Many people love good, cold beer; but I have yet to run into someone so passionate about it that they took the hobby of home brewing into a full-fledged livelihood.

Gary Brown, Brew Master, and owner of Boondocks and The Brew Haus, has done just that.  Gary began experimenting with home brewing back in the 80’s and took a certain amount of pleasure in learning the art of craft brewing. 

It was September 2013, after closely watching Gary designing and up fitting his building, while still keeping the restaurant and pub operating, that we posted this blog https://goo.gl/0nTlSW.

Fast forward to today, we feel it is “fitting” to continue his story. 

 

The Brew Haus

In 2014, he and his wife purchased their second location, Gino’s Restaurant, only a few blocks away from Boondocks Restaurant with the vision of turning the old Gino’s Restaurant into a larger bona fide brewery and events venue.  It was then that The Brew Haus was born.

Gary’s love of brewing and the area led him to cultivate a Centennial Ale in commemoration of West Jefferson’s turning 100.  The ale is unique to the area, created as a pale ale with authentic Centennial hops, local combed honey, and even the tips of local Fraser Fir Christmas trees which, according to Gary, give the ale a “crazy balance”.  The ale has been so well received that Gary and his staff have brewed close to 300 gallons in just the past six months.  

But Boondock’s Centennial Ale is not the only locally defined beer on Gary’s menu.  Try a Creston Milk Chocolate Stout, a robust and vigorous dark beer brewed from roasted ingredients.  He also has concocted a Three Top Three Hop IPA from fermented cereals in recognition of Three Top Mountain.  His Backwoods Campfire Scottish Ale, another full bodied ale, is a testament to Ashe County’s cultural heritage.  

Gary has a real way of appreciating the simple things about life in Ashe County.  He’ll tell you all about the fact that people wave and smile, will let you cross the street, and how the community works together out of sense of commitment.  But he will also give up some humble gratitude for those 62 employees who have worked with him since the beginning, those who have come since, and all of folks who have helped his businesses to grow and prosper in downtown West Jefferson.  

 Good beer isn’t the only thing you’ll get at Boondock’s Tap Room and Restaurant.  Depend on the consistency of a really tasty Americana menu as well.  From burgers to flat bread pizza, steaks and specialty dishes, Boondocks is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.  Dine indoors in one of the two large dining areas or enjoy entertainment and a cool breeze out on the Boondock’s patio.  

If you have a special event, function or fundraiser you’d like to plan, call The Brew Haus and reserve your date for fun and festivities.  The Brew Haus offers special catering and function rates, is equipped with two floors of space, and has been fully remodeled and refurbished inside and out lending an elegantly rustic décor that is in keeping with the flavor of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Boondocks and The Brew Haus were born from a passion for good, cold beer.  They sprang from a desire to nurture a hobby, have a fun and laid back cool bar full of friends.  If you haven’t experienced this taste of the High Country, do yourself a favor and find out what all the fuss is about. 

A good place to begin is here - https://goo.gl/FapbFh