French Broad Brewing Co.

jfindley

New York

4.14/5  rDev +1.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | $

We stopped here one afternoon after going hiking on the way back to Asheville.

A - This is a working production brewery. The tasting room/bar is set at one end with a full view of the brewery. There is a small stage area and music on weekend evenings. Since we were there during the afternoon the people in the brewery were working so if you like that then that's a plus. It's in a small industrial area just south of downtown Asheville. Not the nicest or prettiest location but it is a working production brewery. There are a few picnic tables outside.

Q - We have had French Broad beers in other places so none were a surprise. Everything we tried was good and the unique thing at the time was the Zepptemberfest - which is their take on a fest beer. Nothing stunning, but everything is solid and well worth a taste.

S - Service was good. One bartender for the small crowd. People were coming and going buying growlers and bottles and everyone still had good service.

S - The selection is on par with most other breweries in the area. They had five on while we were there - IPA, ESB, Zepptemberfest (from bottles), Kolsch, and Porter.

F - I gave it an N/A because technically they don't have food. But, they did all of a sudden have fresh hot pretzels for sale - small for $2.50 and large for $5. We split a big one and it was good. Good mustard and a good snack.

Overall this place is worth a visit and we had a good time. But this is much less of a pub or place to hang out than other breweries in the area. It is a bigger production brewery and is more industrial in feel. But the beer is solid and it feels good to give our money directly to the people making it.

10-04-2012 01:28:44 | More by jfindley

finepaws

North Carolina

4/5  rDev -1.7%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | $

Considering we had a private tour of this brewery, we were treated great. This is a 4 and 1/2 year old brewery, and the head brewer Jonas, we were told used to run Jack of the Wood. When you walk in this nice sized warehouse, you are greeted by a welcoming light wood bar that looks out into the tank room. About 8 stools to prop on. Also a small couch, some tables, and a couple highboys near the wall. Nice cozy atmosphere, and cool paintings. This is a brewery? Seemed like a good place to just hang.
Taps are flowing from a fridge that's been transformed. Eloise was our tour master, with the help of brewerer Jeremy. She was well spoken, easy to hear, and understand. Lots of info not only on their beers, which she is very proud of, but beer history in general. She kept our tasters full the whole time we were there. They have 7 beers on tap year round, and we had a chance to try all. We were told Jonas has a passion for Northern European lagers, and Belgium brews. They have average pricing for shirts, glasses, and beer to go. No food here, as they are only brewing beer here.I believe it's $6 for the tour, and you get a pint glass to go. Well worth the money.

08-28-2005 15:30:47 | More by finepaws