Wedge, Asheville

During our Beer Club envoy to Boone this past weekend, we were able to make a stop at the ralatively new Wedge Brewing Company in Asheville's River Arts District. We sampled the newly tapped porter, the Golem (strong Belgian), and a few others and then sat down with a pitcher ($10) of the Iron Rail IPA. The patio is varied, with seats arranged at different heights, spacing and orientation, making it versitile and dynamic for great socializing. It also featured live music. Next time you're in Asheville be sure to check it out.

Other notes from the weekend included a comeback for the fallen Breckenridge Brewery with its small batch 471 IPA. We also sampled the Heavy Seas Great Pumpkin Ale. This one is as spicy as a seasonal cider and fitting for the fall. At dinner we sampled a great Ska Decadent Imperial IPA (only a B!!?!?!??). But the best came from OR, by way of Christ(P)a(in). It was Deschutes Mirror Mirror American Barley Wine. This is a winner. Another scary-good bottle also made it from Oregon to Boone. It was McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt Whiskey. Delicious. If you're fortunate enough to get a glass I would.

All of these extras made an already pleasant North Carolina mountain trip all the more enjoyable. And, of course, it goes without saying that we brought a bunch of that NC goodness back home with us for the rest of our DSBC mates.