A Hidden Gem in the Mountains

Old Fort doesn’t immediately come to mind when people think about North Carolina craft beer destinations. Most visitors head straight to Asheville’s crowded South Slope district or the packed breweries around Biltmore Village. But tucked into this small mountain town, Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location proves that sometimes the best experiences happen off the beaten path.

The brewery sits along Mill Creek, where the sound of flowing water provides a natural soundtrack to your visit. With over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, there’s plenty of room to spread out without feeling like you’re competing for a table. The atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood gathering spot than a tourist attraction, which is exactly what makes it special.

The 2020 Expansion Story

When Hillman Beer opened their Old Fort taproom in July 2020, they weren’t just adding another location. They were making a statement about the kind of brewery they wanted to be. While their Asheville location near Biltmore Village had built a solid reputation since opening in 2017, the family behind Hillman Beer saw an opportunity to create something different in Old Fort.

Brad Hillman, who started homebrewing in Brooklyn back in 2006 before relocating to Western North Carolina, worked alongside Greig and Brandi to establish a second location that honored small-town brewing traditions. The timing wasn’t easy. Opening a brewery during a global pandemic required flexibility and determination. But the Hillman family understood that communities needed gathering places more than ever.

The Old Fort location represents their commitment to bringing pub-style brewing to places beyond Asheville’s city limits. This isn’t about chasing the latest craft beer trends or trying to compete with Asheville’s brewery saturation. It’s about creating a comfortable space where locals and visitors can enjoy quality beer and food in a relaxed mountain setting.

What Makes Old Fort Different

The physical space at 78 Catawba Ave sets this location apart from typical brewery experiences. Mill Creek runs directly alongside the property, creating natural ambiance that no amount of interior design could replicate. On warm afternoons, the outdoor seating areas fill with people enjoying the fresh mountain air while sipping cold beer within sight and sound of moving water.

Inside, the brewery maintains the same welcoming atmosphere that defines all Hillman Beer locations. Community-style tables encourage conversation between strangers, while smaller two-top tables on the creek-side deck offer more intimate settings. The layout feels intentional but not forced, like someone actually thought about how people want to spend their time at a brewery.

The 32-tap system means there’s always variety without overwhelming choices. You’ll find Hillman’s core lineup alongside seasonal releases and experimental brews. The bartenders know their products and can guide you toward something that matches your preferences without the pretentious attitude that sometimes accompanies craft beer conversations.

Dogs are welcome throughout the brewery as long as they’re leashed, quiet, and well-behaved. This policy reflects the family-friendly, community-oriented values that guide Hillman Beer’s operations. On any given weekend, you’ll see families with kids, groups of friends, couples on dates, and solo visitors all comfortably sharing the space.

Award-Winning Beer in a Mountain Setting

The beers available at Old Fort showcase the brewing expertise that earned Hillman Beer national recognition. The brewery’s ESB (Extra Special Bitter) won GABF Silver in 2018 and Gold in 2019, establishing it as one of the best examples of this classic British-style ale in the country. The Four Fat Baby Belgian Quad earned GABF Bronze in 2017, proving the brewery’s range extends beyond traditional English styles.

These awards matter because they represent objective validation from professional judges at the Great American Beer Festival, one of the most prestigious brewing competitions in the world. But the medals hanging on the wall don’t define the drinking experience. The beer in your glass does.

The ESB delivers exactly what the style promises: balanced malt character, subtle hop bitterness, and clean fermentation that lets the ingredients shine. It’s the kind of beer you can drink two or three of without palate fatigue. The Four Fat Baby goes in a completely different direction, offering the complex dark fruit flavors and warming alcohol notes characteristic of Belgian strong ales. Both beers demonstrate technical precision without sacrificing drinkability.

Beyond the award winners, the tap list rotates through a variety of styles that reflect seasonal availability and brewing experimentation. You might find a crisp German lager perfect for hot summer days, a hoppy IPA that satisfies without overwhelming bitterness, or a dark stout that pairs beautifully with cooler mountain evenings. The brewing team doesn’t chase every trend that appears on Instagram, but they’re not stuck in tradition either.

What you won’t find is a beer menu that requires a dictionary to understand. The descriptions are straightforward and honest. If a beer is hop-forward, they’ll tell you. If something has experimental ingredients, they’ll explain what to expect. This transparency builds trust with customers who want to try something new without guessing whether they’ll enjoy it.

Mountain Food Done Right

 

Hillman Beer’s food menu at Old Fort follows the same philosophy as their beer: quality ingredients prepared well, without unnecessary complications. The kitchen focuses on pub-style fare made fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. This isn’t farm-to-table dining with tiny portions and artistic plating. It’s substantial food that pairs naturally with beer.

The signature burger stands out as a menu highlight. It’s the kind of burger that reminds you why burgers became pub food staples in the first place – well-seasoned beef, proper cooking, and toppings that complement rather than overwhelm. The Reuben demonstrates similar attention to detail, with house-made elements that elevate a classic sandwich without trying to reinvent it.

For those looking for lighter options, the kale salad offers a genuinely satisfying alternative to typical bar food. The kitchen understands that not everyone wants fried food and heavy proteins, especially during afternoon visits when you might be planning to explore Old Fort’s outdoor activities afterward.

The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of what’s available from local suppliers. Western North Carolina’s agricultural diversity means the kitchen can source fresh produce, meats, and other ingredients from nearby farms and producers. This commitment to local sourcing isn’t just marketing language – it’s visible in the quality and freshness of the dishes.

Kitchen hours run until 9pm every night, giving visitors plenty of time to grab dinner without rushing. The pacing feels right for a brewery setting: efficient enough that you’re not waiting forever, but relaxed enough that you don’t feel pressured to finish quickly and clear your table.

Getting to Old Fort

Old Fort sits about 20 miles east of Asheville along Interstate 40, making it an easy drive from the city while feeling worlds away from urban density. The town itself has a population under 1,000, which means you’re leaving behind Asheville’s traffic and crowds in favor of a quieter mountain community.

The drive takes you through some of Western North Carolina’s most scenic terrain. If you’re coming from Asheville and have extra time, consider taking Old US 70 instead of the interstate. This historic highway follows the same route that travelers used before I-40 existed, winding through mountain passes with views that the interstate misses. The drive adds maybe 15 minutes to your trip but provides a much more engaging experience.

From the east, Old Fort makes a natural stop if you’re traveling through the mountains on I-40. The brewery sits just off the highway, making it accessible without requiring extensive navigation through unfamiliar roads. It’s the kind of location that works equally well as a destination or a convenient stop during longer travels.

Once you arrive at 78 Catawba Ave, parking is straightforward and plentiful. Unlike some Asheville breweries where finding parking can become its own adventure, Old Fort’s layout accommodates visitors without stress. You can focus on enjoying your visit rather than worrying about parking meters or time limits.

The location opens at 11am Monday through Saturday, with noon opening on Sundays. The extended hours (until 10pm Wednesday through Saturday, 9pm other days) give you flexibility in planning your visit. Whether you want a lunch beer, an afternoon escape, or an evening gathering, the schedule accommodates different preferences.

Small Town Community Impact

Hillman Beer’s presence in Old Fort extends beyond serving beer and food. The brewery actively participates in community life through monthly “Power in Pints” fundraisers. These events donate $1 from every draft Hillman beer, cider, or seltzer sold to local organizations and causes.

Past beneficiaries have included Foothills Conservancy, American Legion Post 56 (supporting veteran transportation), and North Carolina Outward Bound School’s Veterans Program. These partnerships demonstrate genuine investment in the community rather than token gestures. The brewery uses its platform and customer base to support organizations doing meaningful work in the region.

This community-focused approach aligns with the values that guided the brewery’s founding. When Brad, Greig, and Brandi started brewing in a garage before opening their first location, they weren’t just planning a business – they were creating a gathering place. The Old Fort location extends that vision into a small mountain town where community spaces matter even more than in larger cities.

The brewery’s impact on Old Fort’s economy shouldn’t be understated. In a town of fewer than 1,000 residents, a business with over 10,000 square feet of space and 32 taps represents significant economic activity. Jobs, tax revenue, and increased visibility for the town all flow from having an established brewery that attracts visitors from throughout the region.

More Than Just Beer

Old Fort itself deserves exploration beyond the brewery. The town sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the mountains rise dramatically from the piedmont below. This geography created historical significance – Old Fort was a frontier outpost and played roles in both Revolutionary and Civil War conflicts.

Today, outdoor recreation defines much of Old Fort’s appeal. The Catawba Falls trail offers a moderate hike to a beautiful waterfall just a few miles from town. The trail follows Catawba Creek through rhododendron thickets and hardwood forests, ending at a 50-foot waterfall that’s worth the 2.5-mile round trip. Stopping at Hillman Beer after a morning hike makes perfect sense.

For those interested in longer adventures, Old Fort provides access to numerous trails in Pisgah National Forest. The town also sits along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, North Carolina’s master trail that stretches from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. Section hikers often stop in Old Fort for resupply and rest, making the brewery a natural gathering spot for trail-weary adventurers.

The town’s compact downtown area includes antique shops, local eateries, and other small businesses that give Old Fort its character. It’s not a touristy mountain town with chain stores and manufactured charm. It’s a real place where people live and work, which makes visiting feel more authentic than exploring towns that exist primarily for visitors.

The Family Behind the Beer

Understanding who runs Hillman Beer adds context to the experience. This isn’t a corporate-owned brewery with absentee management. Brad Hillman’s journey from Brooklyn homebrewer to Western North Carolina brewery owner reflects genuine passion for the craft. His partnership with Greig and Brandi created a family operation that values quality, service, comfort, and community – principles that guide decision-making at both locations.

The first beer they brewed together was the Dingaudamnit Dunkelweisen, made in Greig and Brandi’s garage. That humble beginning in 2015 led to opening the Asheville location in 2017 after construction at their Sweeten Creek Road site. The success of that first location enabled the Old Fort expansion, extending their reach beyond Asheville while maintaining the same commitment to quality and community that defined their original vision.

The family ownership structure means decisions are made by people who care about long-term reputation rather than quarterly profits. When you visit either Hillman Beer location, you’re supporting a small business that employs local residents, sources from local suppliers, and contributes to local causes. That connection between ownership and community creates accountability that larger corporate structures can’t replicate.

Planning Your Visit

The no-reservations policy means you don’t need to plan weeks in advance, but arriving during peak hours (Friday and Saturday evenings) might require some patience finding preferred seating. The extensive space usually accommodates crowds well, but the most desirable creek-side tables fill quickly on beautiful days.

Ordering happens at the bar, maintaining the casual pub atmosphere that Hillman Beer cultivates. This system keeps things simple and encourages interaction with the bartenders who can answer questions about the beer lineup and food menu. It’s part of the overall experience – you’re not being served, you’re participating in a community gathering space.

If you’re combining your brewery visit with outdoor activities, pack layers. Mountain weather changes quickly, and evening temperatures drop even during summer months. The creek-side seating offers beautiful ambiance but can feel cooler than you might expect, especially once the sun drops behind the mountains.

Consider timing your visit to explore more of what Old Fort and the surrounding area offer. A morning hike followed by lunch at the brewery, or an afternoon of antique shopping before dinner and beers, creates a fuller experience than just stopping for a quick drink. The town’s small size means you can explore thoroughly in a few hours, making it easy to combine multiple activities.

What Sets Old Fort Apart From Asheville

 

Visiting Hillman Beer in Old Fort provides a completely different experience than hitting breweries in Asheville’s South Slope district. In Asheville, you’re often navigating crowds, competing for parking, and feeling the energy of a busy urban brewery scene. In Old Fort, you’re sitting by a creek in a mountain town where the pace naturally slows.

This isn’t to say one experience is better than the other – they serve different purposes. If you want brewery-hopping with multiple stops, concentrated options, and urban energy, Asheville delivers. If you want to spend a few hours at one brewery with room to breathe and natural surroundings, Old Fort fits better.

The quality of the beer and food remains consistent between locations. The GABF medals were won before the Old Fort location opened, but the brewing standards that earned those awards carry through to everything produced at either site. You’re getting the same commitment to quality regardless of which location you visit.

For visitors planning Western North Carolina brewery trips, including Old Fort adds geographic diversity to your itinerary. Instead of staying within Asheville’s city limits, you experience how craft brewing extends into smaller mountain communities where the industry looks and feels different than in urban settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours at Hillman Beer Old Fort?

The brewery opens at 11am Monday through Saturday and noon on Sunday. Closing time is 10pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 9pm Sunday through Tuesday. The kitchen closes at 9pm every night regardless of when the brewery closes.

Can I bring my dog to Hillman Beer Old Fort?

Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the brewery as long as they’re leashed, quiet, and well-behaved. The creek-side setting provides a nice environment for dogs to relax while you enjoy beer and food.

Does Hillman Beer Old Fort take reservations?

No, seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The extensive space (over 10,000 square feet) usually accommodates visitors well, though peak times on Friday and Saturday evenings may require flexibility in seating location.

What food options are available at the Old Fort location?

The menu features pub-style fare including the signature burger, Reuben sandwiches, kale salad, and other house-made items prepared fresh daily. The kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients and closes at 9pm every night.

How far is Old Fort from Asheville?

Old Fort sits about 20 miles east of Asheville along Interstate 40, making it roughly a 25-30 minute drive depending on traffic and which part of Asheville you’re leaving from.

What beers are available at the Old Fort location?

The 32-tap system includes Hillman’s core lineup, seasonal releases, and rotating selections. Award-winning offerings include the GABF Gold ESB and GABF Bronze Four Fat Baby Belgian Quad. Check their beer page for current availability.

Is there outdoor seating at Hillman Beer Old Fort?

Yes, the brewery features extensive outdoor seating along Mill Creek, including community tables and private two-top tables on the deck. The creek-side location provides natural ambiance with flowing water and mountain views.

What makes the Old Fort location different from the Asheville location?

The Old Fort location offers more space (over 10,000 square feet versus the Asheville location’s more compact footprint), more taps (32 versus fewer at Asheville), and a creek-side setting in a small mountain town versus the urban environment near Biltmore Village.

Are there hiking trails near Hillman Beer Old Fort?

Yes, Catawba Falls trail sits just a few miles from the brewery, offering a moderate 2.5-mile round trip hike to a 50-foot waterfall. Old Fort also provides access to numerous Pisgah National Forest trails and sits along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Does Hillman Beer Old Fort host events?

The brewery hosts monthly “Power in Pints” fundraisers that donate $1 from every draft Hillman beer, cider, or seltzer sold to local organizations. Check their events page for current and upcoming fundraiser details.

Finding Quality in Unexpected Places

Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location proves that you don’t need to be in the middle of Asheville’s brewery district to offer an exceptional craft beer experience. The combination of award-winning beers, quality food, generous space, and beautiful natural setting creates something that works precisely because it’s not trying to compete with urban brewery scenes.

The family-owned operation brings authenticity that resonates with both locals and visitors. From the GABF medals to the creek-side seating, from the pub-style food to the community fundraisers, everything reflects intentional decisions about what kind of brewery Hillman wants to be. The Old Fort location extends that vision into a small mountain town where gathering places matter and quality speaks louder than trends.

Whether you’re planning a dedicated trip to Old Fort or passing through on I-40, stopping at Hillman Beer provides an experience that captures what makes Western North Carolina’s craft beer scene special. It’s not just about the beer in your glass – though that’s excellent. It’s about the place, the people, and the feeling that you’ve found something worth the drive off the beaten path.