The Ultimate Guide to Hillman Beer’s Award-Winning Brews

The Hillman Beer Story: From Brooklyn to Asheville

Every great brewery has an origin story, and Hillman Beer’s begins in a Brooklyn apartment back in 2006. That’s when Brad Hillman first tried his hand at homebrewing, sparked by curiosity and a passion for quality beer. What started as a hobby gradually evolved into something more meaningful as Brad refined his recipes and techniques.

The pivotal moment came in 2015 when Brad, his brother Greig, and Greig’s wife Brandi made the decision to relocate to Asheville – a city already developing a reputation as a craft beer haven. They saw an opportunity to create something special: a brewery that would focus not just on exceptional beer, but on creating genuine connections.

In April 2017, the Hillman family opened their original location on Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville. The space, with its creek-side seating and industrial-yet-warm taproom, quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The family’s commitment to quality and community resonated with beer lovers, and their reputation grew alongside their beer list.

Success led to expansion, and in July 2020, Hillman Beer opened their second location in Old Fort, housed in a converted hosiery mill. This rural setting offered a different pace and atmosphere, with mountain views complementing their award-winning brews.

Today, Hillman Beer stands as a testament to family entrepreneurship and craft brewing excellence. The journey from Brooklyn apartment to award-winning brewery embodies the spirit of craft beer – passion, authenticity, and community.

Medal-Winning Beers: The Stars of Hillman’s Lineup

Hillman Beer has earned significant recognition in the craft beer world, with their ESB (Extra Special Bitter) standing out as their most decorated brew. This English-style ale has claimed both Silver and Gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) – no small achievement in the competitive craft beer landscape.

The ESB represents what Hillman does best: creating approachable yet complex beers that honor traditional brewing styles while adding their own subtle touch. With its perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop character, this beer exemplifies the attention to detail and quality that defines Hillman’s approach.

Another standout in their award-winning lineup is Four Fat Baby, which earned a Bronze medal at GABF. This brown ale delivers rich, malty flavors with notes of chocolate and caramel, yet remains surprisingly drinkable – a characteristic that runs through much of Hillman’s beer portfolio.

These award-winning beers serve as anchors for Hillman’s diverse offerings, setting a standard of excellence that carries through their entire brewing program. While medals and recognition are gratifying, the Hillman family remains focused on what matters most – creating quality beer that brings people together around the table.

When you visit either location, starting with these decorated brews gives you a window into what makes Hillman special – their ability to create beers that appeal to both seasoned craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike, without compromising on quality or character.

Brewing Philosophy: Quality Without Pretension

At the heart of Hillman Beer’s approach is a refreshingly straightforward philosophy: create quality beer without pretension. In a craft beer scene that can sometimes feel intimidating or exclusive, Hillman has carved out a niche as a welcoming space where the beer speaks for itself.

This philosophy manifests in several ways. First, there’s their commitment to brewing approachable, well-crafted beers that honor traditional styles. Rather than chasing brewing trends or creating extreme flavor profiles to stand out, Hillman focuses on executing classic styles with precision and care.

The family brings a pub-style approach to the brewery experience, emphasizing quality, service, comfort, and community. Their spaces are designed for conversation and connection, with communal tables that encourage interaction among guests. The beer complements this environment – flavorful and interesting enough for the enthusiast, but accessible enough for someone new to craft beer.

Consistency is another cornerstone of their brewing approach. By maintaining high standards across their beer portfolio, Hillman has built trust with their customers, who know that whether they’re trying a seasonal release or returning to a favorite, the quality will be there.

Perhaps most importantly, Hillman Beer embraces the idea that great beer should bring people together, not create barriers. Their taprooms are spaces where conversations flow as easily as their award-winning brews, creating an atmosphere that feels genuine and unpretentious – much like the family behind the brand.

Exploring Hillman’s Diverse Beer Styles

While Hillman Beer has made their name with award-winners like their ESB and Four Fat Baby brown ale, their brewing program encompasses a diverse range of styles that showcase their versatility and craftsmanship.

The Hazy Half Back IPA represents their take on the popular New England-style IPA category. Unlike the bitter IPAs that dominated the early craft beer scene, this offering brings tropical notes and a softer mouthfeel, making it accessible even to those who typically shy away from hop-forward beers.

When Hillman opened their Old Fort location, they created a beer specifically for the community – Old Fort Original, a gold lager that provides a clean, crisp option that appeals to both craft beer enthusiasts and those more accustomed to mainstream lagers. This thoughtful approach to creating a “bridge beer” for the community speaks to Hillman’s commitment to inclusivity.

Their Kölsch offers another approachable yet flavorful option, staying true to this German style’s characteristics – light, crisp, and subtly complex. It’s the kind of beer that demonstrates how “easy-drinking” doesn’t have to mean “lacking character.”

Throughout the year, Hillman also creates seasonal and rotating offerings that allow their brewers to experiment while giving regulars something new to look forward to. From darker, richer beers during the colder months to lighter, refreshing options for summer, these rotating taps showcase the team’s range and creativity.

What ties Hillman’s diverse beer portfolio together is their consistent commitment to quality and drinkability. Each beer, regardless of style, is crafted to be enjoyed in the company of others – whether you’re a certified beer judge or someone who’s just beginning to explore beyond mass-produced options.

Perfect Pairings: Craft Beer & Scratch-Made Comfort Food

Hillman Beer understands that great beer deserves equally great food, which is why both their Asheville and Old Fort locations feature full kitchens serving scratch-made pub-style comfort food. Their culinary approach mirrors their brewing philosophy – quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and an unpretentious presentation that lets the flavors shine.

The grass-fed Patty Melt has become a customer favorite, showcasing Hillman’s commitment to sourcing quality ingredients. Pairing this with their ESB creates a classic combination – the beer’s balanced bitterness and caramel notes complement the rich, savory flavors of the sandwich.

For those seeking something lighter, the house-made Falafel Wrap offers a flavorful vegetarian option. This pairs beautifully with their Kölsch, the beer’s crisp, clean profile providing a refreshing contrast to the herb-forward falafel.

One standout pairing brings together their Buffalo Chicken Wrap with scratch-made sauce and the Hazy Half Back IPA. The tropical notes in the beer help tame the heat of the buffalo sauce while complementing the dish’s bold flavors.

The kitchen’s scratch-made approach extends to their soft pretzel with beer cheese, which incorporates their award-winning ESB right into the recipe. This creates a perfect harmony between food and beverage – the ultimate brewery pairing experience.

Other menu highlights include beer-battered Fish and Chips, house-smoked Wings, the signature Hillman Burger, Loaded Nachos, and a house-made Reuben sandwich. Each item is crafted with the same attention to detail as their beers, using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.

The emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients extends to seasonal farm-to-table specials, creating a dining experience that connects visitors not just to Hillman’s beers but to the broader Western North Carolina agricultural community. [Link to blog post about local food partnerships]

Tale of Two Taprooms: Asheville & Old Fort Experiences

Hillman Beer offers two distinct experiences through their Asheville and Old Fort locations, each with its own character while maintaining the core Hillman values of quality and community.

The original Asheville location on Sweeten Creek Road features creek-side seating that provides a natural oasis in an otherwise urban setting. The industrial-yet-warm taproom strikes a perfect balance – authentic to its brewing purpose without feeling cold or sterile. Located near Historic Biltmore Village, this taproom attracts a diverse mix of locals and tourists, creating an energetic atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

In contrast, the Old Fort location, which opened in July 2020, offers a more relaxed pace in a rural setting. Housed in a converted hosiery mill at 78 Catawba Avenue, this spacious taproom and brewery features mountain views that create a backdrop as impressive as the beers themselves. Fire pits provide warmth on cool evenings, making this an ideal destination for those looking to escape the busier Asheville scene.

Both locations share certain characteristics that define the Hillman experience. Family-friendly environments welcome guests of all ages, while dog-friendly outdoor areas mean your four-legged friends can join you. Communal tables encourage conversation among visitors, supporting Hillman’s mission to create gathering spaces where genuine connections form.

Live music events at both locations add another dimension to the experience, supporting local artists while creating the perfect soundtrack for enjoying craft beer and good food. Community fundraisers frequently take place at both taprooms, reflecting the family’s commitment to giving back to the regions that support them.

Whether you choose the urban energy of Asheville or the mountain tranquility of Old Fort, you’ll find the same quality beers, scratch-made food, and warm hospitality that define the Hillman Beer experience.

Community in a Pint Glass: How Hillman Builds Connections

For the Hillman family, brewing exceptional beer is just one part of a larger mission – creating spaces where genuine connections form and communities strengthen. This commitment to community building manifests in various ways across both their Asheville and Old Fort locations.

The physical design of their taprooms intentionally encourages interaction. Communal tables bring together people who might otherwise never meet, while the warm, unpretentious atmosphere makes conversation flow naturally. It’s not uncommon to see strangers becoming friends over shared pints of ESB or Four Fat Baby.

Beyond the taproom design, Hillman actively supports local causes through community fundraisers and their “Power in Pints” program. These initiatives allow the brewery to leverage their gathering spaces for the greater good, bringing people together around shared values while supporting organizations making a difference in Western North Carolina.

Live music events at both locations not only provide entertainment for guests but also support local artists and help cultivate the regional music scene. These events transform the taprooms into cultural hubs where craft beer and artistic expression come together.

The family’s approach to staff also reflects their community values. Rather than treating employees as interchangeable parts, Hillman nurtures a team that feels like an extension of the family. This creates an authentic hospitality experience that guests can feel from the moment they walk in.

Perhaps most importantly, Hillman Beer understands that true community building happens organically, through creating spaces where people feel welcome, comfortable, and valued. Their tagline that “we’ve saved a seat for you” isn’t just clever marketing – it’s a genuine invitation to become part of something meaningful, one pint at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit Hillman Beer: Where Award-Winning Brews Meet Genuine Community

From their medal-winning ESB to their diverse lineup of craft beers, Hillman Beer has established itself as a brewery where quality never requires pretension. The family’s journey from Brooklyn homebrewing to becoming a beloved Western North Carolina craft beer destination demonstrates how passion, authenticity, and community focus create something truly special.

Whether you visit their creek-side Asheville location or mountain-view Old Fort taproom, you’ll experience the Hillman difference – exceptional beer served in spaces designed for genuine connection. Pair their award-winning brews with scratch-made comfort food featuring locally-sourced ingredients, and you’ll understand why both locals and visitors make Hillman a regular stop.

The Hillman family has indeed saved a seat for you at their table. All that’s left is for you to come experience their award-winning beers and warm hospitality for yourself.

Ready to experience Hillman Beer? Visit their Asheville location at 25 Sweeten Creek Road or their Old Fort taproom at 78 Catawba Avenue. For questions or more information, call (828) 505-1312 or check their events calendar for upcoming special releases and community gatherings.