Thirsty Monk Holy Water

Asheville’s Thirsty Monk brewpub announced a new concept in its lineup of locations serving beer and hard seltzer. To be dubbed Thirsty Monk Holy Water Hard Seltzer Brewpub & Sushi, the seltzery in Gerber Village shopping center will serve a variety of hard seltzers on tap. A variety of sushi will round out the low carb focus of the new concept from Thirsty Monk.

The concept is the fourth iteration at this location for owner Barry Bialik, who operates Thirsty Monk pubs in downtown Asheville and Biltmore Park.

The Gerber Village location was originally opened by Bialik as Thirsty Monk South, then morphed into Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, and in late 2019, reopened as 2×4 Brewpub.

The pandemic and associated shutdowns have caused pivots in both operating strategies and brewing.

Bialik introduced Holy Water hard seltzer to rave reviews, and garnered a gold medal at 2020 U.S. Open Cider and Beverage Championship. The Apple, Cinnamon, & Nutmeg hard seltzer clocks in at 7.6% ABV.

“As with our beers, a lot of intent goes into every Holy Water recipe, so we’re very excited to see our efforts pay off with this level of recognition. And personally, our Holy Water Juniper Spruce is my current favorite and reminds me of a tasty Gin and Tonic,” Bialik told the NC Beer Guys.

Through the pandemic, the seven-barrel brewing facility has continued to produce both Holy Water and Monk Beer. The new brewpub has bar seating and indoor and outdoor tables for dining and drinking.

The iconic downtown location of Thirsty Monk remains closed due to Covid-19 social distancing mandates, but is expected to reopen this month. After expanding to Portland and Denver, the company closed its taprooms there in March of 2020. The Denver location in City Park West Neighborhood opened in 2018, and Thirsty Monk Portland opened in the Hawthorne community in 2017.

Paul Friedheim continues to serve as head brewer.

Caroline Hill
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