Brews news
Bryson City welcomes second brewery
With the former brewmaster for Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin), Noah McIntee, at the helm, Mountain Layers Brewing is expected to open its doors in November on Everett Street in downtown Bryson City.
“The building construction is nearly complete with brewhouse floors being finished this week. The electrical, plumbing, insulation, and sheetrock are all completed and in final paint and trim stages,” McIntee said. “Equipment is scheduled to arrive this week and will be unloaded and brought into the building with the help of our friends down the road at Nantahala Brewing who are letting us borrow their forklift for the day. Cold side equipment is scheduled or ordered, including glycol lines, basement beer cooler, and draft setup.”
McIntee said the system is a seven-barrel brewhouse with four seven-barrel fermentors. By the end of 2016, they’ll be pouring their own creations from upwards of 12 taps being installed. Though they hope to sell their products at other establishments, most of what will be brewed will be sold and consumed onsite.
“As the brewery is taking shape, we believe the rooftop deck overlooking Everett Street will be a main draw,” McIntee said. “Aside from the view, our guests and patrons will take away an experience of an authentic and independent brewery with the brewhouse at the very heart of the operation.”
Waynesville homebrew supply, taproom
The grand opening of Anastasia’s Ales will be Saturday, Oct. 1, at 428 Hazelwood Avenue in Waynesville. Live music will be from 7 to 9 p.m.
“I have home brew supplies, beer, wine, meads and ciders. I also have some taps coming in,” said owner Thomas Anastasia. “I’m hoping to have more of the things people can’t find in Waynesville, and turn it into more of a comfortable place that you could bring a date or group of friends to have a draft. I’m also looking for more of a gallery feel as I have a few local artist hanging some work, with more on the way.”
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Boojum expands brewery, taproom
As one of the fastest growing breweries in Western North Carolina, Boojum Brewing in Waynesville is in the midst of expanding its Dellwood brewery and downtown taproom.
In terms of the taproom, Boojum took over the Hunter Banks Fly Fishing space next door (Hunter Banks is now in the former Haywood TDA building), and the downstairs space. The need for the extra room came simply from long lines out the door and a lack of tables to accommodate local residents and tourists alike. According to the owners, the hope is to make the new Main Street level space a taproom and waiting area (with an outdoor back deck onto Wall Street), with the downstairs a possible game room and/or music venue.
Down the road in Dellwood, there will be a groundbreaking on the new brewery expansion in early November. Currently at 3,000 square feet, the brewery will more than double in size to around 6,500 square feet. It’s a move that will ease the increasing demand on the brewery, which has risen to the top of the “Best of” lists for craft beer lovers and critics.
