Pairing Mountain Biking Trails with Local Craft Breweries
Brevard and Transylvania County serve up incredible mountain biking and amazing craft beers. So, what better way to ring in North Carolina’s Year of the Trail than with a “Taps and Trails” pairing. We’ve picked five trails and matched them with five brews that share similar characteristics. We called on avid mountain biker and in-the-know beer connoisseur Ben Hardy to help us out.
1
Pairing #1
Brewery: Brevard Brewing Company
Beer: Bohemian Pilsner
Trail: Ridgeline
Why they go well together:
“Ridgeline is a classic local trail in DuPont. It’s probably on the top five list of anyone who’s ever ridden around Brevard, and you’ll quickly understand why. Ridgeline is all fun and flow. Riders of any skill level should find plenty of enjoyment. The trail has enough whoops and berms to keep it exciting, but it’s smooth and gentle all the way down.”
“BBC’s Bohemian Pilsner is a classic style brewed with respect to tradition. It’s the perfect refresher after a day of riding, guaranteed to keep the fun rolling. Just like Ridgeline, this beer is a smooth character, packed with flavor, but not over the top. You’ll want to keep it flowin’.”
About Ridgeline
About Brevard Brewing Company: Opened in 2012, BBC holds the distinction of being Brevard’s first craft brewery. It’s also notable for the dedication and passion owner and brew master Kyle Williams brings to all his creations. He has a special soft spot for German lagers and pilsners using imported Bavarian barley, hops, and yeast.
2
Pairing #2
Brewery: Ecusta Brewing
Beer: Mongo Imperial Stout, 9% ABV
Trail: Farlow Gap
Why they go well together:
“Farlow Gap is raw Pisgah. This trail isn’t for everyone. But, if you want to get distant, Farlow is the ticket. You’ll head into Pisgah’s darker depths on a true backcountry adventure. It’s a stout trail that packs a punch.”
“Ecusta’s Mongo Imperial Stout is the perfect match for Farlow Gap. It’s dark and complex. It requires a certain palate. Just like Farlow, it probably isn’t for everyone, but those willing to venture down into its depths will be rewarded.”
About Farlow Gap
About Ecusta Brewing Company: By the time you read this, Ecusta will have opened its spiffy new location on the historic Ecusta Mill property and within shouting distance of Pisgah National Forest. Since opening in 2016, owner Josh Chambers and his crew have established a reputation for creating a stellar range of signature and seasonal brews.
3
Pairing #3
Brewery: Oskar Blues
Beer: Double Dale’s Imperial IPA, 9% ABV
Trail: Avery Creek
Why they go well together:
“Avery is rowdy in the best kind of way. It has all the gnar Pisgah is known for, but you have lots of options. It’s a progressive trail, so if the standard Pisgah roots and rocks aren’t quite enough, you can toss in optional drops and jumps scattered down the trail to up the fun factor. Access Avery Creek from Black Mountain to add on some similar extra downhill action and grab one of the best views in the forest on the way there.”
“Double Dale’s Imperial IPA is a beer worthy of Avery Creek. It’s big, bold, and in your face. To be so big, it’s super drinkable, bringing together juicy and piney notes. It’s a rowdy beer that, just like Avery Creek, will keep you coming back for more.”
About Avery Creek
About Oscar Blues Brewery: Oskar Blues is a heavyweight craft brewery with locations in Brevard, Austin, Texas, and Longmont, Colorado. Befitting their size, Oskar Blues boasts 32 taps with a mix of year-round and rotating taps, not to mention a lively outdoor space offering live music and the famous Chubwagon Food Truck.
4
Pairing #4
Brewery: Noblebrau Brewing:
Beer: Scott McCloud, Tripel Threat – Belgian Tripel, 8.5% ABV
Trail: Daniel Ridge Loop
Why they go well together:
“Daniel Ridge Loop is the perfect blend of all that Pisgah has to offer. To really understand that you’ve got to descend both the rocky and the bridge sides. The rocky side lives up to its name with a long, rocky stretch along the river, but it offers more, including sharp hairpins and plenty of techy roots. The bridge side has steep fast shoots over loose rock, twisty meanderings through mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets, chattery roots, and a variety of bridges, of course.”
“Much like the Daniel Ridge Loop, the Scott McCloud Tripel Threat has that blend of every flavor you want in a vibrantly tasty, captivating beer. The Tripel Threat offers a symphony of complex flavors: notes of honey, and subtle bubblegum intertwine with delicate hints of clove and spice.”
About Daniel Ridge
About Noblebrau Brewing: Noblebrau is the brainchild of Cody Noble, who soaked up the knowledge he learned from working for Oskar Blues, Brevard Brewing Company and Waynesville’s Boojum Brewing before opening his own establishment in the King Street District of Brevard. It’s the perfect spot to hang out indoors or out, sample Cody’s brewing artistry, and enjoy the live music scene of 185 King Street.
5
Pairing #5
Brewery: Griffon and Sphynx
Beer: The Griffon, 5.0% ABV
Trail: Big Rock
Why they go well together:
“Big Rock is one of the coolest trails around. It’s in DuPont, but it’s unlike any other trails in the forest. In fact, when you’re weaving your way through patches of moss and lichen on its lengthy granite slick-rock sections, you know that you’re somewhere truly special. In one word, Big Rock is unique. As an extra bonus, it offers one of the coolest, techiest downhills in DuPont.”
“Known for his creative brews, The Griffon is a perfect example of brewmaster Wayne Wambles’ unusual (and delicious) creations. This Rustic Irish Red Ale starts with a nice caramel flavor and moves into red fruit. It finishes with lingering espresso notes that will leave you eager to take another sip.”
About Big Rock
About Griffon and Sphynx: With beers and a space that are just as innovative and eclectic as the Lumberyard District, Griffon and Sphynx is a natural addition to this Brevard neighborhood. As Brevard’s newest brewery, they’ve already made a statement with their creative brews on tap and funky atmosphere.
