CELEBRATE NC BEER MONTH AT THE MONK!
Looking for a way to sample homegrown ales and lagers from across North Carolina?
Join us at the Thirsty Monk in downtown Asheville this Friday (April 26th) for NC Beer Month where we’ll be co-hosting our first tap takeover. This event offers an incredible opportunity to sample a variety of beer styles made with Riverbend’s products. Some of these will even be new to us! A little backstory is provided below to whet your appetite.
1) Weeping Radish – Maibock
A classic style from NC’s oldest microbrewery. Nick and his crew brewed this one back in January and it has had plenty of time to lager and is in top form for NC Beer Month. The grain bill for this traditional fest beer includes our Pilsner, Pale, and Heritage malts.
2) Weeping Radish – Doppelbock (2012)
The 2011 release of this beer included malt from our first batch ever produced! The 2012 version marks the second year of this locally focused release and clocks in around 8% ABV. Hops are provided by Echoview Farm in Weaverville and a majority of the grain is sourced from Riverbend. Just like the Maibock, this one has been conditioning for several months and has developed a rich malt character.
3) Top of the Hill – Plott Hound Pale Ale
This well-balanced brew features a blend of New Zealand hop varieties and an array of Riverbend products (Pale, Heritage, Appalachian Wheat, and Carolina Rye) which create a complex, sessionable beer with notes of peach and pineapple. Everyone in Chapel Hill is really diggin’ this release and the second batch is already in the fermenter!
4) Fullsteam – El Toro Cream Ale
A classic, easy drinking cream ale from one of our favorite breweries, this one was our first “flagship” release back in early 2012. The guys at Fullsteam craft this one with 90% Pale Malt and 10% corn grits for a truly local flavor. Be sure to put this summer sipper and your list this Friday.
5) Steel String – Rubber Room Session Ale
These guys are opening in Carrboro in early May with an interesting lineup of IPAs and Belgian inspired offerings. I got to taste a few things out of the fermenter when I visited and am looking forward to this one! Motueka hops and our Carolina Rye should make for an excellent session beer.
6) Aviator – High Voltage Pale Ale
This one comes out swinging with 7.2% ABV and a generous dose of Columbus and Cascade hops. This beer marks our first statewide release and may be available in 22 oz. bottles later this summer. Look for Aviator’s complete line of products around Asheville by early May!
7) Trophy Brewing/Haw River Farmhouse Ales (collaboration) – Saxiest Man Alive Saison
For those in the know, Busy Bee is the spot for craft beer and great food in downtown Raleigh…why do I tell you this? Because the same gentlemen (Les Stewart) behind Busy Bee is now brewing some delicious treats just down the street at Trophy Brewing. Les teamed up with Ben from Haw River to create this little jewel made from 100% NC ingredients (including the yeast!). Ben has been working on some pretty interesting yeast propagation projects in his hometown of Saxapahaw (near Chapel Hill). You’ll get to taste the results of his efforts in this hoppy Saison that uses pine needles in the boil for an added kick.
8) Wicked Weed – Smoked Saison
When Walt told us he was planning to have our malt smoked by the guys at 12 Bones Smokehouse here in Asheville, we knew it was going to be a special beer. This one was released to rave reviews just a few weeks ago at their tap room. This one is rich and complex with just the right amount of smoke in the finish.
Looking forward to seeing everyone out at the Monk…Cheers!
