The Heart of Hillman’s Brewing Philosophy

Walk into either Hillman Beer location and you’ll immediately sense something different. This isn’t a brewery trying to impress you with exotic ingredients or experimental techniques. Instead, you’ll find a family-owned operation that’s serious about doing traditional brewing really, really well.

The philosophy here is simple: make quality beer that people actually want to drink, not just Instagram. While some breweries chase trends, Hillman focuses on classic styles executed with precision. Their approach combines old-world brewing traditions with modern quality control, creating beers that both casual drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts can appreciate.

What sets Hillman apart is their pub-style focus. Rather than operating as just another taproom, they’ve created spaces that feel like your favorite neighborhood gathering spot. The beer supports that experience instead of overshadowing it. You can have a conversation without needing to shout about hop profiles or IBUs, though the team is happy to talk beer if that’s your thing.

From Garage to GABF Gold: The Hillman Story

Brad Hillman’s journey into brewing started the way many great beer stories do: with a homebrew kit in Brooklyn, NY back in 2006. For years, he perfected his recipes while his siblings, Greig and Brandi, kept pestering him to move south and start something together. Eventually, in 2013, Brad decided to take the leap, convinced that their combined passion for brewing could contribute to the craft beer revival in America. With Greig and Brandi by his side, they set up their brewery in a small Southern town, eager to share their unique flavors. The trio quickly discovered that their homebrewing experiments translated well into a commercial setting, capturing the interest of locals and tourists alike.

In 2015, Brad finally made the move to Asheville, NC. The three Hillmans set up shop in Greig and Brandi’s garage, where they brewed their first official beer: the Dingaudamnit Dunkelweisen. That German-style dark wheat beer represented everything they wanted Hillman Beer to be – traditional, well-crafted, and approachable.

By 2016, construction began on their first location outside Biltmore Village on Sweeten Creek Road. The Asheville taproom opened in April 2017, bringing Brad’s garage recipes to the public. The timing was right, the beer was solid, and the community responded. As the taproom gained popularity, it quickly became a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, eager to experience the unique flavors that emerged from Brad’s innovative brewing style. This buzz inspired plans for additional locations, paving the way for even more asheville craft brewery adventures throughout the region. Enthusiastic patrons began exploring the diverse craft beer scene, solidifying Asheville’s reputation as a destination for beer lovers.

Just months after opening, Hillman Beer earned a GABF Bronze medal for their Four Fat Baby beer in 2017. The following year brought a Silver medal for their ESB, and in 2019, that same ESB took home the Gold. For a brewery that had been open less than three years, this recognition validated their commitment to quality over hype.

The success of the Asheville location paved the way for expansion. In July 2020, during one of the most challenging times for the restaurant industry, Hillman opened their second location in Old Fort. The Old Fort taproom offered something different: over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, more than 32 taps, and a setting along Mill Creek that feels like a hidden retreat.

Inside the Brewing Process

Both Hillman locations brew on-site, though the scale and setup differ between the two. The original Asheville location operates with a more compact system, while Old Fort’s larger footprint allows for expanded production capacity.

The brewing process starts with careful ingredient selection. Hillman works with quality malt suppliers and sources hops that complement their classic beer styles. They’re not chasing the latest hop variety or experimental grain. Instead, they focus on consistency and proper technique.

Water chemistry plays a crucial role in brewing, and Western North Carolina’s water provides a solid foundation. The brewers adjust mineral content based on the style they’re making, ensuring each beer hits the right flavor profile. An ESB requires different water treatment than a Dunkelweisen, and the team understands these details matter.

Mashing and lautering happen in temperature-controlled vessels that extract sugars from the grain while avoiding unwanted tannins. The boil kettle is where hops get added at specific intervals, building bitterness, flavor, and aroma in layers. Timing these additions requires both precision and experience.

Fermentation is where the magic happens, but it’s also where patience matters most. Hillman’s beers ferment at carefully controlled temperatures, allowing the yeast to work cleanly without producing off-flavors. Some styles finish in a week; others need several weeks to develop properly. Rushing this process would compromise quality, so they don’t.

After fermentation, beer gets conditioned, filtered (when appropriate), and carbonated before making its way to the tap lines. Quality control happens at every step, with the brewing team constantly tasting and adjusting to maintain consistency across batches.

The Beers That Define Hillman

Year-Round Offerings

The Hillman ESB stands as the brewery’s flagship beer and for good reason. This Extra Special Bitter won Gold at the Great American Beer Festival in 2019, competing against breweries from across the country. It pours a brilliant copper color with a tight, off-white head. The malt backbone brings biscuit and caramel notes without being sweet, while English hops provide earthy, slightly floral bitterness. At around 5.5% ABV, it’s a beer you can actually have more than one of.

Traditional English bitters have fallen out of fashion in the American craft beer scene, but Hillman’s version shows why this style deserves respect. It’s balanced, flavorful, and sessionable. The kind of beer that makes sense with pub food or on its own.

Four Fat Baby, their GABF Bronze medal winner, represents Hillman’s skill with German-style brewing. This beer showcases the complexity possible in seemingly simple styles. The exact recipe details vary, but the execution remains consistently excellent.

The Dingaudamnit Dunkelweisen holds special significance as Hillman’s first-ever brew. This dark wheat beer combines the banana and clove characteristics of German weizen yeast with the richer malt profile of a dunkel. It’s a style you don’t see often, making it a standout in their lineup.

Beyond these award winners, Hillman typically keeps several other styles on tap year-round. Their approach to beer focuses on variety without chaos. You’ll usually find an IPA, a lighter lager-style option, something darker for those who prefer roasted flavors, and a few rotating selections that keep things interesting. Their commitment to crafting diverse offerings ensures that there’s something for every palate. For those eager to learn more, ‘beer styles explained by hillman‘ provides an insightful overview of their brewing philosophy and the inspiration behind each creation. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the scene, this range invites exploration and appreciation.

Seasonal Specialties

Hillman’s seasonal program responds to both the calendar and what makes sense in the glass. Summer brings lighter, more refreshing options, while fall and winter see the return of heartier, warming beers.

Their seasonal releases often explore traditional European styles that don’t get enough attention in the American market. You might find a proper Czech pilsner in the summer, crisp and grassy with just enough bitterness. Fall could bring a Märzen or Oktoberfest-style lager, celebrating the German brewing tradition. Winter often sees the release of darker, malt-forward beers that pair well with cooler weather.

The brewery doesn’t announce seasonal releases months in advance. Instead, they brew what makes sense based on ingredient availability, time of year, and what the brewing team wants to make. This approach keeps things fresh and gives them flexibility to experiment within their quality-focused framework.

Limited Releases

Limited releases at Hillman tend toward barrel-aged beers, special collaborations, or one-off experiments that intrigue the brewing team. These aren’t weekly occurrences. When Hillman releases something special, they’ve put real thought and time into it.

Barrel-aged beers require patience. They source quality barrels, fill them with appropriate base beers, and wait. Months later, they taste, blend if necessary, and release when the beer is ready, not when the calendar says so.

Collaboration beers happen occasionally when Hillman partners with other breweries, local businesses, or community organizations. These projects allow the brewing team to try techniques or styles outside their normal repertoire while maintaining their quality standards.

The People Behind the Beer

Brad Hillman serves as head brewer, bringing nearly two decades of brewing experience to every batch. His background in homebrewing gave him the foundation, but professional brewing taught him consistency and scale. He approaches each brew day with the same attention to detail whether making the thousandth batch of ESB or trying something new.

Greig and Brandi Hillman handle the business side while staying deeply involved in the day-to-day operations. This isn’t a case of absent owners letting managers run the show. Walk into either location during business hours and you’re likely to see them working alongside staff, talking with customers, or handling the countless details that keep a brewery running smoothly.

The brewing team includes assistant brewers and cellar workers who execute the vision Brad sets. These folks handle the physical work of brewing: moving grain, cleaning tanks, monitoring fermentation, kegging finished beer, and maintaining equipment. Good beer requires dedicated people willing to do this work right, every single time.

Front-of-house staff complete the team. Bartenders at Hillman need to know the beers well enough to guide customers through the menu without being pretentious about it. They serve food from the kitchen, manage tabs, and keep the taproom atmosphere welcoming. Their approach reflects the family’s values: quality, service, comfort, and community.

Recognition and Awards

The Great American Beer Festival represents the pinnacle of brewing competitions in the United States. Thousands of breweries submit tens of thousands of beers across dozens of categories. Winning any medal is significant. Winning three medals in three consecutive years is exceptional.

Hillman’s 2017 Bronze medal for Four Fat Baby announced their arrival in the competitive craft beer landscape. This early recognition validated their decision to focus on quality execution of traditional styles rather than chasing trends.

The 2018 Silver medal for Hillman ESB demonstrated consistency. One medal might be luck; two medals in two years shows skill. The competition judges recognized the beer’s quality among hundreds of entries in a competitive category.

The 2019 Gold medal for Hillman ESB cemented the brewery’s reputation. Gold medals are rare and meaningful. For a relatively young brewery from a small operation to beat established breweries from across the country speaks to Brad’s brewing skill and the team’s commitment to excellence.

These awards matter not because they’re displayed on the wall but because they represent external validation of what Hillman does daily. The medals don’t make the beer better, but they confirm that the brewing team’s approach works at the highest level of competition.

Beyond GABF, Hillman has earned respect within North Carolina’s craft beer community. Their involvement with the NC Craft Brewers Guild and AVL Brewers Alliance shows commitment to supporting the broader industry. They’re not competing with other local breweries; they’re working together to build a stronger craft beer culture.

Understanding and Appreciating Craft Beer

Craft beer appreciation doesn’t require a degree in brewing science or memorizing hop varieties. It starts with paying attention to what you’re drinking and developing your own preferences.

Appearance: Look at your beer before drinking. Color ranges from pale straw to pitch black, with every shade in between telling you something about the malt used. Clarity matters for some styles, while haze is appropriate in others. The head (foam) should be stable and appropriate for the style.

Aroma: Stick your nose in the glass. You’ll pick up malt sweetness, hop character, yeast esters, or other aromatics depending on the style. Don’t overthink it. If something smells good to you, that’s what matters. Common descriptors include caramel, bread, citrus, pine, banana, clove, and coffee, but use whatever words make sense to you.

Flavor: Take a sip and let it sit on your tongue for a moment. Notice the initial taste, mid-palate development, and finish. Is it bitter? Sweet? Both? Does one flavor dominate or do multiple elements balance each other? How does the flavor change as the beer warms?

Mouthfeel: Consider the beer’s body and carbonation. Does it feel light and crisp, or heavy and creamy? Is the carbonation sharp and prickly, or soft and subtle? These textural elements affect your enjoyment as much as flavor.

Different styles emphasize different characteristics. An ESB showcases malt and hop balance. An IPA highlights hop bitterness and aroma. A stout emphasizes roasted malt flavors. Understanding style expectations helps you evaluate whether a beer succeeds at what it’s trying to be.

Temperature matters more than most people realize. Lighter beers (pilsners, wheat beers) taste best cold, around 38-45°F. Medium-bodied beers (ESBs, pale ales) open up at 45-50°F. Darker, stronger beers (stouts, barleywines) show their complexity at 50-55°F. If a beer tastes too bitter or too bland, try letting it warm a bit.

Fresh beer tastes better. IPAs lose hop character after a few months. Unfiltered beers change faster than filtered ones. Hillman’s beers taste best fresh from the tap at either location. When buying packaged beer, check dates and choose recently packaged options.

Pairing beer with food follows similar principles to wine pairing. Match intensity levels (light beer with light food, heavy beer with heavy food). Look for complementary flavors (caramel malt with grilled meat) or contrasting ones (bitter IPA cutting through rich cheese). The food menu at Hillman is designed to work well with their beers.

Visiting the Brewery

Asheville Location

The original Asheville taproom sits on Sweeten Creek Road just outside Historic Biltmore Village. The location offers two distinct seating areas: a shaded back section where you can listen to Sweeten Creek flowing past, and a front patio area where you can watch the activity of Biltmore Village.

Hours are Sunday through Tuesday from 11am to 9pm, and Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm. The kitchen closes every night at 9pm regardless of taproom hours. No reservations are accepted. Order at the bar when you arrive.

Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed, quiet, and well-behaved. This policy reflects Hillman’s commitment to being a community gathering space where everyone can feel comfortable.

Parking can be tight during peak hours, but several spots are available adjacent to the building. Overflow parking is within walking distance. The area sees heavy traffic during tourist season, so plan accordingly if visiting during summer weekends or holiday periods.

Old Fort Location

The Old Fort taproom opened in July 2020, bringing Hillman’s approach to a different community. Located at 78 Catawba Avenue in Old Fort, this space offers significantly more room than the Asheville location.

With over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, the Old Fort location can handle large groups without feeling crowded. More than 32 taps means a wider selection of Hillman beers plus guest taps from other breweries. Community-style tables encourage meeting new people, while private two-tops on the deck next to Mill Creek offer intimate settings. The spacious layout not only accommodates social gatherings but also provides a perfect backdrop for exploring the rich hillman beer history in old fort. Guests can savor seasonal brews alongside classic favorites, enhancing their experience with each visit. Live music and events add to the vibrant atmosphere, making it a hub for both locals and tourists alike.

Hours are Sunday from noon to 9pm, Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 9pm, and Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 10pm. Kitchen hours match the Asheville location, closing at 9pm every night.

The setting along Mill Creek provides natural beauty without requiring a hike. You can sit outside, listen to the water, and enjoy well-made beer in a genuinely relaxing environment. Old Fort itself remains a hidden gem in Western North Carolina, less crowded than Asheville but close enough for an easy drive.

What to Expect

Both locations operate with the same philosophy: order at the bar, find a seat, and relax. The staff will bring food to your table when it’s ready. This system keeps things simple and maintains the casual, unpretentious atmosphere.

The beer selection varies by location, though core offerings like the ESB and year-round flagships are usually available at both. The Old Fort location’s 32+ taps allow for more variety and guest options.

Food menus feature pub-style options with house-made items and locally sourced ingredients. Expect quality burgers, sandwiches like reubens, salads, and other well-executed comfort food. The kitchen prepares everything fresh daily, so items occasionally sell out during busy periods.

Staff can answer questions about the beers, make recommendations based on your preferences, and explain brewing processes if you’re curious. They won’t lecture you about craft beer culture or make you feel inadequate for not knowing specific terminology. The goal is helping you find beers you’ll enjoy.

Groups are welcome, though large parties (8+) should be prepared for potentially longer wait times during peak hours. The restaurants don’t take reservations, so everyone gets served in order. Patience pays off.

Events happen periodically at both locations. Hillman runs a monthly “Power in Pints” fundraiser at the Old Fort location, donating $1 for every draft Hillman beer, cider, or seltzer sold that day to local organizations. Past beneficiaries include Foothills Conservancy and American Legion Post 56.

Check the events page or follow Hillman on Instagram (@HillmanBeer for Asheville, @HillmanBeerOldFort for Old Fort) to stay updated on special releases, fundraisers, and other happenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer brewery tours? Hillman doesn’t currently run formal brewery tours. The brewing equipment is visible from the taproom at both locations, and staff members are happy to answer questions about the process when they have time. If you’re interested in learning more about the brewing operation, visit during slower afternoon hours when staff can talk without interrupting service.

Can I buy beer to take home? Both locations offer packaged beer to go, including crowlers (32 oz cans filled on-site), growlers, and pre-packaged options when available. Selection varies based on what’s currently on tap and what’s been packaged. Call ahead if you’re looking for something specific.

Do you distribute beer to stores and restaurants? Hillman Beer distributes throughout Western North Carolina. You can find their beer at select retailers and restaurants in the region. Check their website or call the taprooms for specific distribution information.

Are kids allowed? Yes, families are welcome at both locations. The atmosphere is family-friendly, and the food menu includes options that work for younger diners. Note that these are working breweries with alcohol service, so supervision is expected.

Can I bring my dog? Dogs are welcome at both locations as long as they’re leashed, quiet, and well-behaved. Aggressive or disruptive dogs will need to leave. This policy ensures everyone can enjoy their visit.

Do you host private events? Contact Hillman directly through their contact page to discuss private event options. Space availability and arrangements vary by location.

What payment methods do you accept? Both locations accept cash and credit cards. Check current policies if you have specific payment questions.

Is there food available? Yes, both locations serve food from their kitchens. Menus feature pub-style fare with house-made items and locally sourced ingredients. Kitchens close at 9pm every night, even when the taproom stays open later.

Do you serve non-beer options? Hillman offers cider and seltzer options in addition to their beer lineup. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Check with staff for current selections.

Can I get a flight to try multiple beers? Yes, flights are available at both locations. This is a good way to sample several beers if you’re trying to decide what to order or want to experience more of the lineup.

Are you hiring? Check the Careers section on the Hillman Beer website for current openings. The brewery posts positions there when they’re actively recruiting.