Discover how Hillman Beer grew from humble homebrewing beginnings in Brooklyn to become a beloved craft beer destination in Western North Carolina with award-winning brews and community-focused taprooms.
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The Evolution of Hillman Beer: From Brooklyn Apartment to Asheville Craft Beer Destination
What began as a homebrewing hobby in a Brooklyn apartment has blossomed into one of Western North Carolina’s most beloved craft breweries. The Hillman Beer story is one of family, passion, and creating spaces where good beer brings people together. Since opening their doors in 2017, brothers Brad and Greig Hillman, along with Greig’s wife Brandi, have created something special—a brewery where award-winning beers are served without pretension and where the community feels at home. This is how a simple love for brewing transformed into the Hillman Beer you know today.
Brooklyn Beginnings: Seeds of a Brewing Legacy
The Hillman brewing journey began in 2006, far from the mountains of Western North Carolina. Brad Hillman started experimenting with homebrewing in his Brooklyn apartment, developing recipes and honing his craft one small batch at a time. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion, with friends and family gathering to taste his latest creations around the kitchen table.
These early Brooklyn days laid the foundation for what would eventually become Hillman Beer’s approach to brewing—quality ingredients, careful attention to detail, and creating beers that bring people together. Little did Brad know that his apartment experiments would one day lead to GABF medal-winning recipes like their celebrated ESB and Four Fat Baby brews.
The Move to Beer City USA
In 2015, the Hillman family made a pivotal decision. With Asheville’s reputation as a craft beer mecca growing, Brad, Greig, and Brandi relocated to Western North Carolina. They weren’t just moving to any beer town—they were arriving in what many called “Beer City USA,” a place where craft brewing wasn’t just a business but a cultural cornerstone.
The family spent nearly two years planning, developing recipes, and searching for the perfect location to bring their vision to life. They wanted to create something different in Asheville’s booming beer scene—a brewery that would focus on quality and community rather than following trends or chasing the next big thing in craft beer.
From Dream to Reality: Opening the Asheville Taproom
In April 2017, Hillman Beer opened its doors at 25 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville. The location perfectly embodied their vision—an industrial space transformed into a warm, inviting taproom with creek-side seating that quickly became a gathering place for both locals and tourists.
From day one, Hillman set itself apart by focusing on a pub-style approach. While many breweries in the area offered only beer, Hillman included a full kitchen serving scratch-made comfort food with locally-sourced ingredients. The combination of award-quality beer and thoughtful food offerings created an experience that resonated with the community.
The Asheville location established Hillman’s reputation for brewing traditional styles with expert precision. Their English-inspired ESB quickly became a signature, eventually earning both Silver and Gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival—a remarkable achievement for a young brewery.
Growing the Family: The Old Fort Expansion
By 2020, Hillman Beer had established itself as a beloved fixture in Asheville’s craft beer scene. Rather than resting on their success, the family looked toward expansion—but with a purpose. In July 2020, amid the challenges of a global pandemic, Hillman opened their second location in Old Fort.
The Old Fort brewery, set in a converted hosiery mill at 78 Catawba Avenue, offered something different from the Asheville experience. With mountain views, fire pits, and a more relaxed rural setting, it provided a counterpoint to the busier original location while maintaining the same commitment to quality and community.
To celebrate this milestone, they created Old Fort Original, a gold lager specifically crafted for their second home. This expansion wasn’t just about growing the business—it was about extending the Hillman family’s approach to brewing into a new community.
Beyond the Beer: Building Community One Pint at a Time
Throughout their evolution, Hillman Beer has remained true to their core philosophy: creating spaces where quality beer is served without pretension and where genuine connections form. Both locations host live music events, community fundraisers, and gatherings that reinforce the brewery’s role as more than just a place to drink beer.
The Hillman family has integrated deeply into Western North Carolina’s craft beer scene while maintaining their unique identity. They’ve proven that in a region known for beer innovation, there’s still room for a brewery focused on traditional styles done exceptionally well, served in spaces designed for comfort and conversation.
Come Join Our Story
Today, Hillman Beer continues to evolve while staying true to the vision that began in that Brooklyn apartment. Whether you’re visiting the creekside tables in Asheville or enjoying mountain views in Old Fort, you’re experiencing a brewery built on family values, quality without pretension, and the belief that great beer brings people together.
We’ve saved a seat for you at our table. Stop by either of our locations to taste our award-winning beers, enjoy scratch-made comfort food, and become part of the continuing Hillman Beer story. From Brooklyn beginnings to Asheville acclaim, we’re still just a family who loves good beer and good company—and we’re happy to share both with you.
