Learn about the early roots of brewing in Black Mountain, the types of beer offered by , popular breweries like Pisgah Brewing Company and Lookout Brewing Company, and their community involvement and sustainability efforts. Join a guided brewery tour, indulge in a tasting room experience, and enjoy food and beer pairings while supporting eco-friendly practices and charitable contributions.
History of Black Mountain Breweries
Black Mountain, North Carolina, has a rich history in brewing beer. The town’s early roots in brewing began in the late 1800s when German immigrants brought their brewing traditions with them. By the early 1900s, Black Mountain had several breweries and saloons in operation, including the famous Black Mountain Brewing Company.
However, Prohibition in the 1920s put an end to the town’s brewing scene. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Black Mountain’s brewing industry began to make a comeback.
Early Roots of Brewing in Black Mountain
As mentioned, Black Mountain’s early roots in brewing can be traced back to the late 1800s when German immigrants brought their brewing traditions with them. These immigrants established several breweries in the town, including the Black Mountain Brewing Company, which was founded in 1898.
The Black Mountain Brewing Company was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, and porters. The brewery also had a saloon on the premises where patrons could enjoy their beer.
Key Players in Black Mountain’s Brewing Scene
One of the key players in Black Mountain’s brewing scene was the Black Mountain Brewing Company. The brewery was founded in 1898 and operated until Prohibition in the 1920s. The brewery was known for its high-quality beers and was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
In the 1990s, several new breweries opened in Black Mountain, including Pisgah Brewing Company and Lookout Brewing Company. These breweries played a significant role in the revitalization of Black Mountain’s brewing industry.
Growth and Development of Black Mountain Breweries
Since the 1990s, Black Mountain’s brewing industry has seen significant growth and development. Today, the town is home to several breweries, each offering a unique selection of beers.
Pisgah Brewing Company is one of the most popular breweries in Black Mountain. The brewery was founded in 2005 and is known for its award-winning beers, including the Pisgah Pale Ale and the Pisgah Porter.
Lookout Brewing Company is another popular brewery in Black Mountain. The brewery was founded in 2013 and offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers.
Black Mountain Brewing is also a notable brewery in the town. The brewery was founded in 2015 and is known for its unique selection of beers, including the Black Mountain Red Ale and the Black Mountain Belgian Dubbel.
Types of Beer Offered by Black Mountain Breweries
Craft beer enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Black Mountain breweries offer a wide variety of beers to satisfy all tastes. From classic ales and lagers to hoppy IPAs and pale ales, these breweries have something for everyone.
Ales and Lagers
Ales and lagers are two of the most popular types of beer offered by Black Mountain breweries. Ales are made with top-fermenting yeast and are brewed at warmer temperatures, resulting in a fruity and flavorful beer. Lagers, on the other hand, are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, resulting in a crisp and smooth taste.
Black Mountain breweries offer a range of ales and lagers, from light and refreshing pilsners to rich and malty stouts. Pisgah Brewing Company, for example, offers a variety of ales, including their flagship Pisgah Pale Ale and the award-winning Hellbender Belgian Ale. Lookout Brewing Company offers a range of lagers, including their popular Lookout Vienna Lager and the smooth and crisp Lookout Pilsner.
IPAs and Pale Ales
For those who love hops, Black Mountain breweries offer a variety of IPAs and pale ales. IPAs are known for their bold and bitter flavor, while pale ales are lighter and more balanced.
Pisgah Brewing Company offers a range of IPAs, including their popular Greybeard IPA and the hoppy and juicy Citra Pale Ale. Lookout Brewing Company offers their flagship Pale Ale, which is brewed with Cascade and Centennial hops for a crisp and refreshing taste.
Seasonal Brews and Special Releases
In addition to their regular offerings, Black Mountain breweries also release seasonal brews and special releases throughout the year. These beers are often brewed with unique ingredients and flavors, making them highly sought after by craft beer enthusiasts.
Pisgah Brewing Company releases seasonal brews throughout the year, including their popular Solstice Stout and the seasonal Harvest Ale, brewed with local pumpkins and spices. Lookout Brewing Company also offers seasonal releases, such as their winter spiced ale, Krampusnacht, and their summer wheat beer, Sunflower Saison.
Popular Black Mountain Breweries
Black Mountain is home to several breweries that have become popular destinations for beer enthusiasts. Each brewery has its own unique style and atmosphere, making it worth checking out all three. Here are the top three breweries you should visit in Black Mountain:
Pisgah Brewing Company
Pisgah Brewing Company is one of the oldest breweries in Black Mountain, established in 2005. It’s known for its award-winning beers and its commitment to sustainability. Pisgah Brewing Company uses locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, and its brewing process is eco-friendly, with a focus on waste reduction and recycling.
The brewery has a large outdoor area, where visitors can enjoy live music and events. You can also take a tour of the brewery to learn more about the brewing process and the history of Pisgah Brewing Company. Some of the popular beers at Pisgah Brewing Company include the Pisgah Pale Ale, the Greybeard IPA, and the Chocolatized Vortex Porter.
Lookout Brewing Company
Lookout Brewing Company is a small, family-owned brewery that opened in 2013. It’s located in a historic building that was once a grocery store in the heart of Black Mountain. Lookout Brewing Company has a cozy atmosphere, with a bar made from reclaimed wood and a small outdoor seating area.
The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews. Some of the popular beers at Lookout Brewing Company include the Sour British Pale Ale, the Black Mountain Brown, and the Belgian Wit. Lookout Brewing Company also hosts events like trivia nights and live music performances.
Black Mountain Brewing
Black Mountain Brewing is a newer addition to the Black Mountain brewery scene, opening in 2016. It’s located in a renovated building that was once a furniture store. The brewery has a modern, industrial-style interior and a large outdoor seating area.
Black Mountain Brewing offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews. Some of the popular beers at Black Mountain Brewing include the Full Nelson IPA, the Dark Energy Stout, and the Hefeweizen. The brewery also has a kitchen that serves a variety of food, including pizza and sandwiches.
Brewery Tours and Tastings in Black Mountain
Are you a beer enthusiast looking for an exciting brewery experience? Look no further than Black Mountain, where you can indulge in guided brewery tours, unique tasting room experiences, and mouth-watering food and beer pairings.
Guided Brewery Tours
Embark on a journey through the history and brewing processes of Black Mountain’s finest breweries with a guided tour. At Pisgah Brewing Company, you can take a behind-the-scenes look at their sustainable brewing practices and learn about their use of locally-sourced ingredients. Lookout Brewing Company offers a tour that includes a tasting flight of their signature beers, giving you a chance to sample their brews before committing to a full pint. And at Black Mountain Brewing, you can take a tour of their state-of-the-art brewing facility and even meet the master brewer.
Tasting Room Experiences
Tasting rooms provide a unique opportunity to sample a variety of beers in a relaxed setting. At Pisgah Brewing Company, their taproom features 24 taps pouring a rotating selection of their classic and seasonal beers. Lookout Brewing Company’s taproom offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a selection of their flagship beers and rotating guest taps. Black Mountain Brewing’s taproom boasts a wide range of beer styles, from classic lagers to experimental IPAs.
Food and Beer Pairings
Enhance your brewery experience with delicious food and beer pairings. Pisgah Brewing Company offers a rotating selection of food trucks and live music events, making for the perfect weekend outing. Lookout Brewing Company partners with local restaurants to offer food and beer pairings, such as their “Burgers and Beer” event. Black Mountain Brewing offers a full kitchen menu, with items like the “Beer Cheese Burger” and “Black Mountain Nachos” designed to perfectly complement their beer selection.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun and unique experience, Black Mountain’s brewery scene has something for everyone. Book a tour, visit a tasting room, and indulge in delicious food and beer pairings – you won’t be disappointed.
Community Involvement of Black Mountain Breweries
Black Mountain breweries are more than just places to grab a cold beer. They are integral parts of the community, participating in local events, forming partnerships with nearby businesses, and making charitable contributions. This section will delve deeper into the community involvement of Black Mountain breweries, including the local events and festivals they organize, their partnerships with local businesses, and the charitable contributions they make.
Local Events and Festivals
One of the ways Black Mountain breweries engage with the community is by organizing and participating in local events and festivals. These events not only showcase the breweries’ offerings, but also provide an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together and celebrate. One such event is the Black Mountain Beer Festival, which takes place every May. This festival brings together over 20 breweries from the region, offering a variety of craft beers for attendees to sample. In addition to the beer, there is live music, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a fun day out for everyone.
Another event that Black Mountain breweries participate in is the Black Mountain Winter Market. This market takes place on Saturdays during the winter months and features local vendors selling a range of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The breweries set up stalls at the market, offering tastings of their latest brews and chatting with visitors. This is a great way for the breweries to connect with the community and showcase their products in a relaxed, informal setting.
Partnerships with Local Businesses
Black Mountain breweries also form partnerships with other local businesses, supporting each other and collaborating on projects. One such partnership is between Black Mountain Brewing and the nearby restaurant, My Father’s Pizza. The two businesses have teamed up to create a pizza that is specifically designed to pair with one of the brewery’s beers. This collaboration not only benefits both businesses, but also provides a unique culinary experience for customers.
Another example of a partnership is between Lookout Brewing Company and the nearby chocolate shop, The Dripolator. The two businesses have worked together to create a chocolate-flavored beer, using cocoa beans from The Dripolator. This collaboration not only highlights the creativity of the breweries, but also supports a local business and provides customers with a unique, locally-sourced product.
Charitable Contributions and Involvement
Finally, Black Mountain breweries are committed to making charitable contributions and being involved in the community in a meaningful way. One such example is Pisgah Brewing Company’s support of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. The brewery created a beer called Pisgah Pale Ale, with a portion of the proceeds going to the conservancy. This organization works to protect the natural habitats and scenic beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and Pisgah Brewing Company’s contribution helps to support their efforts.
Another way that Black Mountain breweries make charitable contributions is by participating in events that raise money for local organizations. For example, Lookout Brewing Company participates in the annual CiderFest, which raises money for the local fire department. The brewery donates a portion of their sales to the event, helping to support this vital community service.
Sustainability Efforts of Black Mountain Breweries
Black Mountain breweries are not only known for their delicious beer but also for their sustainability efforts. These breweries have implemented various eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. In this section, we will discuss some of the sustainability efforts of Black Mountain breweries.
Use of Locally-Sourced Ingredients
One of the ways Black Mountain breweries promote sustainability is by using locally-sourced ingredients. These breweries source their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supporting local businesses. By using locally-sourced ingredients, Black Mountain breweries are also promoting the use of organic and non-GMO products, which are healthier for consumers and the environment.
For example, Pisgah Brewing Company sources its hops from a local family farm, which uses sustainable growing practices and is certified organic. Lookout Brewing Company sources its grains from a local mill, which uses non-GMO products and minimizes waste.
Eco-Friendly Brewing Practices
Black Mountain breweries have also implemented eco-friendly brewing practices to reduce their environmental impact. These practices include using energy-efficient equipment, minimizing water usage, and reducing waste.
Pisgah Brewing Company, for example, uses a solar hot water system to heat their water, reducing their energy usage. Lookout Brewing Company has implemented a closed-loop water system, which recirculates water for brewing and reduces water waste. Black Mountain Brewing uses an energy-efficient brewing system, which reduces their energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Community Recycling and Waste Reduction Programs
Black Mountain breweries are also committed to reducing waste and promoting recycling in their community. These breweries have implemented various recycling and waste reduction programs to minimize their environmental impact.
Pisgah Brewing Company has partnered with a local recycling company to recycle their glass, plastic, and aluminum waste. Lookout Brewing Company uses compostable cups and utensils in their tasting room, reducing their landfill waste. Black Mountain Brewing has implemented a recycling program for their spent grains, which are donated to local farmers as animal feed.
In conclusion, Black Mountain breweries are not only known for their delicious beer but also for their commitment to sustainability. By using locally-sourced ingredients, implementing eco-friendly brewing practices, and promoting recycling and waste reduction in their community, these breweries are setting an example for other businesses to follow. If you’re a beer lover who also cares about the environment, visiting Black Mountain breweries is a must-do activity.
