Fresh on the heels of creating the first beer for LaZoom’s Sister Bad Habit, Asheville Brewing Co. is at it again. This time, they’ve collaborated for a more serious cause: the United Way.
On Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Millroom, Asheville Brewing will tap the first keg of United Way Pale Ale at 5 p.m. The family-friendly party will double as a fundraising kickoff event for United Way. For your $5 ticket, you get pint of beer and appetizers. For an additional $5 they’ll throw in a commemorative tasting glass. A drawing will include door prizes such as a VIP pack to Downtown After 5, merch from Oskar Blues, four seats on the Amazing Pubcycle, a signed copy of Asheville Beer by Anne-Fitten Glenn, beer gear from Oowee Products and apparel from Hop Head Wear.
“Brewing has become important to the economy and identity of Asheville and Buncombe County,” says David Bailey, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s president/CEO. “This collaboration with Asheville Brewing Co. highlights the generosity and giving nature of the industry — and, really, the people of this great community.”
If you can’t make the party, the beer will be at both brewery locations — Merrimon and Coxe Avenue — throughout September. On pint sales, $.50 of the price goes directly to United Way, and Asheville Brewing will match that with their own money so a total of $1 per pint will benefit the organization.
So what does United Way Pale Ale taste like? According to Asheville Brewing’s Head Brewer Doug Riley, “It’s a very approachable pale ale…not too hoppy, not too malty.” But that doesn’t mean it’s a boring beer. In fact it will have a complex “spicy aroma and flavor,” courtesy of smoking Cascade hops.
If you plan to attend the party, make sure to RSVP ahead of time.
