Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Brewery Profile: Blowing Rock Brewing Co.

Blowing Rock Brewing Company opened in 2013.

Blowing Rock Brewing Company
152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Phone: (828) 414-9600
Hours: Monday: 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday: Closed; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Brewery tours available on Saturday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.   

Blowing Rock Brewing opened in 2013 when Jeff Walker and Todd Rice decided it was time for the town of have its first brewery. Located in the heart of Blowing Rock's downtown community at 152 Sunset Drive, the brewery is also home to a restaurant and an Inn – and is a nice place to stop when exploring the small shops the town has to offer.

In 2014 Blowing Rock Brewing opened another brewery and restaurant facility in Hickory, which is called American Honor Ale House & Restaurant located inside the historic Hollar Mill.

Blowing Rock's beers have been broken up into the Legacy and Ale House series. The Legacy features beers such as its Blowing Rock IPA, High Country Ale and Mountain Shadow Black IPA. While the Ale House series features more selections of stouts, porters, IPAs, Belgium beers and a Barleywine.

We were in Blowing Rock during the weekend of its food and wine festival, SAVOR, and were able to sample a few Blowing Rock beers such as its Big Chocolate Porter, IPA and a brand new release, Ridge Radler grapefruit IPA. While at the brewery we tried the Double IPA along with a Gouda burger and flatbread. We thought the beers were alright, but can always find something to enjoy while kicking back in the restaurant, hanging out at the small bar or out in the back playing a friendly game of corn hole.

If you decide to stay at the Inn, they feature five rooms and all are named after beer terminology such as Stout, Hops, Pint, Amber and Wheat rooms.

While visiting or staying in Blowing Rock, we recommend visiting these other places:

Sunset & Vine | 150 Sunset Drive | A wine store that sells local North Carolina wines and wines from all over the world. Stop in to see if they're doing a free wine tasting.

The Spice & Tea Exchange of Blowing Rock | 1087 Main St. #4 | Reminds us a lot of Raleigh's Savory Spice in Lafayette Village. Tons of spice and rubs for grilling and an assortment of loose teas.

Ugga Mugga Bakery | 1107 Main St. | A new find for us and a pleasant one. Stop in for homemade cakes, muffins, pies and Macaroons. Also grab some coffee while you're there.

Canyons Restaurant | 8960 Valley Blvd. | You have to make your way out of downtown Blowing Rock, but this restaurant has a nice scenic view of the mountains, a good menu, and something we love for dessert called the Chocolate Enchilada, a chocolate crepe filled with chocolate mousse and topped with a chocolate Ganache sauce and whipped cream!