REVIEW: Bright Barrel Appalachian Pale IPA

Bright Barrel Appalachian Pale

Where’d We Find It: Samples provided by the brewery.

ABV: <0.5%

Hometown: Boone, North Carolina

Our N/ATION Review:

Western North Carolina boasts a proud craft beer scene, highlighted by the many breweries that call Asheville their home. Debuting in 2024 just a couple of hours northeast of there in Boone, North Carolina, Bright Barrel has joined the ranks of non-alcoholic breweries looking to make their mark in the NA space. Catering to the outdoors-minded who enjoy the countless trails and hiking treasures known across the region, their initial portfolio includes an IPA (Appalachian Pale) and a hop water (Twistified), with an amber ale to follow soon.

We sampled the Appalachian Pale, which as the name suggests, feels to us almost like a hybrid of an IPA and a Pale Ale, the latter of which is not nearly as prevalent as the former in the North American NA world. Made from Chinook and Azacca hops, at first impressions the beer offers some nice aromas of tropical fruit in the nose, with subtle hints of grapefruit from the Chinook at first sip. Color is a golden hazy hue. In terms of mouthfeel, it’s got some full hoppy flavors as one might expect from the IPA style, but with a slight, sweet bitterness of a Pale. All in all, a refreshing beer that is begging to join you on your next visit to a state park or a hiking trail.

As for where you can find it, as of this writing Bright Barrel is currently available in select spots in WNC, including Boone and Asheville, as well as in Frederick, Maryland. Best to check out their beer finder to find out exactly where to grab yourself some.