Discover what makes Hillman Beer stand out among Asheville’s top breweries. Family-owned, award-winning beers, and a welcoming atmosphere create a truly unique craft beer experience.
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Best Breweries in Asheville: What Sets Hillman Beer Apart
A Family Legacy in Every Pint
In a city renowned as a craft beer mecca, standing out requires something special. Since opening their doors in April 2017, the Hillman family has carved a distinct niche in Asheville’s competitive brewery landscape. What began as a homebrewing passion in Brooklyn back in 2006 has evolved into one of the region’s most respected brewing operations. Brothers Brad and Greig Hillman, along with Greig’s wife Brandi, brought their vision to life at 25 Sweeten Creek Road, creating a space where exceptional beer meets genuine hospitality. Their approach? Bringing “the pub style to the brewery experience” – a philosophy that resonates throughout everything they do. Let’s explore why beer enthusiasts consistently rank Hillman among Asheville’s best breweries.
Award-Winning Beers: Quality Over Trends
While many craft breweries chase the latest trends, Hillman Beer has built its reputation on brewing excellence across traditional and innovative styles alike. Their commitment to quality hasn’t gone unnoticed on the national stage. The brewery’s trophy case includes prestigious Great American Beer Festival medals: a 2017 Bronze for Four Fat Baby, followed by a 2018 Silver for their ESB, which was upgraded to Gold in 2019.
What separates Hillman’s brewing approach from others is their unwavering focus on brewing fundamentals. Every beer – whether a classic style or creative seasonal – begins with quality ingredients and meticulous attention to process. Their brewing philosophy balances respect for traditional techniques while embracing thoughtful innovation. You won’t find gimmicky concoctions designed purely for social media appeal. Instead, each beer in their lineup earns its place through flavor, balance, and craftsmanship.
The Hillman Difference: Authenticity in Action
Visit the brewery and you’ll quickly understand what sets Hillman apart in Asheville’s crowded beer scene. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance – knowledgeable without pretension, quality-focused without exclusivity. Unlike breweries that can feel intimidating to casual beer drinkers, Hillman creates an environment where both beer aficionados and newcomers feel equally welcome.
This authenticity extends to their entire operation. The family’s hands-on approach means visitors often interact directly with the owners. Their food program embraces locally-sourced ingredients, especially at their Old Fort location, where farm-to-table isn’t just marketing jargon but a genuine practice. Even their expansion to Old Fort in July 2020 maintained this commitment to community and quality.
Signature Beers That Tell Their Story
The Hillman beer lineup represents their values through liquid form. Their award-winning ESB showcases their respect for brewing tradition, delivering a perfectly balanced example of this classic British style. The Four Fat Baby Stout demonstrates their skill with complex, full-bodied beers. Throughout their rotating selection, you’ll find beers that honor brewing heritage alongside creative interpretations that push boundaries without sacrificing drinkability.
What you won’t find are beers designed merely to chase ratings or trends. Each offering reflects the family’s belief that quality, consistency, and flavor should drive brewing decisions. This philosophy has earned them loyal customers who appreciate beer crafted with integrity rather than marketing considerations.
Beyond Beer: Creating Community
Hillman Beer’s status among Asheville’s best breweries extends beyond what’s in the glass. Their spaces function as genuine community hubs where people connect over excellent beer and food. Their welcoming approach includes being dog-friendly (for well-behaved, leashed pets) and creating an atmosphere where conversations flow easily.
Their kitchen serves house-made pub fare that elevates the drinking experience, proving their commitment to quality extends beyond brewing. With operating hours extending from 11am to 10pm most days (with kitchen service until 9pm), they’ve created spaces where the community gathers throughout the week.
Experience Hillman Beer For Yourself
Ready to discover what makes Hillman Beer one of Asheville’s best breweries? Visit their original location at 25 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville or their second home at 78 Catawba Avenue in Old Fort. Experience firsthand how quality, service, comfort, and community create a brewery experience that stands apart from the crowd.
We’ve saved a seat for you at the bar, where award-winning beer and genuine hospitality await. Come taste the difference that family ownership, brewing excellence, and authentic values bring to every glass at Hillman Beer.
