Asheville Beer Week 2025 Kicks Off with Funk, Flavor, and Familiar Faces at Wicked Weed Funkatorium
Asheville Beer Week is officially underway—and the energy on the South Slope is already electric.
We kicked off Day One at Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium, Asheville’s temple of sours and experimental brews, where the doors were open, the taps were flowing, and the community came ready to celebrate all things craft beer.
Amid the buzz, we had the pleasure of speaking with two locals who embody the spirit of Asheville’s beer culture: Shay, a longtime beertender at the Funkatorium, and Bill, a regular whose love for Asheville beer runs deep.
Behind the Bar with Shay
When you walk into the Funkatorium, Shay is the kind of person who makes you feel instantly welcome. With a passion for fermentation and a deep respect for the craft, Shay talked to us about what it means to be behind the bar during Asheville Beer Week.
“It’s like a reunion and a celebration all at once,” she said. “We get visitors from all over, but also our locals show up strong. This week is about the people, the creativity, and the culture behind every pour.”
Shay’s recommendation for newcomers? Try something outside your comfort zone. “That’s what the Funkatorium is about—funky flavors that push the boundaries.”
A Toast from Bill
Then there’s Bill—a local beer enthusiast who’s been coming to Asheville Beer Week since the early days. We caught him mid-pint, soaking in the opening day atmosphere with a smile.
“There’s nowhere like Asheville,” Bill told us. “You’ve got the mountains, the music, and some of the best beer in the country—maybe the world. I always start my Beer Week right here at the Funkatorium. It sets the tone.”
Bill reminisced about the early days of Asheville’s craft beer boom and how far it’s come. “What started with a few basement brewers has turned into a world-class beer scene.”
What’s Next?
If Day One is any indication, Asheville Beer Week 2025 is shaping up to be one for the books. With tap takeovers, special releases, live music, and local pride spilling into the streets, this week is more than just about beer—it’s about connection.
Whether you’re a seasoned sipper like Bill or discovering the funk for the first time, there’s something waiting for you on every corner of the South Slope.
Stay tuned all week as we bring you more voices from behind the taps and across the barstools. 🍻
Watch the full Day One video here 👉 [YouTube Link]
More coverage at: https://hendo.today
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