5 Reasons to Visit Sierra Nevada in Asheville
If you are planning a trip to Asheville, NC, then you can’t miss the chance to visit Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Asheville. Sierra Nevada is one of the best Asheville breweries, offering an array of craft beers and an unforgettable experience. Here are the top five reasons you should visit Sierra Nevada Asheville tap room.
1. The Brewery Tour
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. offers a fascinating and informative brewery tour that provides an in-depth look at the brewing process. The tour starts with a walk through the hop fields, where you can see the hop vines growing and learn about how Sierra Nevada sources its ingredients.
After the hop fields, you’ll move on to the brewhouse, where the brewing process begins. You’ll learn about the different types of malt and hops used in the brewing process, and how they are mixed to create the perfect flavor profile. The guide will explain how the different tanks and equipment work together to create the beer you know and love.
Next, you’ll move on to the fermentation tanks, where the beer goes through the fermentation process. You’ll learn about the different types of yeast used to make beer and how temperature and time affect the flavor and alcohol content of the beer. The guide will explain how Sierra Nevada monitors and controls the fermentation process to ensure consistent quality.
Finally, you’ll get to see the bottling and packaging process, where the beer is packaged and prepared for distribution. You’ll learn about the different types of packaging, including bottles, cans, and kegs, and how Sierra Nevada ensures that the beer stays fresh and delicious from the brewery to your glass.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable and friendly guides will answer any questions you have and provide insight into the craft brewing industry. The tour ends with a tasting of some of Sierra Nevada’s most popular beers, where you can compare and contrast the different flavors and styles.
Need to Know: Go behind the scenes at more of Asheville’s best breweries with an all-inclusive City Brew Tour.
City Brew Tours Asheville takes guests on VIP-level tours to breweries all around Asheville. These tours include meal stops and round-trip transportation, so you can soak in the suds and enjoy Asheville’s legendary craft beer scene.
2. The Beer
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Asheville is famous for its award-winning beers, and it’s not hard to see why. The brewery offers a wide variety of beers, ranging from classic styles to innovative, experimental brews.
Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale is one of the most iconic craft beers in the world, and for good reason. This classic American pale ale is made with Cascade hops, which give it a distinct piney, citrusy flavor. It’s a well-balanced beer with just the right amount of bitterness, making it easy to drink and endlessly enjoyable.
Another favorite among beer enthusiasts is Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo Extra IPA. This beer is made with an extra dose of hops, giving it a bold, hop-forward flavor that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a beer that’s meant to be savored, with complex flavors and aromas that will keep you coming back for more.
If you’re looking for something a little different, Sierra Nevada’s Hazy Little Thing is a great option. This New England-style IPA is hazy and juicy, with a tropical fruit flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an excellent example of the current trend towards hazy, unfiltered IPAs, and it’s one of the best you’ll find anywhere.
Sierra Nevada also offers a range of seasonal and limited edition beers, which are always exciting to try. These beers are often experimental and innovative, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the craft brewing world. Some examples of these unique brews include their Oktoberfest, Bigfoot Barleywine, and Narwhal Imperial Stout.
3. The Food
While Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is primarily known for its fantastic beer, the brewery’s restaurant is also worth a visit. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of delicious food that pairs perfectly with the brewery’s beers, making it the perfect spot for a satisfying meal after a long day of brewery tours and beer tastings.
One standout item on the menu is the brewery’s wood-fired pizzas. These pizzas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy crust and smoky flavor. Some popular options include the Classic Margherita, the Meatball, and the Spicy Sausage & Kale pizza.
If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, the brewery’s burgers and sandwiches are a great option. The burgers are made with locally-sourced beef and served on a brioche bun, while the sandwiches are made with fresh, house-baked bread. Some standout options include the Classic Cheeseburger, the Beer-Battered Fish Sandwich, and the Grilled Chicken & Bacon Sandwich.
For those looking for lighter options, the brewery’s salads are a great choice. Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, these salads are both healthy and delicious. Some popular options include the Spinach & Arugula Salad, the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, and the Smoked Trout Salad.
4. The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Asheville is one of the things that sets it apart from other breweries in the area. The brewery is housed in a stunning building that blends modern architecture with traditional elements, creating a unique and inviting space for visitors to enjoy.
Inside, the brewery has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of seating areas to relax and enjoy a beer. The main dining area is open and spacious, with large windows that let in natural light and offer views of the surrounding mountains. There’s also a cozy bar area where visitors can sit and watch the brewers at work.
One of the highlights of the brewery’s atmosphere is the expansive outdoor patio. The patio is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the mountains, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a beer on a sunny day. There are plenty of tables and chairs for visitors to sit and relax, and there’s even an amphitheater where live music is often performed.
5. The Sustainability
Sustainability is a key focus at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and is woven into every aspect of the brewery’s operations. From sourcing ingredients to managing waste, the brewery is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
One way the brewery promotes sustainability is by sourcing local and organic ingredients whenever possible. The brewery sources many of its hops and barley from local farmers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, the brewery uses organic ingredients whenever possible, which are grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Another way the brewery promotes sustainability is by managing its waste responsibly. The brewery has a robust recycling program in place and has implemented several initiatives to reduce waste. For example, the brewery’s spent grains are donated to local farmers to use as animal feed, and the brewery’s wastewater is treated and reused for irrigation.
The brewery is also committed to reducing its energy consumption and has implemented several initiatives to do so. The brewery’s building was designed with sustainability in mind and includes features such as energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. Additionally, the brewery has installed a solar array that provides a portion of the brewery’s energy needs.
Finally, the brewery is committed to engaging with its community and promoting sustainability beyond its own operations. The brewery hosts regular events and programs that promote environmental stewardship and partners with local organizations to promote sustainable practices in the community.
Overall, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is committed to promoting sustainability in every aspect of its operations. From sourcing ingredients to managing waste, the brewery is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices both within its own operations and beyond.
Conclusion
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of the best breweries in Asheville and is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fun and unique experience. With an amazing brewery tour, award-winning beers, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to sustainability, Sierra Nevada Asheville has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit one of the best Asheville breweries and enjoy all that Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has to offer.