did make a bold statement on untappd (I'm Don_Quixote on untappd) by calling their Bed of Nails Brown the best beer in Asheville and after bringing some home I still stand by that claim.  Hi Wire will also get another review in the future.  The one unique thing I noticed was all 6 breweries had garage doors in their taprooms.  I know that a brewery must have an overhead door but I don't think I've seen so many right in the public areas. All in all I would highly recommend a trip to Asheville and a AHA Rally if you've never experienced one.  

Burial Beer

Greenman

Asheville Brewing Overhead Door

Hi-Wire