A late winter day (sunshine on snow) brought us to Lone Tree near C-470 and Quebec. Note to reader: they're in a strip mall on Park Meadows Drive close to Furniture Row. Their sign is very small but don't give up - it's worth the trip. We walked in at mid afternoon, and it was crowded with families and bar patrons. The ambiance is no-frills and laid back, with the vats in view. After our sampler, I ended up with the Hoptree IPA. It penetrates the tongue, has a beautiful balance, lemon-y, industrial-strength but not at all bitter at the end. Although eleven different hops are used in this fine beer, they don't linger in the mouth.-Bob
I started off with the Belgian Blonde - I gave it three stars (out of three)! It has a heavenly coriander essence good enough to defrock a Trappist monk. Next, go to Helles; refreshing, crisp, a hint of vanilla. The Trippel has a big charge of malt at the start, creamy texture, and a fizzy sparkle at the end. Jason, the head brewer came over to talk to us about Lone Tree's brewing philosophy. He told us they brew true to style, rather than go crazy with the special effects. If a person is looking for a characteristic brew such as a Belgian or a pale ale, they'll find great ones here. -Rose
Saint Paddy's Day in Asheville was rowdy, good fun! The band served up some enthusiastic sea chantys to the delight of the all-ages, crowded bar in this artsy Blue Ridge mountain town. We ordered a sampler of beers brewed at Green Man Ales, starting with a Pilsner. It was sweet, crisp, with a finish of butterscotch-lemon at the end. Another favorite was the ESB. Malty smooth, but caramelly; a light touch of roast-y flavor at the end. I LOVED the Belgian white - a perfect meld of sweet plus light hops, with a flower-y clove finish. None were a disappointment, but for the sheer number of microbrews and limitless choices from great to greater, Rocky Mountain beers still win!-Rose --NOTHING like a real Irish bar this day......my youngest son Darren and his Peace Corps buddy,Chris from Asheville, guided us across the state to our emerald destination, where St Patrick awaited us at Jack-in-the-Wood. Naturally we drank our fair share of honey ales--also don't want to leave out the Green Mtn. IPA, same moderate herb-y hops upfront without lingering bitterness. Simply a great time!--Bob
