Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Asheville’s ever-popular, ever-growing craft beer scene is attracting entrepreneurs who have brewed up their own ideas to cash in on the beer scene’s appeal. Here’s a look a few:
Brewfully
Brewfully is the only custom craft beer platform that allows people to pre-order beer online from breweries and pick up their order in the taproom. Built by Wide Open Tech, a digital design agency in Asheville, Brewfully had a successful launch with their first brewery customer, Wilmington Brewing Company.
Wed developer Elizabeth Evans says that Wilmington Brewing Company gave beer fans a chance to pre-order their very first special bottle release called The Goblin Queen Raspberry Saison on Brewfully. Goblin Queen completely sold out before the deadline, and on release day the taproom was packed with customers who appreciated not having to wait in line.
Wide Open Tech is looking for local breweries to sign-up and use Brewfully for their next small batch or special beer releases. “Having users pre-pay for limited release brews allows the brewery to experiment without the risk of putting resources towards a product that might not sell,” says John Cornelius, founder of Wide Open Tech and Brewfully, via a press release.
Brewfully is free to sign up for everyone and there’s no monthly subscription fee. Just great craft beer.
Brewed Clues
Rachel Johnson is the founder and sole employee of Brewed Clues, a new business that’s established in Raleigh, Charlotte and Carrboro and moving into Asheville. The idea with Brewed Clues is that people follow clues to three bars and blindly sample half pints of craft beer while they try to solve a mystery with provided clues. The first Brewed Clues in Asheville is set for May 17.
The cost of the self-guided tour is $25, which includes three half pints of North Carolina craft beer, tip, and mission materials. The tour is focused on Asheville’s South Slope and lasts about two hours.
Brewpon
Tommy Green launched Brewpon, Asheville’s beer smart phone app, in March 2016. Users who download the app can browse breweries, pubs and grub, check out local beer events, find beer on tap, and more, according to a press release. The app is free to download in both the Apple store and Google Play. Users can create a profile and find other information, such as breweries near you; last call time; and what time the kitchen closes, assuming food is served on site; as well as address, phone number, activities, and driving directions.
Brew-Ed Tours
Founded by Cliff Mori in 2013, Brew-Ed leads brewery tours around Asheville. Mori also offers business consulting services and on-site bartender and staff training. Mori also offers customized private events built around a craft beer experience.
Other tours
Lazoom Band and Beer Bus Tour
The Amazing PubCycle
Asheville Brewery Tours
