Dirty Jack’s, founded in 1997, is the original Green Man brewery location and combines garage chic with great beer and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a favorite of Asheville locals, but tourists and visitors are made to feel part of the gang. Don’t expect any fancy decor. The tasting bar sits adjacent to the brewery operation and stainless steel beer vat. The walls are adorned with antique brewing paraphernalia.
In a town with plenty of micro-breweries to choose from, the Green Man operations, including Dirty Jack’s, remain among the best. You can even bring your dog (leashed, please) to Dirty Jack’s. There’s a pet-friendly patio out in the back.
On the (minimal) down side, Dirty Jack’s doesn’t serve food. However, if you get hungry, you can usually find at least one of the city’s excellent food trucks parked in the vicinity. Dirty Jack’s is also just a little tricky to find for non-locals, but well worth the effort.
The laid-back atmosphere and well-trained beertenders made this a great venue for serious beer lovers as well as those just venturing away from mass market brews.
A few of our favorite beers at Dirty Jack’s include: (all of these are available year-round)
IPA
This pale ale is the most popular and the flagship of the Green Man offerings. Made with traditional English hops that give this brew its rich amber color, Green Man IPA has a wonderful bitterness and a pleasant floral aroma. We think it’s a good all-purpose beer, whether you’re watching the latest soccer match or just stopping by for a quick one after shopping.
The Rainmaker
This sought-after double IPA is the beer with the highest alcohol content among the brewery regular offerings. That’s not the only reason we love it, however. We like the complexity that being brewed with four different types of hops gives it as well as its smooth finish. It’s easy to see why it’s earned a 98 rating of ratebeer.com.
Porter
The Green Man porter is rich, dark and creamy, but still easy to drink. We like to think of it as a meal in a beer glass. The English-style porter has almost a chocolate-y taste.
Wayfarer
This light IPA is our summer favorite at Green Man. It’s refreshing and has a citrus-y flavor without being overpowering as well as a smooth finish. The Wayfarer is also a good place to start if you’re unfamiliar with Green Man beers.
Rambler Pale Ale
Green Man Brewery calls the Rambler a “spring ale,” but we enjoy all year round. It’s brewed with American hops in the English tradition, which translates to a light, smooth, memorable beer.
Insider Tips:
-Brewery tours are offered year round Thursday through Sunday and lasts about one hour. You can sign up via the Green Man website or ask the bartender when you arrive.
-This unpretentious drinking establishment has not gone unnoticed by celebrities visiting the area. Sandra Bullock, Willem Defoe, Woody Harrelson and Andie McDowell have all visited Dirty Jack’s.