Thirsty Monk Takes Flight with Taproom Partnership at Asheville Regional Airport
Thirsty Monk Brewery beers will soon be available on draft and to-go at Asheville Regional Airport.
ASHEVILLE, NC— In a partnership with Vino Volo, the award-winning airport wine bar operator and retailer throughout North America, Thirsty Monk Brewery beers will soon be available on draft and to-go at Asheville Regional Airport.
Thirsty Monk will co-brand a comfortable space with local Asheville flair just to the right of the TSA security checkpoint inside the gate area. This traveler lounge will offer beers on tap, packaged beer to-go, and a selection of curated food offerings alongside Vino Volo’s wine program. Currently the opening is slated for the end of summer 2020.
More than a year in the making, this is Thirsty Monk’s first partnership with an internationally recognized company, and could serve as a model for partnerships in other cities seeking to further extend local personality into airports.
“When I first reached out to the Asheville Regional Airport about how we could go about opening a Thirsty Monk taproom — their team was so receptive and connected me with Vino Volo,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO.
“After a year of ideas, discussions, and straight up reality checks, everything is now a go to move forward with the Asheville Regional Airport’s first local brewery taproom and Vino Volo wine bar. I am so proud that our airport staff recognizes the importance of adding local character, and so pleased to have been able to collaborate with Vino Volo’s truly world class team,” says Bialik.
As Asheville Regional Airport grows with new destinations added continually, Thirsty Monk’s partnership with Vino Volo is perfectly poised to host visitors to and from Western North Carolina—taking one of Asheville’s most iconic breweries along with them on their travels.
For more information about Thirsty Monk’s partnership with Vino Volo, contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs (Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, 2x4 Brew Pub) and cocktail bars (Monk’s Flask, Top of the Monk) in Asheville, North Carolina, Denver, Colorado and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, Belgian-rooted Modern Ales are showcased in the company’s expertly crafted beer-paired food menus and synergistic cocktail ingredients. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Continues Karma Series with Second Release of Trail Monk IPA
The fall Karma Series beer from Thirsty Monk will benefit trail restoration in Asheville, Colorado’s mountains, and Portland, Oregon.
Hikers on Mt. Evans in Monk shirts!
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is tapping the autumn rendition of its Karma Series, Trail Monk IPA at the end of this month. Brewed in support of trail restoration causes, this limited release will be on tap in Asheville, Denver, and Portland locations while supplies last.
“The K in Monk actually stands for Karma,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Thirsty Monk has been very successful with some of our organized fundraising campaigns in Asheville and we wanted to use our experience toward helping each of our cities in the best way our brewery can. What better way for a brewery to help raise money than to brew a beer? We look at the common needs our cities have and will feature a beer and a charitable cause each quarter.”
Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values, featuring a series of beers brewed annually for a different charitable focus. Trail Monk IPA is preceded by Monk’s Cottage to benefit affordable housing, and Unity Gose to promote LGBTQ equality and inclusion. Unity Gose raised over $3,000 with more than $1,000 donated to 501c3s Campaign for Southern Equality in Asheville, One Colorado in Denver, and Basic Rights Oregon in Portland respectively.
Trail Monk honors one of our favorite seasons—the season of falling leaves, cool mist mornings, and Fall-day hikes. At 7.5 percent ABV, the beer pours hazy pale orange, with notes of freshly squeezed citrus fruits, pine, and a pleasantly bitter finish.
A portion of the proceeds from Trail Monk IPA will support 501c3s Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in Asheville, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative in Denver, and Trailkeepers of Oregon.
Contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT THE NONPROFITS
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary fundraiser and trusted steward of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Foundation is forever committed to preserving the past, enhancing the present, and safeguarding the future of America’s Favorite Journey™. Learn more at brpfoundation.org/.
COLORADO FOURTEENERS INITIATIVE
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative protects and preserves the natural integrity of Colorado’s 54 14,000–foot peaks —the “Fourteeners”— through active stewardship and public education. CFI partners with the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and passionate volunteers and donors nationwide to protect Colorado’s Fourteener ecosystems from harm while continuing to make the peaks accessible to hikers without burdensome restrictions and fees. Learn more at 14ers.org.
TRAILKEEPERS OF OREGON
Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Oregon hiking experience through advocacy, stewardship, outreach and education. TKO also hosts the Oregon Hikers Forum and the Oregon Hikers Field Guide as part of its efforts. Learn more at trailkeepersoforegon.org.
Thirsty Monk Welcomes New Asheville Lead Brewer, Opens 2x4 Brew Pub and Tasting Room in Gerber Village
New lead brewer, Paul Friedheim will set up shop at Thirsty Monk’s newest concept, 2x4 Brew Pub in Gerber Village
ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk proudly welcomes Paul Friedheim, a graduate of Appalachian State Fermentation Sciences Program and former brewer at Devil’s Backbone Brewing, to run their brewing operations in North Carolina.
“I look forward to mastering the already great flagship beers Thirsty Monk has been making for years as well as creating new tasty brews for the people of Asheville to enjoy,” says Paul Friedheim, lead brewer at Thirsty Monk in Asheville.
Friedheim will set up shop at Thirsty Monk’s newest concept, 2x4 Brew Pub in Gerber Village, located off Hendersonville Rd in South Asheville. This taproom pays homage to sister company Compact Cottages, a builder of affordable housing in Western North Carolina. CEO Barry Bialik leads both companies and is also chair of Asheville’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
“Our purpose at Compact Cottages is to build homes that Thirsty Monk wage level employees can actually afford in Asheville. If we can’t do that, then something is out of balance,” says Bialik.
For the renowned operator of Thirsty Monk, this location will be the best spot to check out what the North Carolina brewery is working on. The Gerber Village location is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. with rotating beers and similar food offerings to its Downtown Asheville counterpart— including expertly-paired food flights, house-made hand pies, pints of candied bacon, pretzels and much more.
“Our new 2x4 Brew Pub is a playful bridge between our beer and house building worlds,” says Bialik. “2x4 Brew Pub has a library of small house design books, affordable housing resources, information about reasonably priced homes in Asheville, and some fun 2x4-themed items to entertain yourself while you are sipping our beers—from Giant Jenga outside to building blocks inside.”
For more information about Thirsty Monk’s newest endeavour 2x4 Brew Pub, contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, 2x4 Brew Pub), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s expertly crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights, beer-paired burgers and hand pies. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Takes Home Two Medals From 2019 U.S. Open Beer Championship
The brewery’s North Carolina location received back-to-back medals in the Belgian and French Ale category
ASHEVILLE, NC—Thirsty Monk was the proud recipient of two medals at the 2019 U.S. Open Beer Championship on July 9 in Oxford, Ohio. The brewery’s North Carolina location received back-to-back medals in the Belgian and French Ale category, taking home a silver medal for Abby Blonde and a bronze medal for Past Life, a Belgian-Style Amber Ale.
This is the second time Thirsty Monk has medaled at the U.S. Open Beer Championship; in 2018, the Denver brewery won a gold medal in the French/Belgian Ale category for Abby Blonde, and the brewery’s Asheville location took home silver for Screaming Monk Belgian IPA, in the American-Belgo-Style Ale category. Abby Blonde, which is named after brewery owner Barry Bialik’s daughter, also received its first GABF bronze medal last year.
“When I texted home that Abby Blonde had won another medal, the first question six-year-old Abby asked was Gold or Silver? I’m glad I didn’t have to tell her Bronze though I am super proud of our Bronze for Past Life Amber,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO.
Abby Blonde is a classic Belgian-style Blonde Ale made with Franco-Belges Pilsner malt, wheat, and traditional sugar. Weighing in at 7.3% ABV, this slightly hazy, golden brew was fermented with Thirsty Monk’s in-house Belgian yeast strain, offering a plethora of flavors including banana and light clove.
Past Life Amber, inspired by Bialik’s legendary past life as a Monk and designed to be his partner Shelley’s “perfect beer,” comes in at an approachable 5.0% ABV. Past Life is a smooth, mellow and malty Belgian-inspired amber ale that welcomes entrancing notes of toasted bread, caramel and dried apricot, apple and pear followed by an earthy hop awakening.
“Brian and Chris, our brewers in Denver and Asheville, deserve major kudos for bringing home a medal from almost every competition we are entering. I’m proud of them and the entire Thirsty Monk team,” says Bialik.
Both beers are currently available at Thirsty Monk Asheville, Denver and Portland locations.
If you have questions about Thirsty Monk’s recent U.S. Open Beer Championship win, or any other media inquiries about this family of Belgian-rooted breweries and pubs across the country, contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Unveils Rare and Specialty Beers From Some of the Country’s Best Breweries at the 6th Annual Not So Big BIG Beer Fest
Thirsty Monk presents the 6th Annual Not So Big BIG Beer Fest during Asheville Beer Week.
What: Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, presents the 6th Annual Not So Big BIG Beer Fest during Asheville Beer Week.
Anchored right in the middle of Asheville Beer Week, this intimate beer festival will feature specialty beers from America’s top breweries all in one place, curated for guests by Thirsty Monk, in a unique outdoor, covered setting. Food will be catered on site by Thirsty Monk's culinary team, including a special Festival Food Flight, with snack-sized items chosen to pair with your festival beers. Learn more about Food Flights here.
When: Wednesday, May 29 from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: TM Warehouse Space (92 Thompson St. Asheville, NC, 28803)
Participating Breweries: Comrade Brewing, Amor Artis Brewing, Cascade Brewing, Allagash Brewing, Grimm Artisanal Ales, Edmunds Oast Brewing Co., Resident Culture Brewing, High Branch Brewing, Almanac Beer Co.
Ticket Information and Parking: Regular admission tickets are $15 and include admission to the festival, souvenir Thirsty Monk tasting glass and one Thirsty Monk bottled beer to-go. Deluxe admission tickets are $25 and include admission to the festival, souvenir Thirsty Monk tasting glass, one Thirsty Monk bottled beer to-go and four tokens redeemable for food or beer pours. Tickets can be purchased at monkpub.com/notsobigfest.
Beer Tokens are available for purchase at $4 each, or 3-for-$10, and can be redeemed for festival pours or various food options.
Limited parking is available on site. Please try to carpool or catch an Uber or Lyft ride if possible. No overnight parking.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk To Release Third of Karma Series Beers, Unity Gose
Thirsty Monk is tapping the third of their Karma Series beers, Unity Gose, in support of LGBTQ equality and inclusion.
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is tapping the third of their Karma Series beers, Unity Gose, in early May. Brewed in support of LGBTQ equality and inclusion, this lemon kiwi Gose will be available on tap in Asheville, Denver and Portland locations while supplies last.
Unity Gose gets the party started with flavors and aromas of bright lemon, subtle kiwi and a crisp yet rounded mouthfeel, finished with the additions of salt and lactose. At 4 percent ABV, this Gose is very much like a lemon Radler; complex, juicy, refreshing and brewed for patio sipping and the cheerful days of spring and summer.
A portion of the proceeds from Unity Gose will support 501c3s Campaign for Southern Equality in Asheville, One Colorado in Denver, and Basic Rights Oregon in Portland.
“Just as a Monk’s life is dedicated to service, Thirsty Monk has deep, soulful principles that guide everything we do.” explains Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Unity and acceptance of all people is near and dear to our hearts.”
Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values, featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus. Unity Gose is preceded by Trail Monk in support of trail restoration, Monk’s Cottage to benefit affordable housing, and will be followed by a beer during the summer to support youth needs.
“We’re thrilled to use our Karma Series to bring attention to non-profit groups dedicated to sharing this message of love and acceptance,” says Bialik. “And after all, Thirsty Monk’s original location IS a three story giant purple building!”
Contact Chea Franz at chea@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT THE NONPROFITS
BASIC RIGHTS OREGON
Basic Rights Oregon works fearlessly and tirelessly to build a strong, vibrant, powerful, and progressive movement for LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ Oregonians exist in every community, and we understand that we have to engage in strategic, values-based coalitions to address the many needs of our communities. As such, building alliances with progressive groups that advocate for working families, racial justice, immigrant rights, reproductive justice, and campaign reform will be essential to winning policies that meet the varied needs of our diverse community.
CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY
The Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) is working to build a South where LGBTQ people are equal in every part of life. A South where your zipcode doesn’t determine your rights. Where all of us are free to be who we truly are and love who we truly love.
We use a range of tools, including direct services, direct action, litigation, grant-making, and long-term organizing strategies to respond to immediate community needs, support a new generation of LGBTQ leaders, and build political power over the long term.
Our work is rooted in empathy and in commitments to equity in race, gender, and class, and we take part in rapid response organizing around issues of racial justice, immigration rights, voting rights, and health care
ONE COLORADO
One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. We effectively advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, the executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, transgender equality, relationship recognition, and LGBTQ health and human services.
Thirsty Monk Releases Crooked Stave Collaboration, Grace Sour Blend
Grace Sour Blend is a blended sour comprised of barrel and foudre-aged beers from Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project.
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is proud to announce Grace Sour Blend, bridging Thirsty Monk Head Brewer, Brian Grace, with his historical residency at Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project. Grace Sour Blend debuts on tap at all Thirsty Monk locations on Wednesday, April 10th.
Grace Sour Blend is a blended sour comprised of barrel and foudre-aged beers brewed, cellared, and now hand-selected by Thirsty Monk head brewer, Brian Grace during his 3 years as Head Brewer at Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project.
This project comes after the announcement of Thirsty Monk’s newly developed barrel house, The Woodshed in Denver. This barrel aging facility currently houses Thirsty Monk’s budding sour beer program featuring two foeders and a diverse selection of wine and spirit barrels for which Grace is brewing black, burgundy and golden base, inoculated with wild yeast and bacteria before the addition of fruit, and eventual blending and bottle conditioning.
“I still keep in touch with the team at Crooked Stave including several collaborations since my departure,” explains Grace. “I was discussing with Crooked Stave owner and Brewmaster, Chad Yakobson about how Thirsty Monk is in need of barrel-aged sour offerings while our beers continue to age at The Woodshed. Chad suggested I create a blend with barrel-aged beers in their cellar that I brewed while working there.”
Grace Sour Blend is burgundy in color, with aromas of red wine, leathery Brettanomyces, oak and a light berry bouquet. Flavors swim in a medley of berry fruit and skins, red wine, mild oak and a balanced Brettanomyces funk. The care Grace took in hand selecting this blend is evident in its smooth complexity, showcasing a new direction that the Thirsty Monk family is excited to explore and add to its well rounded beer list.
“As far as the flavor goes I had a clean slate and wasn’t required to make a blend that needed to taste like any other beer,” explains Grace. “So I spent a few days tasting through their cellar, exploring the different flavors of barrels (including gin, wine, and foeder aged barrels) and came up with a unique blend just for Thirsty Monk.”
If you have questions about Thirsty Monk, The Woodshed Barrel House and their developing sour program contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT CROOKED STAVE
Founded in Denver, CO in late 2010 as an artisan beer project, Crooked Stave is the culmination of brewmaster and “Brettanomyces Guru” Chad Yakobson’s open source master’s research, The Brettanomyces Project. Crooked Stave’s progressive approach to brewing blends science and art through creativity and passion. The resulting creations, most of which use Brettanomyces yeasts and mature in oak, are beers of extraordinary complexity. The brewery has also started receiving accolades of late for it’s non-sour beers, specifically its new line of “Private Reserve” barrel-aged Imperial Stouts. Learn more at crookedstave.com.
Monk’s Flask Celebrates Grand Opening in Biltmore Park
Monk’s Flask brings together the worlds of beer and spirits, celebrating the synergy between the two.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Monk’s Flask, Thirsty Monk's wood-themed cocktail bar in Biltmore Park, celebrated its official grand opening yesterday. Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, announced Monk's Flask as the latest addition to its family of venues, specializing in craft cocktails, wine by the glass and bottle, beer and spirit pairing flights, and a curated food menu.
Monk’s Flask brings together the worlds of beer and spirits, celebrating the synergy between the two. This common ground between spirits, beer, and wine is featured at Monk’s Flask through the aging vessels of their barrel-aged beer program. Wooden barrels adorn Monk’s Flask, and the building also houses Thirsty Monk Brewery’s sour and fruited mixed fermentation beers under the direction of Head Brewer Brian Grace.
Monk’s Flask celebrated its soft launch in December, and is now open regular hours: 4PM to midnight Tuesday - Thursday, 4PM to 1AM Fridays and Saturdays, 4PM to 10PM Sundays, and closed Mondays.
Monk’s Flask is located at 2 Town Square Blvd, #160, in the adjacent space to the current Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park. For more information about Monk’s Flask or any of Thirsty Monk’s other locations, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park and now Monk’s Flask), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s expertly-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Releases Second of Karma Series Beers, Monk's Cottage
This Belgian Strong Ale was brewed with Pilsner malt, floor-malted Dark malt, Munich, and Special Belgian malt.
DENVER, CO— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, has tapped the second of their Karma Series beers at its Denver location. Monk’s Cottage is a Belgian Dark Strong for which proceeds will benefit nonprofits supporting affordable housing in Asheville and Denver.
This Belgian Strong Ale was brewed with Pilsner malt, floor-malted Dark malt, Munich, and Special Belgian malt that create a deep reddish-brown color and aromas of sweet malt, raisins, plums, banana and pipe tobacco. This beer tastes like rum cake with hints of cocoa powder covered banana and anise. It drinks easier than it's 8.75% ABV with a warm, malty finish.
A portion of the proceeds from Monk’s Cottage will support Beloved Community Village in Denver, and Pisgah Legal Services in Asheville.
“For our Winter Karma Series, our beer Monk’s Cottage will benefit Affordable Housing causes. The Colorado charity selected is Beloved Community Village- a small community of Tiny Houses that offers stable housing for formerly homeless folks,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Affordable Housing is near and dear to my heart. Thirsty Monk’s sister company Compact Cottages builds affordable housing, and I chair the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee in Asheville and grew up in subsidized affordable housing. Karma Series is our way of giving back and bringing attention to some passionate charitable organizations, all doing amazing service.”
Karma Series beers support nonprofit efforts that align with Thirsty Monk’s company values, featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus. The first of this series was Trail Monk that supported trail restoration earlier this fall, and next up will be beers benefitting LGBTQ awareness in the spring and children’s needs in the summer.
Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com for more details about the Karma Series and Thirsty Monk.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Presents 6th Annual New Year's Eve Keg Drop in Biltmore Park
New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach, and Miami drops an orange. Asheville drops a keg!
ASHEVILLE, NC— New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach, and Miami drops an orange. Asheville drops a keg! Thirsty Monk announces its 6th Annual New Year's Eve Keg Drop Celebration at its Biltmore Park Town Square location.
This year’s Keg Drop has grown to include its new craft cocktail bar, Monk's Flask. Ring in the New Year at Biltmore Park as we welcome 2019, sipping on Thirsty Monk Brewery beers, craft spirits and a special cocktail menu.
The Keg
The Biltmore Park brewery’s two-story golden keg will be lit up and glowing on the patio on New Year’s Eve, descending at midnight as we tap a keg of Must Love Coconut IPA, and toast to 2019! The Keg Drop Celebration is free to attend, with ample parking available.
The Beer
If you’re in the mood for an escape from the typical IPA, and want to be whisked away from winter to a tropical paradise, then Must Love Coconut IPA is for you. Brewed with toasted coconut and a blast of Citra and Centennial hops, this Belgian-style IPA is a totally tropical experience. Flavors of stone fruit, tropical fruit and–you guessed it–coconut, take you straight to your own island oasis, with hints of spice and citrus peeking through the palm trees. This special, fan-favorite release makes an annual appearance on tap, especially for New Year festivities.
WHEN: Monday, December 31, 5pm - Tuesday, January 1, 1am
WHERE: Thirsty Monk South at Biltmore Park Town Square
2 Town Square Blvd #170, Asheville, NC 28803
CONTACT: Emily Hutto, coop@radcraftbeer.com
Thirsty Monk Taps Trail Monk Fall IPA; First Beer of New Karma Series
Trail Monk will have September debut dates in Asheville, Denver and Portland, and will be featured in various Karma Series fundraising events at Thirsty Monk Brewery taprooms throughout the season.
Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, is proud to present a galvanized beer program to support nonprofit efforts that align with its company values with its new Karma Series— featuring a unique beer brewed each quarter with a different charitable focus.
To kick it off, Thirsty Monk introduces Trail Monk Fall IPA, a maple IPA and the first of the Karma Series, made to support the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in Asheville, the 14ers Initiative in Denver, and Trailkeepers of Oregon in Portland. It will debut at Thirsty Monk Denver during Denver Beer Fest on Friday, September 14, at Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park in Asheville on Thursday, September 27 during the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Find Your Pint event, and a date yet to be determined at the Thirsty Monk Portland.
Trail Monk is brewed with Pilsner malt, red wheat, oats, and roasted chestnuts to create a hazy, burnt-orange color reminiscent of fall leaves. Cascade, EKG, Lemondrop and Hersbrucker hops create a unique and refreshing aroma of citrus, spice, and earth that’s fermented with Thirsty Monk’s house Belgian yeast adding baking spice and banana peel flavors. Maple syrup was added after fermentation to round out the aroma and provide a touch of maple sweetness to balance its bitterness and roasted chestnut finish.
A portion of each Trail Monk full pour sold in Thirsty Monk taprooms will be donated to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and Trailkeepers of Oregon in Asheville, Denver, and Portland respectively.
“The K in Monk actually stands for Karma,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “Thirsty Monk has been very successful with some of our organized fundraising campaigns in Asheville and we wanted to use our experience toward helping each of our cities in the best way our brewery can. What better way for a brewery to help raise money than to brew a beer? We look at the common needs our cities have and will feature a different beer and a different charitable cause each quarter, starting with our Fall beer and a focus on outdoor trails.”
Trail Monk will have September debut dates in Asheville, Denver and Portland, and will be featured in various Karma Series fundraising events at Thirsty Monk Brewery taprooms throughout the season. Find details at monkpub.com/events.
The Karma Series is a quarterly connection to charities in Thirsty Monk’s markets that support causes the brewery feels most passionate about. Upcoming beers in the Karma Series will benefit affordable housing in the winter, LGBTQ awareness in the spring, and children’s needs in the summer.
Contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com with media inquiries about Thirsty Monk and its Karma Series.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of brewpubs in Asheville, North Carolina (Thirsty Monk Downtown Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park), Denver, and Portland, Oregon. Thirsty Monk’s award-winning, modern-rooted Belgian ales are showcased in the company’s Cicerone-crafted food menus, which include beer style-centric Food Flights and beer-paired burgers. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT THE NONPROFITS
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary fundraiser and trusted steward of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Foundation is forever committed to preserving the past, enhancing the present, and safeguarding the future of America’s Favorite Journey™. Learn more at brpfoundation.org/.
COLORADO FOURTEENERS INITIATIVE
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative protects and preserves the natural integrity of Colorado’s 54 14,000–foot peaks —the “Fourteeners”— through active stewardship and public education. CFI partners with the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and passionate volunteers and donors nationwide to protect Colorado’s Fourteener ecosystems from harm while continuing to make the peaks accessible to hikers without burdensome restrictions and fees. Learn more at 14ers.org.
TRAILKEEPERS OF OREGON
Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the Oregon hiking experience through advocacy, stewardship, outreach and education. TKO also hosts the Oregon Hikers Forum and the Oregon Hikers Field Guide as part of its efforts. Learn more at trailkeepersoforegon.org.
Asheville’s Thirsty Monk to Celebrate Rare, Unusual Beers at 9th Annual Thirsty Fest
Whether you’re a fan of sours and wild ales, or big, bold and barrel-aged beers, this is your week to get the best of the best in one place.
ASHEVILLE, NC – Thirsty Monk is bringing the rare, the exceptional and the downright unusual to Western North Carolina, tapping a variety of specialty beers at its 9th annual Thirsty Fest, September 3rd–7th, 2018 at the flagship Thirsty Monk location in Downtown Asheville,
and at its South Asheville location in Biltmore Park.
Each year, Thirsty Monk’s world class beer bars choose a selection of the best of their reserve kegs for a week dedicated to particularly outstanding and uncommon brews. Thirsty Fest-goers have the opportunity to enjoy exciting finds hardly ever poured in Western North Carolina. Whether you’re a fan of sours and wild ales, or big, bold and barrel-aged beers, this is your week to get the best of the best in one place.
Featured beers include: Thirsty Monk Barrel Aged Brother Noah, Thirsty Monk Roaring Monk DIPA, Allagash Brettanomyces Pilsner & Saison Gratis, Founders KBS, Bruery Terreux Tart of Darkness with Blackcurrant, Cascade Belmont Street Bramble, Firestone Walker Stickee Monkee, Boulevard The Changeling and many more.
Tap list and event updates will be announced through Thirsty Monk’s Facebook page, with live tap lists available at monkpub.com during Thirsty Fest.
For more information about Thirsty Fest or Thirsty Monk, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, Thirsty Monk Denver and Thirsty Monk Portland. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Takes Home Two Medals From 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championship
This marks the first year Thirsty Monk has won a medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championship.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk was the proud recipient of two medals at 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championship, July 10 in Oxford, OH. The brewery’s Denver location took home Gold in the French/Belgian Ale Category for Abby Blonde, and the brewery’s Asheville location took home Silver for Screaming Monk Belgian IPA, in the American-Belgo-Style Ale Category.
This marks the first year Thirsty Monk has won a medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championship. The Gold medal-winning Abby Blonde and Silver medal Screaming Monk are both now available on draft and in growler fills at all Thirsty Monk locations in Asheville, Denver, and Portland, OR.
Named after the brewery owner’s youngest child, Abby Blonde is a classic Belgian Style made with Franco-Belges Pilsner malt, wheat, and traditional sugar. Weighing in at 7.3% ABV, this slightly hazy, golden brew was fermented with Thirsty Monk’s in-house Belgian yeast strain, offering a plethora of flavors including banana and light clove.
Screaming Monk is jam-packed with citrus and earthy hops, well-complimented by background Belgian fruity esters. Body and bitterness balance to give an experience aggressive enough for the average hop-head and complex enough for an appreciator of Belgian styles. Imagine a monk at the top of a quiet mountain taking sips of his beer and shouting, “I LOVE HOPS!”
If you have questions about Thirsty Monk’s recent U.S. Open Beer Championship win, or any other media inquiries about this family of Belgian-rooted breweries and pubs across the country, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub; and Thirsty Monk Denver, CO and now Thirsty Monk Portland, OR. The brewery family has been the recent recipient of several beer awards, including a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards earlier this year. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Baere Monk Taps in Asheville
Thirsty Monk's first Denver collaboration, Baere Monk made with Baere Brewing, will tap at its downtown location this week.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk's first Denver collaboration, Baere Monk made with Baere Brewing, is now on tap in downtown Asheville. Baere Monk is a dry-hopped Grisette made with early spring chit malt with Landrace hops and Dandelions picked fresh from the grassy areas around Thirsty Monk’s Uptown Denver neighborhood.
The same Baere Monk recipe was brewed on Baere’s brewhouse on South Broadway and blended it with a few barrels of the original batch. This beer is happily aging in fourth-use Cognac barrels that have also held Laws Whiskey.
Learn more about Baere Monk and the Grisette beer style in this post.
For more information about this collaboration, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008 Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, as well as its newly renovated Portland, OR location and its Denver brewery and tasting room where the bulk of its brewing operation occurs. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
ABOUT BAERE BREWING CO.
Founded in 2014, Baere Brewing is a small 2.5 Barrel Brewhouse proudly residing in a strip mall in the Baker District of Denver, Colorado. Baere’s love for all styles of beer is reflected in their tap and bottle list. Everyone can find something they love ranging from Saisons to IPAs to Barrel Aged Sour beer. Baere is committed to supporting local products, sustainable solutions, community endeavors, and all around good time. Find them online at baerebrewing.com.
Thirsty Monk Celebrates AVL Beer Week With The 5th Annual Not So BIG Beer Festival
This festival will feature a selection of rare and specialty beers from America’s top breweries.
Thirsty Monk presents the 5th Annual Not So Big BIG Beer Festival, Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 during Asheville Beer Week!
This festival will feature a selection of rare and specialty beers from America’s top breweries in an intimate outdoor/covered setting at the TM Warehouse space at 92 Thompson St. in Biltmore Village. This intimate beer festival will have several rare and one-off beers all in one place, curated for guests by the Thirsty Monk, especially for Asheville Beer Week 2018.
The tap list at this festival includes rare selections from Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Founders Brewing, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Brewery Ommegang, Birds Fly South Ale Project, Allagash Brewing and many more. Food will be catered on site by Thirsty Monk's culinary team, including a special Festival Food Flight, with snack-sized items chosen by Certified Cicerones to pair with your festival beers. Learn more about Food Flights here.
"The Not So Big BIG Beer Festival is widely celebrated as one of the legacy highlight events that anchors the middle of AVL Beer Week," says Thirsty’s Monk’s Beer Buyer and Marketing and Events Coordinator Joanna Postlethwaite. "Attendees can expect a stellar tap list, all while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and scenic location."
5:30pm-9:30PM 92 Thompson St., Asheville, 28803
Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/notsobigfest18.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008 Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, as well as Bazi Bierbrasserie in Portland, OR and now its Denver brewery and tasting room. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Introduces Food Flights in North Carolina
Food Flights are selections of small, snack-sized portions expertly curated by Certified Cicerones® to pair perfectly with your chosen beer style.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, introduced its Food Flights program at its flagship downtown Asheville location earlier this month.
Food Flights are selections of small, snack-sized portions expertly curated by Certified Cicerones® to pair perfectly with your chosen beer style. Thirsty Monk offers six Food Flights— Belgian, Light, Medium, Dark, Sour/Fruity, and Hoppy— in an elevated box lunch-style presentation that includes four food items (a protein, a cheese, a grain, and a preserve). This new offering debuted in Denver with the opening of Thirsty Monk’s newest location last month and will be available at Thirsty Monk’s Downtown location going forward. Food Flights will be added to the menu at Thirsty Monk’s Biltmore Park location and Thirsty Monk’s newest Portland, Oregon location later this spring.
All of the proteins, preserves, and grains in Thirsty Monk’s Food Flights in Asheville are made in house, including the six different house-baked crackers.
“Thirsty Monk has never been accused of being a follow the pack kind of brewery, and we continue our leadership role by bypassing the food truck and creating an entirely new way of brewery snacking,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “We’ve been crafting our Food Flights for the past year and are so excited to now share these expertly beer-paired snack packs with our Thirsty Monk guests.The intent of our Food Flights are to elevate the beer tasting and Old World pub experience with an affordable tasty bite of education. All of the individual Food Flights are crafted to enhance the taste of the paired beer style and pass on some food and beer pairing knowledge. Our new coasters suggest beer style-specific food pairings and cooking styles that our patrons can experiment with at home. And most importantly, Food Flights are meant to be fun and encourage friends to share a unique snacking and beer sipping adventure.”
For more information about Food Flights, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008 Thirsty Monk currently operates four locations in Asheville, North Carolina including Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, as well as Bazi Bierbrasserie in Portland, OR and now its Denver brewery and tasting room. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Sour Fest at Thirsty Monk in Asheville Returns For The 8th Year
This celebration of sour, wild and mixed fermentation ales from across the state, country, and the globe is Thirsty Monk’s first signature event of the year.
photo by Colin Bridge
Sour Fest at Asheville-born Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, is back for the eighth year March 12 to 16. This celebration of sour, wild and mixed fermentation ales from across the state, country, and the globe is Thirsty Monk’s first signature event of the year.
Sour Fest is a five-day tap takeover of sought-after sour beers at Thirsty Monk in Downtown Asheville and Biltmore Park locations. The beer list includes rare selections from Cascade Barrel House, New Belgium, Firestone Walker, Brouwerij Boon, Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Zebulon Artisan Ales, and so many more.
“I curate this tap lineup with multiple goals in mind,” says Thirsty’s Monk’s Beer Buyer and Marketing and Events Coordinator Joanna Postlethwaite. “I strive to bring together a collection of beers that explores the many flavors of sour beer— from tart, to fruit-forward, to complex and funky. I’m putting together the best examples I can find from breweries across the country and the world, as well as exceptional contributions from our talented neighboring breweries here in North Carolina.”
For a complete beer list or for more information about Thirsty Monk, contact Emily Hutto at coop@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operates a family of well-recognized, craft beer destinations in Asheville, NC, Denver, CO, and Portland, OR. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
Thirsty Monk Wins Best of Craft Beer Award; Named Best Bar in NC by RateBeer.com
Thirsty Monk took home a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards and was named the best bar in North Carolina in the RateBeer.com Best Places for Beer by Subregion for 2017.
Thirsty Monk took home a gold medal in the Belgian-Style Table Beer category in the Best of Craft Beer Awards today.
Wiser Monk is a refreshing Belgian-style table beer with mild hints of fruit and spice on the nose, flavors of light grains, and a trace of herbal hop in its clean finish. It weighs in at 4.5 percent ABV. Wiser Monk was one of 11 entries in the 2018 Best of Craft Beer Awards. This year's silver medal was awarded to Birds Fly South Ale Project for Weatherman and bronze to Abbey Brewing Company for Monks' Ale. Find the complete list of 2018 winners here.
Also this month Thirsty Monk Brewery & Pub was named the best bar in North Carolina in the RateBeer.com Best Places for Beer by Subregion for 2017. Find that list here.