USA, NC: UpCountry Brewing now pouring brews in Brevard

Asheville-based UpCountry Brewing is now pouring brews in Brevard’s Lumberyard Arts District, the company’s second location, BlueRidgeNow.com reported on November 30.

The new taproom had a soft opening Nov. 23. The brewery is located at the site of the former Peaks and Creeks Brewing, which closed earlier this month, at 212 King St., Suite B.

Brevard perfectly fit the brewing company’s brand, which focuses on the outdoors, according to founder John Cochran. He considers the city the “Mecca of mountain biking,” with plenty of hiking and other recreation opportunities.

“This really is an amazing place. There’s a lot going on here,” Cochran said.

The Brevard spot will specialize in sour beers, with the brewing process starting in the next few months. Brewing of other beers will continue at the Asheville site, as Cochran said it isn’t wise to brew sours in the same space as the other beers.

Current options on tap include the Bogey Free Session IPA, Isoprene Hazy IPA, Tripel Lindy, Trapped Under Weiss! (hefeweizen), Hop Dread (red IPA), Coffee Saison, Bold Rock Blood Orange cider, Mangose, Old Black Water Baltic Porter, and UpCo Mountain Lager. Beers will rotate throughout the year.

UpCountry is keeping two Peaks and Creeks beers on tap through the end of the year, Pale of the Dragon pale ale, and Super Chuck Barrel Aged lager amber. The brewery also kept Peaks and Creeks staff members on board.

The brewery’s West Asheville location, like many local businesses, prides itself by being a part of the community, and Cochran plans to do the same in Brevard.

One way is through starting up “Miracle Pint Nights,” which have been popular at the brewery’s original location. Each month, the brewery pairs with a local nonprofit and sets aside a time for a portion of the sales to go to the organization.

The brewery has a substantial outdoor space, which Cochran plans to use for live music and other outdoor events. Bringing in food trucks is also a possibility. The brewery is kid and dog friendly.

The response from the public and other local businesses has been positive, Cochran said. The brewery fits in well in the lumberyard district, which includes an art gallery, restaurant, guitar shop and bike shop.

“It is a good group of people,” he said.

Cochran has worked in the craft beer business since the mid-’90s. In that time, he’s seen significant growth in the industry, particularly Western North Carolina becoming a national destination for beer.

UpCountry Brewing’s Brevard location is open 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The West Asheville location, at 1042 Haywood Road, is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The brewing operation celebrates its second anniversary in December.

03 December, 2018