Tipping Point celebrates anniversary
On Dec. 21, Tipping Point Brewing in downtown Waynesville will be celebrating its third year in operation with a “Customer Appreciation Day.” Starting as a restaurant/tavern, the business has grown into an acclaimed brewery in the bustling Western North Carolina craft beer scene.
Titled “Alepocalypse Now,” the anniversary celebration will include live music, food/drink specials, as well as the release of the “Alepocalypse Pale Ale.” The Smoky Mountain News recently caught up with Tipping Point co-owner Jon Bowman. He spoke of the evolution of the establishment, how 2013 was a milestone year for the business and what makes WNC a special place to set up shop.
Smoky Mountain News: How did 2013 shape up for you?
Jon Bowman: 2013 was a great year for us. Highlights would be the inaugural Waynesville Beer Fest, winning medals at the N.C. Beer Championships and the N.C. Brewers Cup with the “Ryeway 74” collaboration beer.
SMN: What’s the next step?
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JB: Pretty much to just keep on rolling. We’ll be adding more kegs and cold storage to increase production slightly. We’ll have a Valentine’s Day beer coming out and a few other special brews later in 2014.
SMN: What do you see as the current climate for the craft beer scene in Western North Carolina?
JB: This is the best era of craft beer in North Carolina’s history. The quality and sheer availability are unbelievable right now. Never has the consumer had such quality and so many choices.
SMN: What makes the brewery so special?
JB: We cannot thank our customers enough. I know it may sound cliché, but we wouldn’t be here without y’all. Our local regulars are the biggest factor in our success and our customer appreciation day is really about thanking them. We’re also seeing plenty of repeat tourists. Once they find us, they’ll come in the next time they visit the area. It’s just great to know we have created something special in downtown Waynesville. We’ve made a difference creating a “tipping point,” if you will.
