New Belgium Brewer looking at the river and the Liquidation Center
We had a great day taking a tour of the New Belgium Brewing Company and yes beer was involved. Often when we think of beer we also think of the water to make it, thank you Rocky Mountains, anyway the Liquidation Center and the buildings where they actually make the beer nicely overlook the French Broad River, which makes it a beautiful location. It is also near the River Arts district so you can make a full day of exploring Asheville.
If you are thinking about visiting on a weekend be sure to make your tour reservations online well ahead of time. The weekend tours of the brewery typically sell out. Also keep in mind if you would like to see the brewing in action you will want to come on a weekday, the brewery is inactive on weekends. You can still take a tour of the brewery, but be aware there will be no one else in the brewery except your tour group and your tour guide
There is plenty of seating inside and outside. During the winter there is a fire pit to warm up by and check their website as they host many events. When we were there it was Trivia night and the Liquidation Center was packed. There is a new walkway along the river if you need to take a break or to just enjoy the river. They also have bands to listen too and food trucks (a different one on different days, again check their website) if you need a quick bite to eat.
Jeff Lebesch started New Belgium Brewing Company, in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a trip to Belgium in 1988. The first two beers created were the Abbey and the Fat Tire Beer. They are still brewed today. In 2016, there was a double celebration for the company, the opening of their second location in Asheville and the 25th anniversary of New Belgium – quite a year.
The Brewery is employee-owned and its employees have a strong sense of being part of something that gives back to the community, is environmentally friendly and from what I saw the employees seem to like to work there. The company has 10 core values, with #10 being – having fun! On an employees first anniversary, they become owners of the company and they are given a new Fat Tire cruiser bike.
Inside the Liquidation Center
Before or after, or both you can hang out at the Liquidation Center. You can order a Taster = $2 year-round beers / $2.50 Lips of Faith. There are a wide variety of beers to try including – Sour, Fruit like Tartastic Strawberry Lemon Ale Fruit Beer, Glütiny Pale Ale, which is Gluten-Free and beers like Voodoo Ranger 8 Hop Pale Ale, Abbey and of course Fat Tire Beer – a lot to take in.
During the tour, you learn a lot about the company, how the beer is made and the history of the area where the brewery is. Interesting things like at one time this property was used by a circus, so inside the brew building are several art pieces in remembrance of the circus. Of course, of course, there are many samples to try during the tour too. AND on top of all that, the tour is free.
Special Event – April 21, 2018 New Beer Release – Bicycle Kick – Kölsch style ale that’s crisp and refreshing
Important Info from New Belgium’s Website
Address
New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven Street
Asheville, NC 28806 USA
Tour de New Belgium
For live story-telling, beer-sampling, art-gazing fun, check out our tour calendar.
- Reserve tour tickets online. They book up quickly.
- Tours are 90 minutes long. They start at 11:30 a.m. (Sundays 12:30 p.m.) and leave every hour on the half hour until 4:30 p.m.
- Beer sampling will occur during your tour.
- Tours are open to people of all ages. Kids are welcome on tours, but of course, only those 21+ can sample beer.
- Dogs are not allowed on tours.
Hours
Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday: 12-8 p.m.
If you’re allergic to crowds, we suggest visiting us on a Tuesday.
