For years, Asheville Brewing Company's
Mike Rangel and
Doug Riley have made community support a major element of business, and quite frankly, they show us all how we can make a big difference. This week,
Asheville Brewing Co continues that tradition and is partnering with
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to raise awareness and funding for United Way programs.
On Thursday, September 4, United Way and ABC are launching a special limited-time offer collaboration beer to support United Way's Community programs, helping to raise funding and awareness. I'll definitely be there!
It's from 5-7pm at
The Millroom at 66 Ashland Avenue downtown. $5 gets you into the party and includes appetizers and a drink ticket. $10 gets all of that and a souvenir pint glass. You can purchase tickets
here.
Door prizes will include:
VIP pack to Downtown After 5,
beer gear from Oowee Products,
apparel from Hop Head Wear,
a schwag bag from Oskar Blues,
four seats on the Amazing Pubcycle and
a signed copy of Asheville Beer: An Intoxicating History of Mountain Brewing by Anne Fitten Glenn.
As ABC continues to be a leader in our community, I wanted to see where this business philosophy comes from, and it's obvious Head Brewer, Doug Riley has a big impact on this vision. I pegged Doug down for a few questions:
Ben Colvin: Asheville Brewing Company has been a great supporter of area nonprofits and this looks to be another great partnership.Tell us about parterning with United Way.
Doug Riley: We always want to support local organizations and this partnership will help to bring attention to and raise awareness for United Way. I'm not sure how well people know about the impact of United Way but they do a ton to bring people together and help not only improve the lives of people in Asheville, but encourage us all to help one another. Among the many programs, they help to improve income, health and education which makes a huge difference in Asheville. I encourage everyone to check them out and get connected and involved - starting with this party on September 4th.
BC: You've created a collaboration beer special for United Way, so what is the style and character?
Doug Riley: We wanted to please the crowd and meet the palate of Asheville, so we created this very approachable Pale Ale at about 5.25%. We used Chinook and Cascade hops that bring a piney note, but it's really balanced and not too hoppy or malty. I think everyone will like this style and for every pint sold at the Launch Party and for a limited time at our two locations on Merrimon and Coxe Avenues goes to help United Way. This is a greate easy drinking Pale Ale, just in time for this hot weather we are experiencing this week.
BC: It's been a big year for you and ABC, including your adventures with Sierra Nevada and the Beer Camp tour where you've been trying beers from all over the world. What are the top 5 beers you are into right now?
Doug Riley:
- Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point Brewing Co (CA). It's just such a solid balanced IPA
- Total Domination IPA from Ninkaski Brewing Company (OR). It's a big Northwestern IPA. Grapefruit, floral, and amazing.
- Pliny the Elder from Russian River Brewing Co. (CA ). This Double IPA is a classic, well-balanced, hoppy, fresh brew. Also, I had a blast this summer helping to can the very first cans ever of Pliny - it was very memorable!
- Nebraska Brewing Company (NE). I am a huge fan of these guys. They are making really solid brews like the IPA and Black Betty Russian Imperial Stout.
- Asheville Brewing Company Oktoberfest (NC). We debuted this one at Brewgrass and it took off. We are brewing it right now for Asheville Oktoberfest and it's definitely on my mind.
BC: Asheville Brewing Co. keeps growing and taking big steps in our town. What is the vision for the next 3-5 years at ABC (if you can tell us!)?
Doug Riley: We are definitely going to continue to innovate and bring new exciting beers to the market. But we are really focused on continuing our mission to be a central support for our community in Asheville. We are maintaining a high priority on supporting local nonprofits and are always excited to partner with groups like United Way and
Wild South. This United Way release is going to be really fun and we want to bring a lot of attention to the organization and their impact on our community. We opened The Millroom to not only bring new entertainment to town (like
Bobcat Goldthwait coming in October) but also to offer the venue to local nonprofits for their events and fundraising campaigns. Honestly, we recognize that we are successful as a business because we have the best customers and partners in the world. It makes all the sense in the world to give back to our local organizations who serve our city and do so much for us all so as we grow, we are keeping our eye on community support.
Join the United Way Community Campaig kick-off!
September 4th, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
The Millroom, 66 Asheland Avenue
Downtown Asheville
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!
United Way's Community Investment Fund will receive $1 for every pint sold at the launch event and on tap at ABC tasting rooms on Coxe Avenue and Merrimon Avenue throughout the month of September.
(Photo from mountainx.com)