relationships. Over the years, that’s what has added to our base.” Kuhn said Heinzelmännchen is at a point where they’re considering expansion or possible relocation just down the street to Dillsboro, which is possibly contingent on the return of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. “We work hard in the current situation as far as brewing and wholesaling and retailing, but we’re at that next level where we need to consider what we need to do to grow, yet being able to keep those relationships that we’ve built,” Kuhn said. At Heinzelmännchen, customers can purchase a refillable growler, pints, have a small taste sample cup or order for restaurant use. They also commonly compete in regional beer festivals. “They have progressed with us,” said Rudd about the many strange experiences they have encountered over the years with state, county and Town of Sylva regulations. “At one time, we could sell you a growler and give you a sample for free. Then, we could sell you a growler and four 4-ounce samples, but we couldn’t sell a pint. It’s been interesting.” Describing their style of beer, Kuhn said, “Our beers are something of an exception around here. They’re smooth, non-bitter, moderately hopped, very well-balanced. It’s a great beer to go with food and have a good time with. All of them are very good. Having ‘Beer City’
over in Asheville, it really helps us, and we’re proud of that. We work with everybody over there, and they help us.” Heinzelmännchen usually offers six traditional beers, and then throughout the year offers two seasonal beers and five specialty beers. “Over the years, those beers have shown to be very sellable and very likeable to people,” said Kuhn about the traditional flavors. Looking to the future, Rudd and Kuhn said they hope to grow their business and offer more for the local region to enjoy. “We’re not some big corporation out in the middle of somewhere that you
may never get to,” said Rudd. “We’re right here. We enjoy those other beers, but with Dieter’s beers, they were made to go with food. You’d come in for lunch and have a sandwich and a pint.” “We’re the face of the product, not a design on a box on a grocery shelf,” added Kuhn. TripAdvisor ranked Heinzelmännchen as the 2012 No. 6 best place to take a brewery tour. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n a b o u t H e i n z e l m ä n n c h e n , v i s i t w w w. yourgnometownbrewery.com or visit them on Facebook.
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Intimate Dining • Locally Farmed Ingredients • Craft Beer & Wine Selection An Innovative Twist to Southern Cuisine
“Come experience fine, southern dining at its best.”
Chef Justin Burdett voted into Best Chefs America and Nominated Food & Wine top 100 Best New Chef in America!
Dinner 7 Days A Week at 5:30pm • Bar Open Daily at 4pm 163 Main St. in Wright Square • Highlands, NC 828-526-3636 • OpenTable.com
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Leaf Season • 2013