Stout Bout Returns to Asheville: Hi-Wire Brewing’s Beloved Beer Competition Makes A Knockout Comeback November 22

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After a one-year hiatus, Hi-Wire Brewing’s fan-favorite Stout Bout is back and better than ever. The annual stout competition returns Saturday, Nov. 22 at Hi-Wire’s Biltmore Village taproom in Asheville, North Carolina, bringing together fourteen exceptional breweries from across the region for an afternoon of indulgent tastings, live music, and fierce-but-friendly competition from 2-6 PM. At 7PM, a new kind of throw-down begins, as Urban Combat Wrestling closes the day with pure adrenaline.

This year’s lineup features exciting new partnerships with out-of-state staples like South Carolina’s Side Hustle Brewing, Tennessee’s Crafty Bastard Brewery, and more, alongside beloved local favorites from Burial Beer Co. to DSSOLVR. Each brewery brings its most unique, decadent stout to compete for titles including Best Aroma, Best Flavor, Most Decadent Body, and the coveted Overall Champion Stout. Festival-goers will taste, savor, and ultimately crown the 2025 Stout Bout Champion through their votes.

“Stout Bout has always been about bringing people together to celebrate great beer and our incredible brewing community,” said Peter Batinski, Head of Specialty and Sour Program at Hi-Wire Brewing. “After having to cancel last year due to Hurricane Helene, we’re thrilled to welcome some of our favorite breweries for this year’s extra special showdown.”

Sponsored by Truist Bank (Growler Level sponsor), the festival experience goes beyond the beer, featuring Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food and Blunt Pretzels to pair with rich stouts, live music all day, and roaming circus performers. When the sun sets, the celebration continues with Urban Combat Wrestling starting at 7 PM inside the taproom for the ultimate after-party.

Stout Bout tickets are limited and selling fast. Three experience levels are available:

  • $15 General Admission (2–6 PM), includes custom glassware and two 4-ounce tastings. Additional tokens are available for $3 each.
  • $40 Full Tasting Pass, includes one 4-ounce tasting from each of the 14 breweries, custom glassware, a 20-ounce draft Leisure Time Lager, and a wrestling entry ticket
  • $100 VIP Experience, includes one 4-ounce tasting from each of the 14 breweries, custom glassware, Bulleit Bourbon lounge access with specialty Bulleit cocktail tastings, rare pours, unlimited Leisure Time Lager, VIP swag, and ringside wrestling seats

Secure your spot here. The festival is 21+ only, while Urban Combat Wrestling is all ages with parental advisory.

Nov. 24, 2025 Update

The votes are in, and the 2025 Stout Bout Champion is Side Hustle Brewing Co.

As the stoutest stout on the score card, their 16.8% ABV contestant, aged for 12 months in Burnt Church Distillery’s Anita’s Choice Bourbon barrels, took home the crown with a knockout punch. We’re tapping it Friday, Nov. 28, at Hi-Wire Biltmore Village while supplies last, then rotating through the rest of the stellar lineup ’til they’re gone.

The Awards
2025 Stout Bout Champion: Side Hustle Brewing Co.
Best Aroma: Trophy Brewing Company
Best Flavor: Hi-Wire Brewing (hey, that’s us!)
Best Mouthfeel: Diatribe Brewing

Participating Breweries
A. Dssolvr | Blend of Imperial Stouts aged in Bourbon and Brandy, conditioned on brownie mix, coffee, caramel, peanuts, grape, pecans, cinnamon, and maple syrup
B. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company | American-style Stout with Cascade hops
C. Tennessee Hills Brewstillery | Stout aged in Madeira Bourbon Barrel
D. The Asheville Bier Garden | Imperial Stout aged for 6 months on bourbon-soaked sugar maple staves. Notes of intense chocolate, roast, oak & vanilla.
E. Diatribe Brewing | Amburana Mole Imperial Stout with Cocoa nibs, guajillo peppers, cinnamon, and amburana wood
F. Peaceful Side Brewery | Imperial Stout, aged in charred Heaven Hill bourbon barrels that previously held BLiS Maple Syrup
G. Trophy Brewing Company | Imperial Stout with cherries, dates, dried tobacco, and licorice. Blended from two batches — one aged 8 months in bourbon barrels and one aged 20 months — for a balanced finish.
H. Crafty Bastard Brewery | Milk Stout brewed with cold brew coffee, cacao nibs, vanilla, cinnamon, and ancho chili peppers
I. Resident Culture Brewing Company | Imperial Stout with over 10 pounds per barrel of toasted hazelnuts and cacao nibs
J. Burial Beer Co. | Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout with coffee, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla bean
K. Booneshine Brewing Company | Chocolate Vanilla Imperial Pastry Stout with Madagascar vanilla beans, locally-roasted cacao nibs,
and Stick Boy Boone Brookies
L. Monnik Louisville | Stout aged for 12 months in Bardstown Bourbon Co. Bourbon Barrels. Notes of vanilla, coconut, and baker’s chocolate.
M. Side Hustle Brewing Co. | Stout aged 12 months in Burnt Church Anita’s Choice Bourbon Barrels. Notes of toasted coconut and
salted caramel.
N. Hi-Wire Brewing | Stout aged on almonds and Madagascar vanilla

And to everyone who showed up to taste, vote, and vibe with us — you made this day unforgettable.

Until next year, stout fans!

Hi-Wire Brewing–Charlotte Partners with Acclaimed Asheville Cidery to Open Noble Cider & Mead Bar

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A new Asheville collaboration is coming to Charlotte’s South End. Hi-Wire Brewing Charlotte is partnering with Noble Cider, one of North Carolina’s most celebrated craft cideries, to open a dedicated Noble Cider & Mead Bar inside Hi-Wire’s taproom. The partnership will bring 100% gluten-free options to the space—expanding the taproom’s already diverse lineup of beer, cocktails, non-alcoholic, and THC-infused drinks.

The second back bar inside Hi-Wire’s expansive taproom will be transformed with Noble branding and will pour a rotating selection of Noble’s award-winning ciders and meads, all made in Asheville from apples grown in Western North Carolina. From their partnership with Lewis Creek Orchard in Henderson County to their co-ownership of the juicing company Blue Ridge Pure, Noble oversees every step of the process to ensure their products reflect authentic, farm-to-can craftsmanship.

“Our mission is to make the things that bring people together,” said Adam Charnack, Hi-Wire Brewing Co-Founder and CEO. “By partnering with another small, Asheville-based company, we’re not just expanding our menu—we’re expanding our community. Whether you drink beer, cider, cocktails, or prefer non-alcoholic options, there will be something here for everyone.”

Cheers to the future! Pictured from left to right in front of the future Noble Cider bar: Lief Stevens, Noble Cider owner; Kali Palmer, Noble Cider Sales and Marketing Manager; Brian Laggis, Hi-Wire Brewing Chief Commercial Officer

Hi-Wire–Charlotte is already known for being a community hub—hosting weekly events, arcade games, and providing a dog- and family-friendly atmosphere. The addition of the Noble Cider & Mead Bar reinforces Hi-Wire’s commitment to inclusivity and hospitality, creating a one-stop destination for groups with varied tastes.

“I’ve always admired Hi-Wire’s culture,” said Lief Stevens, owner of Noble Cider. “When Adam and I met, we immediately saw the opportunity to create something special for Charlotte—a place that celebrates great craft beverages and the people who enjoy them.”

Guests can expect the new Noble bar to open by Thanksgiving, featuring a refreshed look and full cider-and-mead lineup. A selection of Hi-Wire brews will continue to pour from the outdoor bar window through the summer months.

“We’re thrilled to expand our cider and mead offerings to Charlotte,” Stevens added. “And maybe even turn a few ‘not-cider’ skeptics into fans.”

 

For details on the Hi-Wire Charlotte taproom, hours, and links to what’s on draft at the new Noble bar, visit our Hi-Wire Brewing Charlotte taproom page.

Hot Dogs at Hi-Wire South Slope

Now Serving Gleezy Hotdogs at Hi-Wire South Slope

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Picture this: It’s late, you’ve been hitting Asheville’s breweries on the South Slope with your besties, and you’ve found your way to Hi-Wire Brewing. You try one of the freshly brewed specialty beers when you hear about the Tiki Easy cocktail bar hidden around the back of the bar. But, you’re STARVING. Who can drink cocktails on an empty stomach?

Never fear. You can now get hot dogs at Hi-Wire South Slope! These aren’t just any dogs. These are Gleezy Hot Dogs: double smoked beef brisket hot dogs, topped with fanciful recipes and Spicewalla spices to excite your palate and fill your tummy. Order at the taproom bar and eat in the taproom or in Tiki.

Try options like the Carolina Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, or the Japanese Terimayo Dog (spoiler – it’ll surprise you in the best way!). With five different styles, including your classic Basic Dog and a Veggie Dog substitute option, and a price point from $4-$9, there’s something for everyone.

Check out the launch menu here (subject to change). Serving all day, every day—head on over to Hi-Wire Brewing South Slope and The Tiki Easy Bar at 197 Hilliard Avenue for drinks, dogs, and good times.

 

Hot Dogs with a smile at Hi-Wire South Slope