Thirsty Monk Opens Asheville’s First Hard Seltzer Bar, Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub
Asheville’s storied craft beverage scene is about to get the addition of a downtown hard seltzer bar.
ASHEVILLE, NC— Asheville’s storied craft beverage scene is about to get the addition of a downtown hard seltzer bar. Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub will occupy the Patton Ave. ground level of the Thirsty Monk pub in downtown Asheville beginning Thursday, December 8, with plans to serve award-winning, cocktail-inspired Holy Water hard seltzers.
The landmark three-story Patton Avenue building has seen many chapters in the Thirsty Monk story, mainly a Belgian beer bar-turned-brewery with a cocktail bar upstairs and The Delirium Pink Elephant Bar in the basement featuring rare selections from the world-famous Delirium Brewery. Now this heavily trafficked downtown Asheville institution will wrap in Thirsty Monk’s latest evolution into hard seltzers.
“There is no other drink quite like our Holy Water Hard Seltzers. We literally have created our own style class- a Belgian style Hard Seltzer. We carefully hand craft every flavor recipe to add depth and balance of profile, and our base hard seltzer is brewed with our proprietary house Belgian-style yeast,” says Thirsty Monk CEO Barry Bialik. “We’ve really leaned on our Top of The Monk Craft Cocktail Bar history and our creative bartenders to curate well-rounded craft cocktail-inspired seltzers. With unique flavor combinations and higher ABV than your average seltzer, Holy Waters drink like draft cocktails.”
Holy Water’s Hard Seltzer line recently took home four medals from the 2022 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship. Award-winning flavors include Pomegranate, Hibiscus & Ginger (Silver Medal), Margarita (Silver Medal), and Pina Colada (Gold Medal). And Holy Water Smoked Grapefruit Paloma was additionally awarded a Gold Medal for ‘Judges’ Award’. “When the judges tasted this seltzer, they were truly amazed. The grapefruit flavor was very subtle and the serrano peppers complemented this seltzer to make it like no other seltzer,” Bialik adds. “They asked if they could give this a special award since it did not fit any category. We were honored!”
Thirsty Monk started designing the Holy Water line up in 2019 and rebranded its Gerber Village location as the Holy Water Brew Pub in 2021. Now with the support of contract brewing from Green Man Brewing and at least 10 dedicated seltzers in the renovated downtown location, Holy Water is poised to expand both its flavors and reach across North Carolina and beyond. A Holy Water hard seltzer 12-pack is in the works with planned distribution.
Hard seltzer seekers can visit the new Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub in downtown Asheville on December 8. The first 50 customers will receive complimentary Holy Water glassware. Learn more at holywaterseltzer.com.
Media inquiring about the Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub can contact Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THIRSTY MONK
Founded in 2008, Thirsty Monk Brewery currently operates a family of establishments— Thirsty Monk Downtown featuring Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub, The Delirium Pink Elephant Bar, and Top of the Monk Craft Cocktail Bar; Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park– featuring Thirsty Monk Brewery’s Belgian style beers, Holy Water Hard Seltzers, offerings from Green Man Brewery, and a full pub food menu. Find the company online at monkpub.com.
RadCraft Industry Relief Coloring Book to Support James Beard Foundation Open For Good Campaign
Download this coloring book featuring craft breweries, distilleries, and malthouses that supports the James Beard Foundation Open for Good campaign to ensure that independent restaurants survive and come back stronger.
The craft beverage-centric marketing company RadCraft went live today with a downloadable coloring book for which proceeds will support the James Beard Foundation’s Open For Good campaign.
The RadCraft Industry Relief Coloring Book features the logos of thirteen of the company’s partner malthouses, breweries, and distilleries (listed below) brought to life by Content Coordinator Shelby Martin. These companies, among many others, conceived this fundraising effort through an industry relief Zoom chat that RadCraft hosts monthly to discuss issues facing the beverage community. The group voted on the James Beard Foundation’s Open For Good campaign to receive all proceeds for the coloring book.
For more than 30 years, the James Beard Foundation has promoted Good Food For Good™ by giving chefs a voice and the tools they need to make the world more sustainable, equitable, and delicious. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the James Beard Foundation launched the Open for Good campaign to ensure that independent restaurants not only survive, but that the industry is able to rebuild stronger than before.
“It’s been an incredibly challenging year for the independent food and beverage industry which employs over 11 million people nationwide.” said Kris Moon, Chief Operating Officer of the James Beard Foundation “After the pandemic hit, the Foundation quickly directed all of our resources to helping the industry to survive this crisis. We are only able to continue that work thanks to the generous contributions of partners such as RadCraft. We are incredibly grateful for their support as we work to keep helping the industry remain Open for Good.”
Open for Good programs provide critical resources to help independent restaurants build the capacity to come back stronger, more equitable, more sustainable, and more resilient. Learn more at jamesbeard.org/openforgood and contact JamesBeard@magrinopr.com with media inquiries about the foundation.
The RadCraft Industry Relief Coloring Book is available for download on Issuu. Those who download and print are encouraged to share their art on social media with the #radcraftindustryrelief hashtag.
Contact Founder & CEO Emily Hutto at hutto@radcraftbeer.com for a downloadable media copy of the coloring book, or with questions about RadCraft.
Participating RadCraft Partners
Bonfire Brewing
Boulder Spirits
Deerhammer Distillery
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Laws Whiskey House
Lone Tree Brewing Company
Murphy & Rude Malting
Pagosa Brewing
Root Shoot Malting
Ska Brewing
The Empourium Brewing Company
Thirsty Monk Brewery
Woods Boss Brewing
ABOUT RADCRAFT
Founded in 2012 by Emily Hutto, RadCraft provides communications support to barley crafters. From breweries and distilleries to maltsters and their affiliates, RadCraft’s partners are makers of thoughtful products and cultivators of radical ideas. Beers and spirits should tell stories about brands, and RadCraft loves a good story. Lean more at radcraftbeer.com.
ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
The James Beard Foundation promotes Good Food For Good™. For more than 30 years, the James Beard Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives. Through the variety of industry programs that educate and empower leaders in our community, the Foundation has asserted the power of food to drive behavior, culture, and policy change. The organization is committed to giving chefs a voice and the tools they need to make the world more sustainable, equitable, and delicious for everyone. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the James Beard Foundation launched the Open for Good campaign to ensure that independent restaurants not only survive, but that the industry is able to rebuild stronger than before. For more information, subscribe to the digital newsletter Beard Bites and follow @beardfoundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. The James Beard Foundation is a national not-for-profit 501©(3) organization based in New York City.
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 Brewery Pairs Up with Tight Tacos in Hawthorne After Popular Food Truck Forced to Vacate Growler’s Taproom
Thirsty Monk will be closed February 8 - 28 as they welcome new foot partner Tight Tacos into their space. Thirsty Monk will reopen on February 29 with Thirsty Monk taps only, craft cocktails and of course, delicious tacos from Tight Tacos.
PORTLAND, OR— Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer bars, announced today it will welcome their friends at Tight Tacos Food Truck into the kitchen at their Hawthorne Street location after a landlord dispute led to the closing of Growler’s Taproom last week, leaving the street taco purveyor without a space.
“We’ve been searching for just the right food partner to share their passions with our Thirsty Monk Brewery patrons for a few months now,” says Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO. “When we heard about Tight Tacos possibly needing a new home, we reached out right away. Mark and I were able to put our entrepreneurial energies and synergies together and get to a 1am handshake emoji in just a matter of days. I’m so excited to help a neighbor business and be able to offer our patrons delicious tacos, while allowing us to focus our passions on what we are best at— beers and cocktails,” says Bialik.
Thirsty Monk will be closed February 8 - 28 so that Tight Tacos can move into their kitchen. To accommodate the new food partnership, Thirsty Monk will shed a few more remnants of its former European soccer bar vibe and incorporate elements of the Tight Tacos branding. The brewery taproom will reopen with Thirsty Monk taps only, craft cocktails and of course, delicious tacos from Tight Tacos.
“Since we started Tight Tacos in 2016, our goal has always been to use our food as a means of bringing people together to have a good time. And what better way to do that than with beer and tacos?” says Mark Cosio, owner at Tight Tacos .“The Tight Tacos team is extremely excited to be partnering with Thirsty Monk.” In addition to their new location at Thirsty Monk, Tight Tacos also has a brick and mortar shop at The Zipper.
Thirsty Monk has proudly served Portland’s Hawthorne neighborhood since its opening in summer 2018 on the corner of 32nd and Hawthorne Streets. Prior to the brewery closing for renovations with Tight Tacos, Thirsty Monk will offer special deals on coveted Belgian bottles.
To discuss Thirsty Monk Portland’s partnership with Tight Tacos, contact Barry Bialik at barry@monkpub.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 Presents the 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Keg Drop Celebration and Flask Luau at Biltmore Park
To ring in the New Year, Thirsty Monk and Monk’s Flask will be hosting the 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Keg Drop on December 31 at Biltmore Park. Enjoy delicious beer, including the release of Must Love Coconut IPA, a tiki cocktail menu at Monk’s Flask and toast to the New Year as the golden keg descends.
What: To ring in the New Year, New York City drops a ball, Atlanta drops a peach and Miami drops an orange. Asheville drops a keg! Thirsty Monk wants you to join in on the fun. Ring in 2020 with Thirsty Monk’s 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Keg Drop Celebration at Biltmore Park. This two-story golden keg will be lit up and glowing on New Year’s Eve and will descend at midnight.
The Beer: Beers will be flowing as Thirsty Monk taps their fan-favorite Must Love Coconut IPA at midnight. This special beer makes an annual appearance on tap, especially for New Year festivities.
Escape from the typical IPA and be whisked away from winter to a tropical paradise with Must Love Coconut IPA. Brewed with toasted coconut and a blast of Citra and Centennial hops, this Belgian-style IPA is a totally tropical experience.
Flask Luau: Next door, Monk’s Flask will join in on the festivities with a Luau New Year complete with a festive tiki cocktail menu and tropical beach vibes.
The Keg Drop Celebration is free to attend and ample parking is available for guests. Enjoy the viewing of the keg drop from either Thirsty Monk or Monk’s Flask patios!
When: Tuesday, December 31st at 5 p.m. to Wednesday, January 1st at 1 a.m.
Where: Thirsty Monk South at Biltmore Park Town Square (2 Town Square Blvd #160 & #170, Asheville, NC 28803)
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 Head Brewer Brings Long History of Barrel-Aging Experience to The Woodshed Barrel House
Thirsty Monk is proud to announce the official launch of The Woodshed, a barrel-aging facility that will house the brewery’s sour beer program. The Woodshed is a culmination of Thirsty Monk Head Brewer Brian Grace’s passion and expertise.
The brewery’s barrel-aging program is a culmination of Brian Grace’s passion and experience
DENVER, CO– Thirsty Monk, brewer of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales and operator of world-recognized craft beer and craft cocktail bars, announces the official launch of its Denver barrel house, The Woodshed. This barrel-aging facility houses Thirsty Monk’s budding sour beer and barrel-aging program led by Head Brewer, Brian Grace.
The Woodshed is home to two foudres, and a growing selection of other wine and spirit barrels. Grace is brewing black, red and golden base beers to be inoculated with wild yeast and bacteria before the addition of fruit and eventual blending and bottle conditioning. He will taste barrels individually as well as the blended variations, and is adamant that patience and forgiveness are key to producing a unique sour blend.
“Patience is required because we’re making sour beer the traditional way which takes a long time for the wild yeast and bacteria to create unique and deep characteristics of aroma and flavors,” says Grace. “Forgiveness is another important aspect because sometimes your barrels are not ideal, but they can develop over time if allowed to age in the wood longer. There have been a handful of barrels where I have tasted them one month and come back to them six months to a year later and they taste profoundly different!”
Prior to Thirsty Monk, Grace brewed at Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in Michigan and Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project in Denver; The Woodshed will be yet another mile marker for the acclaimed brewer, who has been working on building a unique house character by collecting wild yeast and bacteria from the area around the brewery and barrel-aging facility.
“What is most exciting about the project for me is that there will be a house character that I hope will be appreciated by sour beer enthusiasts,” says Grace. “I am the most proud when people tell me they can identify that a beer is from a specific brewery because it holds a unique character that can only be found in beers from those cellars!”
The first release out of The Woodshed will be a pluot and blackberry Dark Strong-Based Sour. This is Grace’s first barrel-aged beer that was open-top fermented at the Woodshed and aged in California red wine barrels. The sour then rests in a foudre that previously held Moscato.
Also on the horizon for Thirsty Monk is a rebrand. In 2020, the Monk will gain a number of friends, as Thirsty Monk Brewery re-launches its core lineup of Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales with a new look and feel that brings tarot cards to life. This brand refresh showcases Thirsty Monk's soulful and intention-based culture, from innovative beer-making to community partnerships. Visitors can look forward to the introduction of can fills, specialty bottle releases, and “tarot readings” to showcase their beer flights with custom, collectible designs.
If you have questions about The Woodshed or the beers it’s currently aging, 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 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.
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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.