The Adventures of Allen & Opie. Asheville, pg 2.
So...after a lunch of a few spicy fish tacos at White Duck Taco Shop Opie was still determined to get to daydrinkin' in downtown Asheville, because after all it was Friday, it was a Holiday, and it was BEER WEEK! But alas...everything seemed to open later. We trusted our goal to our host "JJ Cool Jones" who led us wandering until we ended up at Jack of the Wood, a cozy Celtic style pub in downtown A'ville. They are the original home of Green Man Brewing (1996), makers of the IPA Opie had to start his day.
They specialize in hand crafted English style ales, live music, and a good group of people, many of whom were crowded around the central black walnut bar. It was after all, early afternoon and daydrinkin' time! Jack of the Wood was a sort of incubator for many of the local early breweries in town with people working there that went on to work at or found other great spots. (French Broad Brewing, Wedge Brewing, Lexington Avenue Brewing) Opie spotted something special on the menu, a Cask Porter. Bam! As you know, cask beers are a bit rarer then most others due to their ageing process. It was smooth, creamy, and boldly delicious without any burnt notes what so ever. Wow. Opie's review; ("I liked it. It was good.")
After a few of those cask porters we ventured into the sunlight to see if anywhere else was open yet. There was a bit of a queue across the street at The Thirsty Monk and Opie smelled swag. Yeah! A place that opened early, 3 pm!! Being who he is, Opie was called to the front of the line. Cool "O-Possums" are in quite large demand on the brew drinking circuit, just look at Russell Crowe! It was a Beer Week celebration with 21st Brewing Co. providing the goods. Opie scored some cool shades and a few pint glasses for "JJ Cool Jones" for his crib. I know, I know, 21st is not an NC group but they celebrate the most important amendment to the US constitution that ever was, the repeal of prohibition! Get your drink on! (Legally of course and have your limo driver do the wheel work like Opie does, or please, use a DD or take a cab.)
Opie will fill you in on the particulars of prohibition next time, he is after all a constitutional scholar too. More on The Thirsty Monk too because with an up and downstairs bar you need to know. Check these places out when you are in Asheville: Jack of the Wood, 95 Patton Ave., Asheville NC, 828-252-5445, www.pubmanager@jackofthewood.
Allen and Opie
Pics: Opie with two Cask Porters at Jack of the Wood and Opie with swag at The Thirsty Monk.
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