Green Beer

There's a Serious Sustainable Beer Culture in Appalachia

Graham Averill, a writer for Blue Ridge Outdoors, recently invited readers along for a brewery tour in the Appalachian Mountains. He traveled to breweries all over the Southern Appalachia. From Athens' Terrapin Beer Co. to Atlanta's Sweetwater Brewery, Averill hit all the breweries known for producing the best and brightest local brews. He also visited one of my favorite breweries in Asheville, Highland Brewing Company, and Charlottesville's hometown favorite Star Hill.

Perhaps the most eco-friendly beer of them all comes from the Pisgah Brewing Company in Black Mountain, N.C. It's the only Southeastern brewery currently certified organic for each of their brews. While other breweries might produce a special organic brew, Pisgah produces nothing but organic.

Even if you don't like beer as much as I do, raise a glass or two of organic ales this summer. Don't overlook other brands as well (like Wolaver).