The River Arts District Brewing Company
About us
We are a community brewery focused on creating high-quality ales and lagers and fostering a comfortable customer experience. Our brewery and taproom is housed in a century-old stonecutter's workshop in a secluded glen at the gateway to the River Arts District. We offer ample indoor and outdoor seating on a wrap-around deck and in our beer garden.
Set inside a restored century-old stonecutter’s workshop, our family-owned taproom pairs original character with a deck, beer garden, board games, and a dog-friendly welcome. When hunger joins the party, explore food truck options from Master BBQ or weekday lunch delivery from The Grey Eagle Taqueria across the street. Come find your pour and stay awhile.
The Early Days
Our founding brewer, Robert "Lem" Lemery, was initially drawn to homebrewing because of the camaraderie and socialization…and the sharing of the final product. Soon he learned that he had a knack for, and thoroughly enjoyed, the process. It didn't hurt that his recipes made delicious beer. He began an internship at a small brewery, Cricket Hill, in his home state of New Jersey before taking a job at Brooklyn Brewery as a packaging tech and cellarman. Through five years at Brooklyn Brewery he worked up to head cellarman and brewer. He was given the opportunity to create and develop recipes and improve on brewing and operating techniques.
Big Things are Brewing
But the mountains were calling…and Lem was offered a role as a brewer at the Wicked Weed pub in downtown Asheville. He was soon promoted to head brewer and spent nearly 3 years writing and developing recipes for the pub as well as the pilot programs for widespread brand releases. The work at Wicked Weed was incredibly fulfilling but the ultimate end goal was always to open a small taproom brewery of his own and it was time to embark on that journey. He left in November of 2019, visited the property and stonecutter shop in March of 2020, and the plans to renovate that site and build a brewery there were immediately put into motion.
Beer First
We believe all of our beers should be "beer first". We will incorporate fruits, spices, and also non-traditional brewing ingredients, but the core of each brand will be the base beer style the recipe was built off of.
Variety
Our small-batch brewing system, and expertise in a wide range of styles, makes variety the cornerstone of our menu. We will experiment with modern styles, as well as brew classic and international styles. Over time, flagships will be identified and seasonal staples will grace the menu, but our draft selections will be in a constant state of change. Despite this commitment to variety, the menu will always feature key styles and flavor profiles, ensuring there is something familiar for every guest with each visit.
The Future is RAD
It is unknown what kept the brewery from opening sooner…but we're grateful to be a part of the River Arts District community and look forward to serving you for years to come.
About us
We are a community brewery focused on creating high-quality ales and lagers and fostering a comfortable customer experience. Our brewery and taproom is housed in a century-old stonecutter's workshop in a secluded glen at the gateway to the River Arts District. We offer ample indoor and outdoor seating on a wrap-around deck and in our beer garden.