Looking to navigate Hillman Beer’s menu like a pro? Our craft beer glossary breaks down essential brewing terms, beer styles, and tasting vocabulary to enhance your brewery experience at our Asheville and Old Fort locations.
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Craft Beer Glossary: Terms to Know When Visiting Hillman Beer

Stepping into Hillman Beer feels like coming home – we’ve saved you a seat at our family table. But if you’re new to craft beer or just looking to deepen your appreciation, the language of brewing might seem like a foreign tongue. Don’t worry! This straightforward guide will help you talk beer with confidence when visiting our Asheville and Old Fort locations. We’ve created this resource not to complicate things but to make your experience even more enjoyable – because understanding the basics can enhance every sip.

Beer Style Basics

At Hillman, we pride ourselves on brewing traditional, balanced beers that bring people together. Here’s what to know about some common styles you’ll find on our menu:

ESB (Extra Special Bitter)

Don’t let the name fool you – our award-winning ESB isn’t actually very bitter! This British-style ale balances maltiness with moderate hop character for a smooth, flavorful experience. It’s our pride and joy, having earned medals at the Great American Beer Festival.

Kölsch

Clean, crisp, and refreshing, Kölsch is a German hybrid beer that ferments like an ale but finishes clear and bright like a lager. It’s perfect for newcomers to craft beer and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

IPA (India Pale Ale)

Known for prominent hop flavor and aroma, IPAs range from traditional to experimental. Ours maintain balance rather than extreme bitterness, making them approachable while still showcasing beautiful hop character.

Porter

Dark, smooth, and rich with notes of coffee and chocolate, porters are less heavy than stouts but still packed with roasted malt character. They’re perfect companions to many items on our scratch-made food menu.

Brewing Vocabulary

When we talk about how we make our beer at Hillman, these are terms you might hear:

Malt

Grain (usually barley) that’s been germinated and dried. Malt provides the sugars that yeast transforms into alcohol, plus flavors ranging from biscuit and toast to caramel and chocolate.

Hops

The cone-shaped flowers that add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer. Hops also help preserve beer naturally. Different varieties contribute unique characteristics from citrus and pine to floral and herbal notes.

Yeast

The microorganism that converts sugar to alcohol during fermentation. Yeast choice significantly impacts beer flavor – we select specific strains to complement each beer style.

Fermentation

The process where yeast consumes sugars from the malt, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This magical transformation turns sweet wort (unfermented beer) into the beer you enjoy at our table.

Beer Tasting Terms

When you’re enjoying a pint at either of our creekside locations, these terms can help you describe what you’re experiencing:

Aroma

What you smell when you bring the beer to your nose – this might include hops, malt, fruit, spices, or other notes that set the stage for tasting.

Mouthfeel

How the beer feels in your mouth – it might be light and crisp, medium-bodied, or full and creamy. This textural component is just as important as flavor.

Finish

The flavors that linger after you swallow – some beers finish clean and quick, while others leave a pleasant lasting impression.

Session Beer

Lower-alcohol beers (typically under 5% ABV) that you can enjoy over a longer period – perfect for those extended conversations at our communal tables.

Visit Hillman Beer and Put Your Knowledge to Work

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to join us at Hillman Beer where you can experience these terms in action. Our knowledgeable team is always happy to guide you through our current offerings without any pretension. Bring friends, bring family, and remember – there are no silly questions at our table.

Whether you’re visiting our cozy Asheville location or our spacious Old Fort brewery, we’ve created spaces where quality beer, scratch-made food, and good company come together. And now you’ve got the vocabulary to enhance your appreciation of what’s in your glass.

We’ve saved you a seat. Come join our family at Hillman Beer and put your new craft beer knowledge to good use!