Drink Local Now!

Community comes first, before the beer, at D9 Brewing Company.  “The only way I will ever do this is if our primary focus is the community. Beer is a modality for me. I love beer. I’m an engineer. I can engineer the shit out of beer, but I have to have a reason to do something,” states D9 owner Andrew Durstewitz in episode #0067 of Drink Local Now. D9 Brewing Company, in Lake Norman, N.C., was started by two engineers and a doctor, with a mission to inspire and support community through the creation of exciting and original crafted ales. Since their inception in late 2014, they have invested in the scientific exploration of the natural world to produce the highest quality, and unquestionably original, crafted ales. Listen in on D9’s 4th anniversary party podcast hosted by D9 owner Andrew Durstewitz, Mark Durstewitz (Andrew’s dad), Brewpon’s Tommy Green, and Tyler “Jarraffe” Green. Joining the gang are Muddy River Distillery Owner Robbie Delaney,  D9 Quality Control Chemist Rachel Higgins,  D9 Director of Finance Brett Zabek, and Allie from Huntersville.

Tommy Green and Daiva McCandless share their nude modeling experiences with co-hosts Ben Wiggins and Chris Power. Daiva also shared some Event Horizon brew from her Great American Beer Festival award winning Olde Hickory Brewery. Father (Brad Rodgers) and son (Cam Rodgers), owners of The Casual Pint in South Asheville, welcomed us for yet another zany and intoxicated episode (#0066) of Drink Local Now.

“We are trying to change the mindset from that of warriors to that of guardians, from that of intimidators to that of protectors, and change the mindset of us versus them, to a community of we, ” declares Buncombe County Sheriff candidate Quentin Miller. A verbose cast of characters has this episode exceeding the 100 minute mark. If you feel you need to smoke a big fat joint to make it through, you’ll be pleased to hear county commission candidate Taylon Breeden and celebrated local broadcaster Jeff Messer tout legalization of marijuana. No arrests were made!

“Everyone thinks this guy is a genius because he spent all of his billions of dollars shooting a sports car into space that nobody can afford to buy. It is stupid,” expounds Marshall Pyle. Back again at Catawba Brewing, we are joined by the son of the great Artemis Pyle, the only surviving member of Lynyrd Skynyrd who walked away from the band’s tragic plane crash. We talked to Marshall about the time their family spent living in Israel, various odd jobs we have all had, and Elon Musk. The rest of the cast included Facebook agitator Ben Wiggins of Catawba Brewing, and Kieth Laguna of Rumors fame and Tonic Market. Chris Power and Tommy Green adeptly host episode #0064 of Drink Local Now.

“It’s very difficult for black music artists to play around, and try different genres and styles of art, because they are very regimented into one kind of close minded idea… especially for musicians. There is only a handful of black guys playing guitar that you can think of who are popular,” states Ween’s Claude Coleman, jr. in this incredible conversation featuring two local music legends, who are now business partners. Brett Spivey of Inspected by 13 and Claude are seeking funding and donations, opening the first music rehearsal facility ever in Asheville. Once the mission is complete, Brett plans to open Holy Spirits Brewing, converting an old church into a nano brewery. At the 38:53 mark, Ben Survant of Natural Born Leaders can be heard artfully singing and playing his acoustic, saving our listeners from complete and utterly boring chat. Alas, Rick Rice and Keith Laguna keep the conversation spirited, as Tommy Green stumbles his way through hosting the 63rd installment of Drink Local Now.

Mountain Ale and Lager Tasters (MALT) meets at Sierra Nevada’s upstairs play room for good times and really good home brew drinking. Founded in the late 20th century, the group exudes the essence of our vibrant and often weird Western North Carolina community. Discussed in yet another scintillating podcast hosted by Crowler Chris Power and Tommy Green, is the fine art of making home brewed craft elixirs. Guests include pharmacist Joe Rafferty, Trevor Gwillim of CARZ, sour brewer Justin Breitzke, and international welder Erich Seigler. And…… (drum roll) least we not forget Ted Clevenger of Asheville Brewers Supply? He’s become a regular! Our theme song is by Electric Gremlin, featuring Jay Armant, jr. of Fishbone fame.

Rick Rice crossed the 100 minute mark, without breaking the seal, setting a new World record. A seasoned veteran of broadcasting UNCA basketball, and Asheville Tourists baseball, he often sits for hours without relieving himself. Rick lasted 104 minutes, 34 seconds, never leaving the podcast to whiz, pounding delicious craft beer from Catawba Brewing the entire time. Rick’s dedication to performance and our show was truly admirable. Elk hunter Ben Wiggins graciously hosts the Drink Local Now team at the SoSlo tasting room, keeping the conversation lively and the craft beer flowing. Listen up to our longest, and dare say, most entertaining podcast to date.

The sign is hanging in French Broad River Brewery and dates back to before The Green Man buy out by Dennis. Green Man started in the back of Jack of Wood, but they weren’t the only ones who started there. Born around the same time, French Broad River Brewery started there, as well. In episode #0060 of Drink Local Now we are honored to be drinking craft beer with head brewer Aaron Wilson of French Broad, and Ted Clevenger of Ashevile Brewers Supply. Chris and Tommy are humbled by the knowledge of these Asheville craft beer legends, whose brewing relationship dates back a decade. Lots to be learned by listening, as Tommy points out, “I need to learn to shut the f*ck up!”

Fantasy Crime novelist, Matt Broadway, and Hendo guitar legend Eric Congdon join us at Monte’s Taproom for Homeplace Beer Company pint night. Tommy Green is an emotional mess, having fallen prey to social media reckoning. Chris Power takes the helm and artfully guides the dialogue. Matt brought us craft beer from the newly opened Triskelion Brewing Company, where Jonathon Ayers of Drink Local Now lore, is the master of brewing.

To start off 2018, we continue the discussion with craft brewer John Garcia at his Lookout Brewing in Black Mountain, NC. Transgender female Kaylah Mague joins our cast of misanthropes, bringing our show to a level of legitimacy, which Chris Power and Tommy Green are aspiring to reach. Topics discussed include: Lookout Brewing expansion Disc Golf Another Brewery Opening in Black Mountain How much the Asheville Brewers Alliance sucks Good Hops Brewing How much Wicked Weed sold for Appalachian Mountain Brewery is NOT a craft brewer John Garcia, Tommy Green, and Kaylah Mague

“If I’m not running for a beer or a donut, or running from something, I am not running,” proclaims disc golfer champ Jennifer McGibbon in episode #0057 of Drink Local Now. There was no running at the Collider, just eating and drinking and laughing… Look Out Brewing master brewer, John Garcia, assured us, “Green Man’s Trickster is an outstanding beer. John Stewart has been brewing great beer for years!” Tommy and Crowler are given a formal education on who really are the best craft brewers in Asheville, and who makes the very best craft beer in the World! Image Courtesy Indulge Images

The ginormous company that owns Corona, who also bought one time craft brewer Ballast Point for a billion dollars, recently purchased a stake in a humongous Canadian marijuana company for nearly $200 million. Corona has always branded themselves as a beach beer. It makes sense that they would be interested in another popular summer beach product: weed. What this means for our community is discussed by our local panel of experts in our 56th recording of Drink Local Now. Todd Stimson, Patty Peace Macomb, Meredith Bennett, and Tommy Green are high with laughter and such. This episode is brought you by the catnip dispensary Meowntain High.

Community is Brewing is Facebook LIVE with Jordan Okrend, where Drink Local Now investigators reveal the hoppenings at The Bud owned Wicked Weed Brewing. Jordan Okrend entertains when the hosts bore, playing tunes off his new hit album, as well as some Pink Floyd. Jordan’s dad, Phil (yes the famous pianist) does a cameo, and tells us how he got Jordan started on guitar at the age of seven. On Tap: Oskar Blues Hot Box Coffee IPA, French Broad Irish Stout.

Grammy Award winner Debrissa McKinney and Austin Haynes are the new power couple in town. DeBaustin? Michael Martinez fell off the World’s tallest water sphere in Union, New Jersey and lived to podcast with us at Pisgah Brewing for Chalwa’s residency. Benton Wharton, the Director of Events and good times at Pisgah, hosted us and shared his craft beer wisdom. Michael Franti and Debrissa McKinney did not speak on this episode. Natural Born Leaders’ Austin Haynes and Michael Martinez jump on stage with Chalwa to chat poetry. It’s a once and a lifetime collaboration not to be missed! Tommy Green explains how he unintentionally walked into this scene at Echo Mountain, having no idea what he saw, and didn’t realize what he saw, until Steve Martin started tweeting about it. Tommy Green labeled Chris Power as the whitest motherfreaker EVER, only to end up as the pot calling the kettle black. He twice referred to Ice T’s role in Straight Outta Compton. Much thanks and love to this episodes sponsors:

Tate MacQueen and Tommy Green are at Highland Brewing and have a chat with the guy who started it all, yes him! Oscar Wong! Mark Conti, one of Highland’s top guys with a fancy title, tells us all about the beer. The theme of the day is Jamaica, where both Oscar Wong and Ric Williams are from. Yes! We also talked to Ric Williams of Itals fame, and now Mystic Vibrations. Oscar hails from Kingston and Ric from Westmoreland. Lots of laughing and good times were had at the Winter Edition of Island to Highland at Highland Brewing.

We celebrate Stout Hog Day in it's 8th year at Pisgah Brewing. Free pancakes and many stout beers flow freely all day. Jonathan and Becky Ayers of the former Stagshead Brewing discuss the renaming of their operation of their soon to open TRISKELION BREWING in Hendo. Dave Quinn, the man who owns and started Pisgah Brewing years and years ago, talks to us about their upcoming expansion, his retirement from personally brewing beer, and the special guest performing their upcoming anniversary show. CHALWA is the main act, with Dennis Berndt and his players bringing the house down for yet another brilliant Stout Hog Day at Pisgah Brewing.

Jody Bender and Tommy Green went to Jack of the Wood for the Kevin Kinney Christmas Day Jam. Kevin talked to us, as well as Wild Adriatic’s Front Man Travis Gray, and Josh Daniel from the aptly named Josh Daniel/Mark Schimick Project. Jason Brodsky of Acoustic Syndicate was working the board and kindly shared a couple candies with Tommy. Between the candy and the Founders Day Coffee Breakfast Stout Tommy was sipping, things got messy quickly. However, time seemed to be moving very slowly. Jody deftly ran the podcast, and all in all, it was a fantastically great experience. Jack of The Wood had its best day ever, raising over $4,000 for Habitat for Humanity.

Jody Bender and Tommy Green head over to White Horse Black Mountain for their 8th Annual Winter Holiday Concert. Kevin Spears, Kalimba Man, and well known WNC photographer, Herb Way, start us off, setting an ambient tone for the evening. Next up, we were blown away by the phat and modish music of the 16 year old Ian Ridenhour. His integrity and maturity was both enlightening and refreshing. Soon after, we got down and dirty with the vivacious and very sexy Christine Garvin Christmas Go Go Dancers. BJ Leiderman, composer of NPR’s Morning Edition theme, was the Grand Finale of yet another epic podcast.

Chelsea Clinton and Warren Haynes join us for episode #0049… not really, but pretty close. Asheville City Councilman Brian Haynes, who is Warren Haynes brother, and Tim Weber, owner and head brewer of Twin Leaf Brewery, who hosted Chelsea Clinton just days before the Presidential Election, do join us for episode #0049 at Twin Leaf Brewery. Presidential politics and rock-n-roll were not discussed. Chris Power and Tommy Green stumble their way through the conversation, as Brian’s calm cool demeanor, and Tim’s extraordinary craft beer, make this an episode not to be missed!

Just days after the shocking election results, The Meditations rolled into Asheville to sooth our souls. The show at New Mountain AVL with CHALWA was epic, and after, Busker Matty Ryans and Brewpon Tommy Green have a fun chat with Ansel Cridland and Drayton Lumumba Chandell from truly, one of the most important reggae bands of all time. Included are sound checks, the band warming up, and Running from Jamaica, as well as a special singing of Woman Piabba just for us. Crucial.

Chief Black Fox from Standing Rock joins Tommy Green, Jody Bender, and Morgana Magdalene at THE BLOCK off Biltmore for episode #0047. Good clean water is essential to making great craft beer, and making great craft beer is exactly what the Native Americans in North Dakota plan to do with the clean water they are protecting at Standing Rock. Stand with Standing Rock. Save our beer!

A great cast of characters keep the conversation scintillating in episode #0046. We are at The Bunn House for an Asheville Affiliates hosted event Catawba Brewing sponsored. Just two days after the Presidential Election, we are all still in shock, aimlessly drinking our sorrows away. We had a really good time, though. The healing, and a renewed community activism, has begun!

The sober guys from Southern Growler get the show started with hosts Tommy Green and Jonathan Ayers at Asheville On Tap. Then Stuart Arnold of Fortnight Brewing Company shares his award winning beers, and Tommy Green gets really really really drunk. Lyric kindly graces us with her presence for a quick chat, despite Tommy’s debauchery. Check out an unedited episode #0045, where Jonathan Ayers does a great job of holding down the fort. Still… it get’s pretty Fugly.

North Carolina State Representative John Ager joins us for Hemp Wednesdays at THE BLOCK off Biltmore. Hemp is soon to be the new cash crop for the Southern States. Raleigh’s Tyler Cromartie, Hendo’s Chris Power, and Dark Matter’s Tommy Green chat it up with Hickory Nut Gap Farm’s John Ager about the current status of North Carolina hemp legalization in episode #0044.

Sierra Nevada Owner Brian Grossman humbly describes himself as a second generation brewer. We know him as the owner of of one of best companies in the world, practicing conscious capitalism and sustainability. “As soon as beer making becomes a job, you’ve f**ked up,” say Brian. “You need to be passionate about what you are doing.” In episode #0043 Brian educates us on the finer points of making quality beer, and his philosophies on life which help him to run Sierra Nevada. Brad and Brandi Hillman, of soon to open Hillman Beer on Sweeten Creek Road, as well as artisan glass blowers, also join us on this epic episode at Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest.

Our second release during Asheville FM fund drive week, episode #0042, features Michael Greenfield of Ashevile Community Yoga, Jody Bender a Stern Super Fan, Busker Matt Ryans, Weaverville resident Cindy Zalman-Wol­hart, and Tommy Green of Brewpon. Crazy fun times were had at Catawba Brewing’s South Slope tap room, where Jody had a blind date with Chuckie who joined us on the podcast at first sight!

Asheville FM Fund Drive has kicked and in conjunction junction what’s your function? We are releasing a podcast every day! Listen to Ashevile FM’s own P-Funk educate us on what Asheville FM community radio is all about. All this week come on by the station on Haywood Road in West Asheville for free coffee provided by Firestorm Cafe and Books, and many free goodies to choose from, like CD’s and vinyl…. just give a small donation to keep the station up and running for all of us.

Burlesque at Trade and Lore Coffee with Deb au Nare, Co-host Morgana Magdalene, The Catfish and Tommy Green. Install the FREE BREWPON app available in Android and Apple app stores to listen to this humbling podcast on the true art form of burlesque… it ain’t just about seeing these beautiful women’s tatas!

“It is actually impossible. There is no way you can experience what another person experiences, but just the act of trying to understand what somebody else is going through is critical. The World would be in a lot better condition if enough people were at least just attempting to be empathetic,” says Brian J of the band Pimps of Joytime in episode #0039, recorded at Pisgah Brewing. We just might vote for Brian J as a write in candidate in the upcoming election. Right?

One of the first breweries in Asheville, Altamont Brewing, recently changed hands, and is now UpCountry Brewing. The same charming place that was Altamont – the brewery with the most character in Asheville – will continue on with the same community standards, under the new name UpCountry. You will find the same people, same dogs, and same staff as before! What’s different? The assistant brewer from Altamont, Jordan Veale, is now the Head Brewer at UpCountry, giving us certitude that great beer will continue to flow from their taps. Executive Chef Matt Covich, an avid disc golfer, has moved to Asheville from Athens, GA and created a delicious contemporary southern menu. Pizza and burgers are still served, as before… but now, they are worth every penny! Brewer Jordan Veale, Manager Nicole Flynn, Crowler Chris Power, and Brewpon Tommy Green chat it up in episode #0038.

Our next Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper, was on hand for the Brian Turner Oktoberfest at New Belgium Brewing. Asheville Beer Lawyer Derek Allen, Burlesque Queen Morgana Magdalene, join Brewpon Tommy Green for a scintillating beer chat with North Carolina Representative Brian Turner.

Since 2006 CHALWA has been jamming its brand of high country reggae across North Carolina and Jamaica. Playing as many nights as their wives allow, they are one of the hardest working bands around. Which is somewhat ironic, as their melodic sounds sooth the soul. Its lots of fun, and we were lucky to chat with CHALWA members Dennis Berndt, Timothy Marsh, and Nethali Percival, just moments before they had to jump on stage at Southern Appalachian Brewery for yet another epic performance. Kensman Jonathan Ayers (Stagshead Brewing) and Brewpon Tommy Green facilitate the conversation.

Another Wednesday Hemp Day finds us at The BLOCK off Biltmore chatting with toasts of the town Joe Greene and Cecil Bothwell… and toast is exactly what we did! Both of these gentlemen work hard with our community, forging relationships, bringing people together to help one another, and live as one. Crowler Chris Power and Brewpon Tommy Green are humbled by the presence of these two Super Asheville Citizens. Give it a listen… find out what went down at Wednesday Hemp Day!

Local Burlesque performer Morgana Magdalene sits down on us (wishful thinking), rather with us, at THE BLOCK off Biltmore for discussion on the art form, distinguishing it from stripping. A new generation nostalgic for the spectacle and glamour of the old times has been determined to bring burlesque back, and we have a thriving scene here in Asheville. We don’t care what you call it, as hot as Morgana is, we approve of her undressing. Crowler Chris Power, Busker Matt Ryan, and Brewpon Tommy Green chat it up with burlesque performer Morgana Magdalene…. ITS HOT!

What began as home brewers searching for higher quality yeast, quickly grew into a team of dedicated biochemists exploring new ways to advance brewing altogether. Today, White Labs stands at the intersection of science, education and craft. Constantly striving for perfection, and in the process continually raising the bar in the art of fermentation. In episode #0033, join White Labs owner and renowned yeast author Chris White, as he chats it up at THE BLOCK off Biltmore with Crowler Chris Power and Brewpon Tommy Green.

Doug Fine is an American author, journalist, humorist, and goat herder. He has been a freelance journalist for such organizations as the Washington Post, Salon, U.S. News and World Report, Sierra, Wired, Outside, National Public Radio, and many other venues. His investigative reporting has taken him to five continents, often to remote locations like Burma, Rwanda, Laos, Guatemala and Tajikistan. One of his dispatches, on Burmese democracy efforts, was read into the Congressional Record. Fine won numerous awards for his radio reporting from rural Alaska before he moved to New Mexico. He joins us at Highland Brewing for HempX Asheville where good vibes and times were pervasive. David Newsom from Palmetto Harmony, Asheville Busker Matt Ryans, Tennessee Tebow, and Brewpon Tommy Green chat it up together.

Catawba Brewing is expanding. A new city. A new location. It’s forth location. The Beer Ambassador, Jo Doyle, and Director of Brewing Operations, Kevin Sondey, join Brewpon Tommy Green and Crowler Chris Power at Catawba Brewing’s South Slope location for episode #0031. Just hours after Tim Kaine’s epic harmonic performance, the crew is beaming, excited to be just a few feet away from where our next Vice President made jamming history.

David Newsom of Palmetto Harmony enlightens us in episode #0029 at THE BLOCK off Biltmore for Hemp Wednesdays. The miracle medicine Cannabidiol (CBD) is celebrated with an event hosted by The Brians, Brian Bullman and Brian Morris, of Carolina Hemp Company. Busker Matt Ryans joins us, helping host Tommy Green to stay on track. Tommy’s ADHD makes it very challenging for him to host a podcast.

Anheuser-Busch InBev is not ruining the craft beer we drink… quite the contrary. ABInBev, soon to merge with another giant beer corporation, facilitates the distribution of craft beer so that all American’s can have a taste at a fair price. Epsidoe #0028 had an all star cast at Bhramari Brewhouse that included Beer Guy Tony Kiss, Bud of Asheville Chad Wood, Bhramari Brewing and culinary extraordinaire Gary Sernack, and hosts Brew Papa Tommy Green and Crowler Chris Power. Tinder brought us together.

Another fun Asheville Beer Club Meetup and Pint Night (Wicked Weed) at THE BLOCK off Biltmore. Special guests Andy Sharpe and Wyatt Freeman of Wicked Weed provided us with information on new releases and a new future location. Tommy Green got really drunk, and wouldn’t shut up, stop laughing, and talking incessantly about the greatness of Pokemon Go. A sober Chis Power expertly guides the interview, where the discussion is quality craft beer, and how sours are unquestionably the future of craft beer.

Authors of North Carolina Craft Beer and Breweries, Sarah Ficke and Erik Lars Myers, join us at THE BLOCK off Biltmore for episode #0026. “If you know the people from the brewery and you know their story, you will get a good idea of what their beer tastes like.” These two, now married, met when Erik was directing Sarah in a play. These days, a brewer and owner of Mystery Brewing, Erik dresses in beaver drag, while Sarah is a Professor of English at Marymount University.

Lesbian comedians Jennie McNulty and Vickie Shaw take it all off in episode #0025. The talk is gun control, entertaining the troops, guard dogs and cats, women’s professional football and doing comedy in a church. Service Pale Ale is on tap, a beer brewed by a veteran-owned and operated craft brewery in Savannah, GA dedicated to honoring those that have put their lives at risk and their country and community first. Tate MacQueen and Tommy Green expertly steer this raucous affair.

Special guest Tony Kiss “The Beer Guy” discusses the history and future of the Asheville beer scene. Not so special guest, Stump Mutts guitarist, Drink Local Now Prophet Derek Allen, joins the riveting craft beer discussion as well, in episode #0024. Chis Power and Tommy Green were also on hand drinking craft beer. Tony drank water, recovering from a weekend of hard work visiting a multitude of breweries over the weekend. Life’s a bitch… but Tony’s not complaining.

Fishbone joined us for episode #0023 before their show at The Grey Eagle. Angelo Moore shared his secret for staying active on stage – putting tiger balm on his taint. We were lucky to have Flying Jay with us, as we interrupted his ritual of smoking weed on the bus. Tall Paul, former Skellatones keyboardist, a.k.a. Lerch, has tough balls and spent his afternoon at the Wedge before joining us. He loves their Iron Rail IPA.

The very first rum barrel bourbon aged beer and the very first sour beer made in Asheville were brewed by Mike Karnowski at Dirty Jacks several years ago. Now known as the King of Specialty, Mike has his own production brewery in Weaverville, where he brews historical, forgotten, and mythological beers. Find out if the haze brings anything to an IPA, as Monique Ruiz and Tommy Green zone out, while Jonathan Ayers and Mike Karnowski geek out. Dedicating upcoming beers to Prince, Muhammad Ali, and Albert Hoffman (the inventor of LSD) we were lucky to taste Prince in episode #0022.

Keith Laguna and Angelica Caporuscio, owners of Tonic MRKT in the Asheville Outlet Mall, join us for episode #0021. Tommy Green gets drunk pounding New Holland Dragons Milk in stupor awe of this incredible couple and their story, while Crowler skillfully manages the interview. Tonic MRKT is the only bottle shop and craft beer bar in an outlet mall in the nation. The ALE and ABC of North Carolina gave approval for Tonic MRKT to allow its customers to walk out their door drinking beer and go shopping throughout the mall.

Owner Mike Weeks and brewer Jeremy Bruder drink local now with us for episode #0020 at their Fifth Season Gardening hydroponic and homebrew store on Tunnel Road in East Asheville. Find out about the oldest bar tab in the World and horse blanket on the flavor wheel (ref: cat piss #0016). “More esoteric styles of beer are on the horizon and less innovation,” postulates Jeremy. Local hops growning in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Mexican hops, Australian hops, and Sierra Nevada’s trademark ownership of a specific type of hop are cheery topics of discourse. Though tropical plants are the big sellers at Fifth Season, we go for the great craft beer on tap and their all-gender bathrooms.

Carolina Hemp Company’s Brian Bullman and Brian Morris (The Brians) join us in the old YMI building, home to Community is Brewing, for episode #0019. Cannabis has “blazed” a trail into the national spotlight thanks to the legalization battle and provocative new studies on its health benefits. Mounds of research and media events like Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s CNN Special Report WEED have shed light on cannabis’s potential to treat cancer, seizures, multiple sclerosis (MS), glaucoma, pain and other ailments. However, the entire conversation still revolves around marijuana, the high-THC strain of cannabis that makes you “high.” Little attention has been paid to hemp, the low-THC, high-cannabidiol (CBD) strain that not only has substantial health benefits, but also has enormous potential to benefit our environment.

“Our Asheville Community is about working together to create local economy, so we can live here with the quality of life we all came here for,” says Marilyn Ball in episode #0018 of Drink Local Now. Tim Schaller, owner of the Wedge Brewery, and Marilyn Ball from Speaking of Travel, make for an all-star cast on a beautiful afternoon on location at The Wedge. Community is Brewing’s new home, dirty bong water, traveling to Cuba, and the craft lifestyle are just a few of the many topics covered. F***k HB2!

The scintillating and vivacious Monique “Man Eater” Ruiz proves herself as a podcast host extraordinaire in episode #0016 of Drink Local Now. Whether discussing Tommy Green’s micro-penis, cat piss on the flavor wheel, or going head-to-head with Jonathan Ayers on craft beer expertise, the Man Eater holds her own. Crowler, Kinsman, Man Eater, and Little Dickie taste a variety of craft beers before gulping them all down.

Ceelo Green and Gary Sernack at Bhramari Brewhouse enjoying infused beer. Craft Lifestyle. Great beer. Local. Great Burgers. Star Wars. Investing in Community. Hard Sodas. Tattoos. Harry Potter…and uh… great craft beer! Ain’t that some shit? “I really fucking like this place,” says Tommy Green. “When can we come back for more podcasting?”