The Whale A Craft Beer Collective — Restaurant in Asheville

My “home” bar after my weekly radio show on Sundays. The wonderful thing about the Whale is it feels very local. We have been going to the Whale for many years, prior to Covid in fact, because I host a weekly radio show down the street that ends at 6pm, So at 6:01 we take the guests, who are all poets and writers, to the Whale. At one point, the bartender joked that we should host a satellite version of our radio show there and call it “poetry and pints” so the Whale feels like home.

This place is magnificent for so many reasons. The draft selection is excellent, and the bartenders are well acquainted with all of the offerings! Many places have a wonderful selection of beer. But what differentiates the Whale is the incredibly knowledgeable staff. Shout out especially to Josh! He knows I love a big, juicy IPA, but he knows I also like high gravity, and something with a little citrus. And something that’s a bit hazy, and not too grassy. I know that sounds a bit specific, but every single time, Josh knows exactly what I want. if he doesn’t have what I want on draft, he is not hesitant to recommend from the wonderful selection of cans and bottles that they have.

When I’m not in the mood for a beer, there’s a gorgeous red wine that is available. They even have cold sakes when I’m not in the mood for either. And my husband is a cider fan, and they always have some interesting options. My only complaint is they used to have mead by the glass, and then there was a distributor situation or something, but I would love to see them return to a few affordable traditional meads by the glass. But that doesn’t diminish an excellent experience… Every… Single… Time.

The music selection is wonderful! When we go on Sundays, they play a full album, often something fabulous like The Fixx.

Inside it feels cozy in the winter, but we cannot forget about the magnificent patio they have with heaters. For three seasons a year we sit outside…and during Covid, we sat outside even if it was freezing, and cuddled up next to one of the heaters and just brought blankets. It was so nice to be able to go out, and feel safe outside, while still feeling cozy

The Whale...

If you're looking for an exceptional craft beer experience, look no further than The Whale Asheville! From the moment you step inside this cozy and welcoming spot, you'll know that you've found something special. I come here all the time with my wedding couples to plan their days out.

The beer selection is simply outstanding, with a carefully curated list of rare and unique brews that will delight even the most discerning beer aficionados. Whether you're into IPAs, stouts, sours, or something else entirely, you're sure to find something that tickles your taste buds here.

But it's not just the beer that makes The Whale so special - it's the atmosphere and the service as well. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about beer, and they're always happy to share their recommendations and insights.

And the atmosphere is just perfect for relaxing and enjoying a great beer. Whether you're sitting at the bar chatting with the friendly bartenders or sinking into a cozy chair with a good book, you'll feel right at home at The Whale.

Overall, I can't recommend The Whale Asheville highly enough. It's a must-visit spot for anyone who loves craft beer and warm, welcoming environments. Five...

Biggest and best beer selection I've seen. Since moving to the area 9 months ago, I've been focusing on the many great breweries. Only recently decided to search for craft beer bars. OMG! The draft list is not just a broad selection, but is filled with excellent brews - with several outstanding brews. The bottle list, including the cellar list is quite large and is likewise filled with many great beers - some among the best in the world. The 3 Fonteinen selection is mind boggling, as just one example. This is THE place for serious craft beer lovers. Indoor seating is very limited but there's plenty of outside seating. Parking on-premise is also very limited but there's plenty of parking at the adjacent church. Food is not offered - but there's a restaurant in the same building and another right next door. This is my new...