Flat Top Brewing Company’s Grand Opening July 5, Celebration in Banner Elk Takes Place All Day

By Jesse Wood

July 1, 2014. Flat Top Brewing Company, the High Country’s newest brewery, celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, July 5, from noon to 8 p.m.

The Banner Elk-based brewery features a tasting room that will have these Flat Top Brewing Company beers on tap with some available in growlers:

  • Black Rye IPA
  • Prolific Pale Ale
  • IPA
  • Kolsch
  • Belgian Witbier
  • Stout
  • Seasonal IPA

In addition to the local craft beer, a BBQ joint will be catering during the grand opening to the tunes of two live bands: Deep Creek Bluegrass from noon to 2:30 p.m. and Rusty Stars 4 to 7 p.m. A ribbon cutting takes place at noon.

This brewery has been in the works for couple years now. Initially slated for the business incubator at the county-owned old Banner Elk Elementary School before the Avery County Board of Commissioners nixed that proposal.

The brewery operation and tasting room is located at 567 Main Street in Banner Elk. For more information, click to http://flattopbrewing.com.

When the entire operation is up and running, Flat Top Brewing Company will sell pints, pitchers, growlers and kegs in the tasting room and will also distribute kegs and cans. The Bayou Smokehouse and Grill, which is located a few blocks down the road, recently tapped the inaugural keg of Flat Top’s Profile Pale Ale.

The four flagship Flat Top Brewing Company beers will be a Pale Ale, IPA, Black Rye IPA and probably a Kolsch, owner Nathan Paris said. Flat Top will also brew four seasonals, an apple cider and four mini-seasonals of one-run quantities per year.

In addition to the alcoholic beverages, Flat Top Brewing Company will also make birch beer and root beer for nondrinkers and kids. After pointing this out, Paris, who has three kids of his own, mentioned that Flat Top Brewing Company wants to be kid friendly establishment.

More info from company’s website:

“We’ll also have Riri’s Birch Beer and Sparkling Water available for $1.

Pints are $4, Flights are $6, and we will have 32 oz. Growlers of Profile Pale Ale, IPA, and Black Rye IPA available for $12.  Refills will be $7.

Local restaurants have begun carrying our Refreshingly Elevated Beer, including: Banner Elk:  Bayou Smokehouse and Dunn’s Deli. Boone:  COBO, Char, and TApp Room.  We are actively seeking new accounts, so if your local watering hole is not currently carrying Flat Top Brewing Company, let them know that we’re available!!!!

Restaurant and bar owners – contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our brewery.  We would love to work with you on special events and get into your tap rotation!”

For more information about the new brewery and tasting room, read this prior article and view photos below: https://www.hcpress.com/business/flat-top-brewing-co-grand-opening-slated-for-july-5-banner-elk-brewery-latest-to-open-in-high-country.html

A look at the brewery operation.
A look at the brewery operation.
A listing of some of the beer offerings. Eventually, 12 brews will be on tap everyday.
A listing of some of the beer offerings. At least, 6 brews will be on tap everyday.
This is the pilot system that Flat Top utilizes to try out new brews in small quantities.
This is the pilot system that Flat Top utilizes to try out new brews in small quantities.
The tasting room of Flat Top Brewing Company.
The tasting room of Flat Top Brewing Company.
The entrance to the tasting room.
The entrance to the tasting room.
Paris stands with the massive brewing equipment.
Paris stands with the massive brewing equipment.
The tasting room includes a bar and tables for folks to mingle and enjoy a drink.
The tasting room includes a bar and tables for folks to mingle and enjoy a drink.
Paris looks on as brewers Paul Thompson and Drew Gibson make a new batch of brew.
Paris looks on as brewers Paul Thompson and Drew Gibson make a new batch of brew.

 

Fresh out of college with degrees specializing in brewing, Paul Thompson and Drew Gibson concentrate on the brewery operation.
Fresh out of college with degrees specializing in brewing, Paul Thompson and Drew Gibson concentrate on the brewery operation.
Flat Top Brewing Company owner Nathan Paris stands at the bar of the tasting room.
Flat Top Brewing Company owner Nathan Paris stands at the bar of the tasting room.
The tasting room and brewery operation of Flat Top Brewing Company is located next door to the Banner Elk Police Department.
The tasting room and brewery operation of Flat Top Brewing Company is located next door to the Banner Elk Police Department.
Initially, Flat Top Brewing Company will only have beers on tap and kegs for distribution. Eventually, cans and growlers will come into the equation.
Initially, Flat Top Brewing Company will only have beers on tap and kegs for distribution. Eventually, cans and growlers will come into the equation.