Discover how Hillman Beer evolved from a homebrewing hobby into one of Asheville’s beloved family-owned breweries with award-winning beers and a welcoming pub atmosphere.
_______________________________

Hillman Beer: A Family Legacy in Asheville’s Craft Beer Scene

In a region renowned for its craft beer culture, Hillman Beer stands out not just for their award-winning brews, but for the authentic family story behind every pint. What started as Brad Hillman’s Brooklyn homebrewing passion in 2006 has grown into one of Western North Carolina’s most cherished brewing destinations. Today, the Hillman family—Brad, his brother Greig, and Greig’s wife Brandi—welcome beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike to experience craft brewing that prioritizes quality and tradition over fleeting trends. With two distinct locations offering different yet equally inviting atmospheres, Hillman Beer has become a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the heart of Asheville’s celebrated craft beer community.

From Homebrewing Hobby to Award-Winning Brewery

The journey of Hillman Beer began far from the mountains of Western North Carolina. Brad Hillman’s homebrewing experiments in his Brooklyn apartment laid the foundation for what would eventually become a family business. When the Hillmans relocated to Asheville in 2015, they brought with them not just brewing expertise, but a vision for creating gathering spaces built around exceptional beer.

That vision became reality in April 2017 with the opening of their first location on Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville. Success came quickly, allowing them to expand to a second, larger location in Old Fort in July 2020. What sets Hillman apart in the crowded craft beer market isn’t just growth—it’s their unwavering commitment to beer that honors tradition rather than chasing trends.

This approach has earned them not just loyal customers but prestigious industry recognition. Their flagship ESB (Extra Special Bitter) took home Gold at the 2019 Great American Beer Festival, while their Four Fat Baby secured Bronze at the same competition. These accolades speak to Brad Hillman’s brewing philosophy: focus on quality ingredients, proper technique, and the patience to let good beer develop naturally.

Two Unique Brewery Experiences

Visitors to Hillman Beer can choose between two distinctive locations, each offering its own character while maintaining the brewery’s commitment to quality and community.

The original Asheville taproom on Sweeten Creek Road provides an intimate setting with indoor seating, a creekside patio, and a shaded back section—perfect for enjoying their rotating selection of handcrafted beers. The compact brewing system visible from the taproom gives guests a front-row seat to the brewing process.

For those seeking a more expansive experience, the Old Fort location delivers with over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space featuring stunning mountain views and 32+ taps. This larger footprint has allowed Hillman to expand production capacity while creating an ideal destination for day trips from Asheville. Both locations maintain consistent hours seven days a week, making it easy to plan a visit.

Beyond the Beer: A Complete Pub Experience

Unlike breweries that focus solely on what’s in your glass, Hillman Beer creates a complete pub-style experience where the food receives as much attention as the beer. Their scratch-made kitchen turns out comfort food classics using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. From grass-fed beef patty melts to turkey Reubens and falafel wraps, the menu complements their beers perfectly while supporting North Carolina producers.

This approach to food mirrors their brewing philosophy: quality over flash, simple and honest preparations, and a commitment to doing things the right way. It’s no wonder that regular visitors often come as much for the food as for the award-winning beer.

Community involvement extends beyond sourcing practices. The brewery hosts monthly “Power in Pints” fundraisers supporting local nonprofits, participates in regional flood relief efforts, and contributes to Old Fort’s growing outdoor recreation economy. Their spaces regularly come alive with events ranging from live music performances featuring local acoustic acts to trivia nights and seasonal beer releases.

Experience the Hillman Difference

What makes a visit to Hillman Beer special isn’t just what’s in your glass—it’s the warm welcome from people who genuinely love what they do. The Hillman family has created spaces where connections happen naturally, whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or simply looking for a comfortable place to enjoy good food and drink with friends.

Both locations offer a refreshing alternative to pretentious beer culture. Here, you won’t be judged for asking questions about styles or brewing processes. Instead, you’ll find knowledgeable staff eager to share their passion and help you discover something new to love.

Whether you choose the creek-side charm of the Asheville location or the mountain views of Old Fort, Hillman Beer invites you to be part of their continuing family story—one pint at a time.