FAQs
Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and is the mind behind several of the most widely known and utilized psychological concepts. One of those concepts is the Archetypal Phenomena, with which Jung proposes that all human behavior can be deduced to 12 archaic, universal patterns. These patterns are represented by characters in story, myth, religion, and dream. Amelia Earhart can represent the Explorer archetype; Leonardo Da Vinci, the Creator; Loki, the Trickster; Albus Dumbledore, the Sage. At Archetype, the four main ingredients in our beer (grain, hops, yeast and water) are mindfully combined to bring out its own personality and behavior, which in turn allows it to take on the qualities of Jung’s archetypes. The characteristics give it life, identity and complexity, whether it’s a smooth, creamy stout, or an unpredictable, mixed-culture saison. But, when it comes down to it, our beer ends up in your hands. You be the judge. Which archetype does the beer evoke? Which archetype are you?
Most commonly, beers are made with a yeast strain called Saccharomyces, a traditional brewer’s yeast. However, in recent years, an older strain of yeast has been rediscovered. Considered a “wild yeast” Brettanomyces was discovered and isolated in 1889, and used primarily in traditional European beers. While it is less-predictable and usually takes longer to ferment (turn the sugars into alcohol), it lends a bright, funky flavor, with floral notes and a dry complexity that we really love. It helps us push the boundaries of style to create new, innovative beers! #BRETTWHO!
Mixed fermentation simply means that we use both Saccharomyces (“Sacc”) and Brettanomyces (“Brett”) yeasts to ferment the beers. Most of our mixed fermentation beers undergo fermentation with the Saccharomyces first, and then are barrel-aged or re-fermented with Brettanomyces for a time before being kegged or bottled. The secondary fermentation with Brett adds even more complexity and flavor to the beer, and because Brett yeast eats different sugar compounds than Sacc yeast, the content of residual sugar lower, giving us a dryer, more delicate finish.
Brad Casanova and Steven Anan met while both working at another brewery in Asheville. Separately, they had plans to open their own brewery “someday”, and when they realized they both had the same goal, they decided to team up. With the overwhelming support of family and friends, Archetype Brewing was founded in 2017 at the original location on Beacham’s Curve in West Asheville. Together, they’ve created a world-class brewhouse, where Anan creates beer with an experimental perspective that innovates and pushes the boundaries of style. To this day, our team is still small and tight-knit, focusing on education, exploration, and our community.
Our amazing artwork is done my graphic designer/magician/friend, Sean Jones. You can find his work on Instagram @humiddaze, or on his website: www.humiddaze.com.
As each beer is created, they start to take on personalities. Each beer is different, behaving differently during fermentation and appealing to a different kind of drinker. As the beer takes on life, we assign it a specific character archetype, most of the time, based on one of Carl Jung’s 12 character Archetypes from there, we usually end up going down a rabbit hole, but eventually, we end up with a name for each beer that highlights it’s personality, and brings it to life.
Take a deeper dive into our process here.
Currently, we are only distributing in North Carolina. You can find the closest retailer to you on our beer finder!
Grain! We save money, time, and packaging materials by having large batches of grain delivered periodically. It’s one of our “base grains” that we use in almost every beer we brew, called 2-row. It pipes into the building, gets milled in the mill room, and then sent straight over to our brewing system to be turned into wort.
We love furry friends! We ask that they stay well-behaved and attached to a human at all times. If your dog is causing problems, please be advised that we might ask you to take them home. We want the taproom experience to be enjoyable for everyone!
West Asheville
While we don’t have a kitchen on-site at the brewery, we share a building with several great food options! You are always welcome to bring in your own food, or order and have it delivered to the taproom. We also have local, premade snacks at the taproom for purchase!
Gan Shan delivers right to your table – scan the QR code menu on your table, it’s really that easy. Or, simply Order next door and bring over Pizza Mind or Owl Bakery
Downtown
You are always welcome to bring food into the taproom! We have small, locally premade snacks available for purchase in the taproom, as well as locally curated charcuterie boards!
West Asheville
Yes, we have a lot out front and on the side that we share with our neighbors. Feel free to park there anytime, grab food from the other businesses on Beacham’s Curve, and settle in at Archetype!
Downtown
There is free parking directly behind the building after 5pm and on weekends, and across the street in the large gravel lot directly across from our neighbors, Hi-Five Coffee, 24/7!