Discover expert techniques for sampling Hillman Beer’s award-winning craft brews with our comprehensive guide to beer tasting flights at our Asheville and Old Fort breweries.
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Mastering the Tasting Flight: How to Sample Hillman Beer’s Award-Winning Brews

Settling in at either our creekside Asheville taproom or mountain-view Old Fort location, you’ll notice something special about Hillman Beer – an atmosphere where quality brews meet genuine connection. For both beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike, our tasting flights offer the perfect way to explore our award-winning selection. This guide walks you through getting the most from your tasting experience, from understanding different beer styles to appreciating subtle flavor notes. Whether you’re sampling our GABF medal-winning ESB or trying our refreshing Old Fort Original lager, we’ve saved a seat for you to discover which Hillman brew speaks to your palate.

What Makes a Great Beer Tasting Experience

Beer tasting is about more than just drinking – it’s about paying attention to the complete sensory journey. At Hillman, we believe in creating tasting experiences that let you connect with what’s in your glass without any pretension.

Start by looking at your beer against the light. Notice the color and clarity – is it golden like our Kölsch or deeper amber like our ESB? Watch how the head forms and how long it stays. These visual cues give you the first hints about what you’re about to taste.

Next, give your beer a gentle swirl and take a moment to smell it. Much of what we perceive as taste actually comes from aroma. Our Hazy Half Back IPA releases tropical notes when you take that first sniff, while our award-winning Four Fat Baby offers more subtle complexity.

When you finally take that sip, let the beer sit on your palate for a moment. Notice the initial flavors, the body or mouthfeel, and the finish – how the taste evolves and what lingers after you swallow. Is it crisp and clean like our Old Fort Original or does it have a pleasant bitterness that balances malt sweetness like our ESB?

Building Your Perfect Flight

When you order a tasting flight at either of our family-owned locations, you’re creating a personal journey through our brewing philosophy. Here’s how to build a flight that gives you the full Hillman experience:

If you’re new to craft beer, start with lighter, approachable styles. Our Kölsch makes an excellent first pour – crisp and refreshing, it’s a friendly introduction to craft brewing. From there, move toward our Old Fort Original gold lager, which balances drinkability with subtle complexity.

For the middle of your flight, explore our ESB (Extra Special Bitter). Don’t let the name fool you – this GABF Silver and Gold medal winner balances bitterness with rich malt character in a way that’s surprisingly approachable. It’s also the beer we use in our famous beer cheese dip, so you might recognize some flavors if you’ve tried our soft pretzel appetizer.

Finish your flight with our more robust offerings. The Hazy Half Back IPA showcases tropical hop notes, while our seasonal rotating taps might feature anything from rich porters to experimental small-batch brews that highlight our brewers’ creativity.

Pairing Your Flight With Food

At both our Asheville and Old Fort kitchens, we create scratch-made pub comfort food designed to complement our beers. Taking small bites between sips can transform your tasting experience.

Our grass-fed Patty Melt pairs wonderfully with the ESB, the caramelized onions harmonizing with the beer’s malt character. Try our house-made Reuben with the Kölsch – the crisp beer cuts through the richness of the sandwich perfectly. For our Hazy Half Back IPA, order the house-smoked wings, where the beer’s tropical notes balance the smoky heat.

Don’t rush this experience. Our communal tables and comfortable spaces are designed for lingering conversations and thoughtful tasting. This unhurried approach to brewing and dining defines the Hillman family’s vision for what a brewery can be – a genuine gathering place where the beer brings people together.

Seasonal Specialties and Limited Releases

While our core beers form the foundation of most tasting flights, don’t miss our rotating seasonal offerings. These limited-time brews showcase our brewers’ creativity and often highlight seasonal ingredients or brewing techniques.

Ask your server which seasonal beers they recommend adding to your flight. These special pours often tell a story about our connection to Western North Carolina and the changing seasons, from refreshing summer wheat beers to warming winter stouts.