The South Slope Ferment and the Appalachian Mist: A Pint at Burial Beer Co.

In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has earned its moniker as 'Beer City, USA.' But among the dozens of taprooms that line the streets of this Appalachian hub, one stands out for its deliberate embrace of the cycle of life and decay. Burial Beer Co., situated in the gritty, revitalized South Slope District, doesn't just brew beer; it curates an atmosphere that feels like a shared secret between the mountains and the city.

Walking into the taproom on Collier Avenue, you aren't greeted by the bright, neon-lit aesthetics of modern commercial breweries. Instead, you find aged wood, industrial steel, and an outdoor courtyard where the hum of the city blends with a sense of rural reclamation. Here, the focus is on the craft—heavy on hops, rich in malt, and deeply experimental with wild yeasts and local ingredients.

Local Story

The story of Asheville’s South Slope is one of radical transformation. For decades, this patch of the city was dominated by auto repair shops and warehouses. Burial Beer Co. opened its doors in 2013 as a small one-barrel system, founded by Jess and Doug Reiser and Tim Gormley. While others were chasing clean, crisp lagers, Burial leaned into the weird and the evocative. Their branding, heavy on scythes, skulls, and harvest imagery, isn't for shock value; it’s an homage to the agrarian lifestyle of the surrounding mountains where things grow, wither, and nourish the next generation.

Over the years, the brewery has expanded from its humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of the North Carolina beer scene. Yet, despite the growth, it retains a distinctively local soul. On any given afternoon, you’ll find residents sitting alongside travelers on the repurposed bus seats in the backyard, discussing the latest hazy IPA release or a complex barrel-aged stout that has been sleeping in the cellar for months. It is a place where the industrial past of the neighborhood meets the creative, botanical spirit of the French Broad River valley.

Experience Guide

Visiting Burial is a multisensory experience. Start in the taproom to see the hand-drawn art that adorns every can and tap handle, then head outside to the 'Beer Garden'—a space that feels more like a rustic backyard than a commercial establishment. The draft list is famously fluid, often featuring their flagship 'Surf Wax' IPA alongside rotating saisons brewed with local honey or foraged herbs.

If you find yourself hungry, the kitchen—known as Forestry Camp—often provides elevated, Appalachian-inspired fare that moves far beyond typical pub grub. Think smoked trout, seasonal vegetables, and locally sourced meats that mirror the complexity of the beers. If you're exploring the area, the Zuro app can help you map out a walking route through the South Slope to hit other iconic spots like Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium or Hi-Wire Brewing just a few blocks away.

The Art of the Name

One of the most striking things about Burial is the naming convention for their beers. Instead of simple titles, they often use poetic, almost haunting phrases like 'The Savagery of Being' or 'Shadowclock.' This literary approach reflects the brewery's philosophy: that beer should provoke a thought or a memory. They frequently collaborate with local artists and musicians, further embedding themselves into the creative fabric of Asheville. The labels are collectors' items in their own right, featuring intricate illustrations that tell the story of the liquid inside the can.

A Hub for the South Slope

While Burial is a destination in itself, it serves as an anchor for the South Slope District. This walkable neighborhood is the heart of Asheville’s craft revolution. From Burial’s courtyard, you are within a five-minute walk of more than half a dozen other breweries, each with its own personality. The district has become a living museum of urban renewal, where old brick facades are now canvas for vibrant murals and the air smells faintly of fermenting grain and mountain pine.