Discover the nutritional, environmental, and flavor advantages of Hillman Beer’s grass-fed beef burgers. Learn what makes these locally-sourced patties stand out from conventional beef.
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The Science Behind Grass-Fed Beef: Why Hillman’s Burgers Taste Better

At Hillman Beer, we’re known for our award-winning craft brews, but locals keep coming back for our food just as much as our beer. Our grass-fed beef patty melt has become a customer favorite at both our Asheville and Old Fort locations. But what makes grass-fed beef different, and why can you taste the difference in every bite of our burgers? Let’s break down the science and story behind our commitment to using locally-sourced, grass-fed beef and how it elevates your dining experience.

What Makes Grass-Fed Beef Different?

The difference between grass-fed and conventional beef starts with what the cattle eat. Conventional beef typically comes from cows fed a grain-based diet to fatten them quickly. Grass-fed beef, as the name suggests, comes from cattle that graze on pasture throughout their lives. This natural diet creates meat with a distinct nutritional profile and flavor that you can actually taste.

When cattle eat what they’re naturally designed to eat—grass—their meat develops a richer, more complex flavor profile. The varied plant diet creates subtle flavor notes that grain-fed beef simply can’t match. That’s why our patty melt has such a robust, clean taste that pairs perfectly with our handcrafted beers.

The Nutritional Edge of Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef isn’t just better tasting—it’s actually better for you. Studies have shown that grass-fed beef typically contains less total fat than grain-fed alternatives. But what’s even more important is the type of fats you’re getting. Grass-fed beef offers up to five times more omega-3 fatty acids than conventional beef. These are the good fats that support heart and brain health.

The meat also contains higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid associated with reduced body fat and improved immune function. Add in higher levels of vitamins A and E, plus antioxidants like glutathione, and you’ve got a burger that’s not just delicious but nutritionally superior.

Environmental Benefits That Matter

Our commitment to grass-fed beef aligns perfectly with our family values and community focus. Grass-fed cattle production, especially when locally sourced as ours is, creates a smaller environmental footprint. Properly managed grazing actually helps sequester carbon in the soil, reduces erosion, and supports healthy ecosystems.

When cattle rotate through pastures naturally, they help fertilize the land and promote plant diversity. This creates a sustainable cycle that benefits the land, the animals, and ultimately, the quality of the food on your plate. By partnering with local producers, we’re also reducing transportation emissions and supporting the Western North Carolina agricultural economy.

From Farm to Patty Melt: Our Process

Our commitment to quality doesn’t stop with sourcing great beef. In our kitchens at both Hillman Beer locations, we handle this premium ingredient with the same care and attention we give our award-winning beers. We season the patties simply, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. Then we cook them to perfection, creating that ideal crust that seals in juices and flavor.

The patty melt combines this exceptional beef with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and our house sauce on grilled rye bread. The result is comfort food elevated—a perfect companion to our ESB or Four Fat Baby Brown Ale. It’s the kind of straightforward, quality-focused food that defines the Hillman experience: no pretension, just honest good flavor.

Try the Difference for Yourself

We could talk about the science behind grass-fed beef all day, but the real proof is in the eating. Next time you visit either our Asheville or Old Fort location, we invite you to taste the difference for yourself. Pair our grass-fed patty melt with one of our award-winning beers, and you’ll understand why we’re so committed to sourcing the best local ingredients.