5 Must-Stop Breweries in Brevard, NC

After exploring NC's Land of Waterfalls, try these top taps to cap off a day of adventure. The clean, clear, and chilly waters that run down the mountains and fill Transylvania County’s streams, rivers, and lakes have long been one of Brevard's greatest local resources. Water is also a critical component of excellent beer, which you can find on tap at all five of Brevard’s local breweries. These run the gamut in size, shape, and flavor profile, but all are must-stops for fans of a delicious pint, a welcoming atmosphere, and anyone curious to get a taste of what Brevard’s storied waters can do.

Brevard Brewing 
Opened in 2012, this family-owned local brewery is Brevard’s oldest. Brewmaster Kyle Williams specializes in handcrafted lagers and pilsners, which are rare among North Carolina’s microbreweries. Using imported German barley, hops, yeast, and Brevard’s soft brewing water, he creates delicious beers. Brevard Brewing is in the heart of downtown on East Main Street. Truly a business with deep roots in the community, the brewery is located in the former Trantham’s Department store building, which was owned and operated by the family and their predecessors for three generations. (63 East Main St.)

Ecusta Brewing
The Cherokee word “Ecusta” is what Transylvania County’s indigenous population called the Davidson River, which flows through Pisgah National Forest. Technically, the word means “Get Distant,” which Ecusta Brewing hopes will spur many adventurers to take the trail less traveled and drop by for one for their excellent lagers, ales, sours, porters and more on tap at the edge of the big woods. (49 Pisgah Hwy #3)

Noblebräu Brewing 
Brevard’s newest brewery is the brainchild of Cody Noble, a veteran of the western North Carolina brewery scene. Cody always dreamt of having his own brewery. In the spring of 2018, while attending the opening of Vescovo Neighborhood Eatery, he learned that a nearby local music venue had space for a brewery. Once the seed was planted, the idea of returning home to Brevard and starting something all his own could not be brushed aside.  Now adjacent to 185 King, a beloved bar with live music in the heart of Brevard’s Lumberyard Arts District, Noblebräu serves up a variety of craft beer, snacks, and delicious sandwiches. (183 King St.)

Oskar Blues
When Colorado-based Oskar Blues opened in Brevard in 2012, owner Dale Katechis cited the unique quality of the pure mountain water as an impetus. Since then, the brewery has produced its ales, stouts, pilsners, and lagers for the East Coast, and has become a vital part of the community. Their annual events, which include everything from music festivals and holiday celebrations to cycling events, are can’t-miss dates on the Brevard calendar. (342 Mountain Industrial Dr.)

Upcountry Brewing
Craft beer veteran John Cochran founded UpCountry Brewing in nearby Asheville in 2016. He wanted to follow his passion for great beers and to create space for local music. He brought his diverse, eminently drinkable selection of brews and the easy, casual atmosphere of his west Asheville taproom to Brevard a few years later. These days, UpCountry’s taproom in Brevard’s Lumberyard district is a welcome spot to grab a pint. (212 King St Suite B) 

Check out these and other taprooms on ExploreBrevard.com. Read more about Brevard, including fun events like White Squirrel Weekend and Brevard Music Center Summer Festival.

See our Breweries & Cideries Guide for unique taps and tours.