What do Celtic legends and craft beer have in common? In the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, Green Man Brewery has been weaving both into a unique tapestry for over two decades. This beloved brewery has grown from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of Asheville’s thriving beer scene, captivating locals and tourists alike with its blend of tradition and innovation.
Key Takeaways
– Green Man Brewery started in 1997 as Benefit Brewing at Jack of the Wood pub in Asheville, North Carolina.
– The brewery’s name and identity are inspired by the Green Man, a figure from Celtic mythology representing nature and rebirth.
– In 2010, Dennis Thies expanded the brewery, moving it to a larger location in Asheville’s South Slope district.
– Green Man offers two taproom experiences: Dirty Jack’s, which maintains a cozy pub feel, and the modern Green Mansion with mountain views.
– The brewery is known for traditional English-style ales like Green Man ESB and IPA, and also creates innovative brews.
– Green Man Brewery is a community hub, hosting events and offering Green Man Eats, a food service with homemade pub food.
– A partnership with Bevana Partners aims to distribute Green Man’s craft beer nationally while maintaining local roots in Asheville.
– Green Man Brewery combines storytelling, community building, and craft beer, sharing Asheville’s spirit with the world.
The Birth of Green Man
Green Man Brewery’s story began in 1997, not as the iconic brand we know today, but as Benefit Brewing at the beloved Jack of the Wood pub. Founded by Jonas Rembert and Andy Dahm, this initial venture laid the groundwork for what would become a key player in Asheville’s vibrant beer scene. The pub, with its warm Irish atmosphere, live music, and traditional fare, provided the perfect backdrop for the birth of a brewing legacy.
In 1999, a big change happened when the Eckerts took over the brewing operations. They saw the potential for growth and were inspired by Celtic stories. So, they changed the brewery’s name to Green Man. This decision was a turning point, setting the stage for the brewery’s future success and unique identity.
The Green Man Legend
The name “Green Man” isn’t just a catchy title; it’s deeply rooted in Celtic mythology. This legendary figure is often shown as a face surrounded by or made from leaves. It stands for nature, rebirth, and the cycle of life. By choosing this powerful symbol, Green Man Brewery tapped into a rich vein of folklore that resonated with Asheville’s nature-loving community.
The Green Man’s influence goes beyond just the brewery’s name. It shapes the entire brand identity, from the iconic logo to the earthy feel of their taprooms. This connection to ancient stories gives Green Man Brewery a unique character in the crowded craft beer market. It appeals to those who appreciate both fine ales and cultural depth, much like how Spacious Skies Hidden Creek in nearby Marion, North Carolina, offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities for camping enthusiasts.
A New Era of Growth
In 2010, Green Man Brewery entered a new chapter when Dennis Thies bought the business. Thies had a vision to expand and innovate, which would turn Green Man from a local favorite into a regional powerhouse. Under his leadership, the brewery started an ambitious growth plan, making more beer and selling it in more places.
A big step in this growth was moving to a larger building on Buxton Avenue. This move put Green Man at the heart of Asheville’s up-and-coming South Slope district, an area that would soon become famous for great craft beer. As the first brewery to set up shop in this now-bustling neighborhood, Green Man played a key role in shaping the district’s identity as a beer lover’s paradise.
Tale of Two Taprooms
Green Man’s growth is best seen in its two different taproom experiences. The original taproom, lovingly called Dirty Jack’s, keeps the relaxed, pub-like atmosphere that reminds people of the brewery’s early days. With its cozy interior, dartboards, and covered outdoor patio, Dirty Jack’s gives visitors a taste of Green Man’s humble beginnings.
In contrast, the Green Mansion stands as a symbol of Green Man’s growth and success. This modern, three-story building is like a cathedral for brewing. It has a state-of-the-art packaging area, a “brewtique” for merchandise, and a crown jewel: a top-floor taproom with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Green Mansion not only makes visits more fun but also shows how far Green Man has come in the craft brewing world.
Crafting Tradition and Innovation
At the heart of Green Man Brewery’s success is its commitment to both traditional brewing methods and new experiments. The brewery is known for its expertly made English-style ales, staying true to time-honored brewing techniques. These classic beers, including the famous Green Man ESB and Green Man IPA, have won many awards and have a loyal following.
But Green Man doesn’t stop there. The brewery always pushes the boundaries of craft beer, introducing new and unique brews. Taproom exclusives like the Cosmic Trickster Hazy IPA and Gather ‘Round German-style smoked lager show the brewery’s innovative spirit. This mix of tradition and creativity keeps Green Man at the forefront of the ever-changing craft beer scene.
Community and Culinary Evolution
Green Man Brewery is deeply connected to the Asheville community. Beyond making great beers, the brewery has become a vibrant community hub. Regular events like live music shows and trivia nights bring in locals and tourists alike, creating a sense of belonging and shared experience.
In 2022, Green Man took its community involvement to the next level by introducing Green Man Eats. This new food service offers fresh, homemade pub food, making visits even better and perfectly complementing their craft beers. Adding food service shows Green Man’s commitment to creating a complete brewery experience that goes beyond just great beer.
Looking to the Future
As Green Man Brewery looks ahead, it keeps finding new ways to grow and innovate. A big step in this direction is the recent partnership with Bevana Partners, a smart move aimed at selling their craft beer across the country. This team-up promises to bring Green Man’s unique beers to more people, strengthening its place in the national craft beer scene.
Despite this expansion, Green Man stays true to its roots in Asheville. The brewery keeps investing in its local facilities and community, making sure it remains an important part of the city’s culture and economy. As Green Man grows, it carries the spirit of Asheville with it, sharing a taste of the mountains with beer lovers across the country.
Conclusion
Green Man Brewery isn’t just a beer maker; it’s a storyteller, a community builder, and a bridge between ancient lore and modern craft. As you savor their brews, you’re not just tasting beer – you’re experiencing a piece of Asheville’s soul, bottled and shared with the world. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Green Man invites you to be part of their ever-evolving legend, one sip at a time. And for those looking to extend their Asheville adventure, consider visiting Spacious Skies Hidden Creek in Marion, where you can continue to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains while enjoying comfortable camping accommodations and amenities.
FAQ
Q: What is Green Man Brewery?
A: Green Man Brewery is a craft beer brewery in Asheville, North Carolina, known for its blend of tradition and innovation in brewing.
Q: When did Green Man Brewery start?
A: Green Man Brewery started in 1997 as Benefit Brewing at the Jack of the Wood pub.
Q: Why is it called Green Man Brewery?
A: The brewery is named after the Green Man, a figure from Celtic mythology that represents nature and rebirth.
Q: What are the two taprooms at Green Man Brewery?
A: The two taprooms are Dirty Jack’s, which has a cozy pub-like atmosphere, and the Green Mansion, a modern building with great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Q: What types of beer does Green Man Brewery make?
A: Green Man Brewery makes traditional English-style ales and also experiments with new and unique brews.
Q: How does Green Man Brewery connect with the community?
A: The brewery hosts events like live music and trivia nights, and offers Green Man Eats, a food service with homemade pub food.
Q: What is Green Man Brewery’s future plan?
A: Green Man Brewery plans to expand its reach by partnering with Bevana Partners to sell its craft beer across the country.