Blue Ridge Country - July/August 2013 - 67

if you go: details on the featured Breweries

nantahala Brewing Company, Bryson City, n.C.
The brewery and taprooms are housed in a large, unheated but nicely finished Quonset hut
across from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad excursion depot. The expansive main room
is equipped with TVs and a performance stage, with a small, cozy taproom to the side.
nantahalabrewing.com or 828-488-BEER (2337)

frog level Brewing Company, waynesville, n.C.
Visitors relax with flights or pints in a long room with tables, upholstered chairs, and a bar,
or venture out to the patio overlooking the creek. They can enjoy music from the musicians’
corner, or play board games and corn hole. Like many other taprooms, Frog Level does not
provide food, but they welcome bring-your-own and have a ready list of restaurants that
deliver. froglevelbrewing.com or 828-454-5664

Bold Rock uses local Virginia apples in its hard ciders.

Just a few hops up the road is Frog Level Brewing
Company, Haywood County’s first microbrewery.
The business takes full advantage of the whimsical
name, with a generous sprinkling of frog footprints
and statues.
Their creativity in the beer names is matched by
creative blends using quality ingredients, with a focus
on local. I tasted a flight of their beers, enjoying all
but especially surprised by several styles that don’t
usually get my attention: Lily’s Cream Boy cream ale
(4.4%), the Catcher in the Rye red rye ale (5.5%),
and Ale Be Home for Christmas (6%), a wonderful
winter ale with ginger and other wintry spices.
tennessee provides more challenge in brewery hopping, with 24 breweries to North Carolina’s 58. Since
alcohol laws are heavily state-controlled, with counties sometimes calling their own shots, a craft brewer’s
success can be affected by geography. One promising
young craft brewery I visited, Studio Brew, is in the
process of moving to a friendlier legal climate on the
Virginia side of Bristol, while still working to change
Tennessee laws. Nonetheless, there are breweries in
these mountains worth exploring.
In the heart of historic Knoxville is Downtown
Grill & Brewery, a brewpub featuring Woodruff
Brewing Co. beers. Downtown Grill features seven

The spacious interior, encircled by a second floor dining area above the first floor seating and
bar, creates an energetic vibe, accentuated by the multitudes of college students and locals
of all ages who frequent the pub. The restaurant provides a full menu, with a few dishes
presented with brewer’s pairing recommendation. downtownbrewery.com or
865-633-8111

devil’s Backbone Basecamp Brewpub, roseland, Va.
The atmosphere at the brewpub befits its mountain location, with roughhewn timber
beams, rugged stonework, and local wildlife. The upscale pub food pairs well with the
award-winning beers. In addition to year-round food, beer and entertainment, the brewpub
hosts festivals that promote outdoor recreation, music, and, of course, craft beer.
dbbrewingcompany.com or 434-361-1001

Bold rock Cider, nellysford, Va.
Bold Rock, like Devil’s Backbone, is in Nelson County, home to ten wineries, three breweries,
and this one hard cidery. Bold Rock has a rustic but cheerful cider barn for tastings, tours and
hard cider to go. They welcome picnic baskets and offer apple juice for the kids.
boldrock.com or 434-361-1030

lost river Brewpub, wardensville, w.Va.
The restaurant and brewery is housed in an 1885 dry goods store, for a relaxing, homey
atmosphere. The main reason to visit is the food, with better than average beers for pairing.
lostriverbrewing.com or 304-874-4455 ––AT

Bold Rock founder John Washburn (far right) visits
with guests in the tasting room.

JULY/AUGUST 2013 | 67

annie tobey

rachel marsh

downtown grill & Brewing and woodruff Brewing Co.,
Knoxville, tenn.

http://www.nantahalabrewing.com http://www.froglevelbrewing.com http://www.downtownbrewery.com http://www.dbbrewingcompany.com http://www.boldrock.com http://www.lostriverbrewing.com

Blue Ridge Country - July/August 2013

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