A Collaborative Brew Born from Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina, a remarkable collaboration is taking shape – one that transforms fallen trees into vessels of hope, community, and carefully crafted beer.

A Partnership Rooted in Resilience

Four local organizations have joined forces to create something meaningful from the storm’s destruction: Appalachian Cooperage, Green River Woods, Burial Beer Co., and Echoes of the Forest. Together, they’re crafting a project that honors both the region’s natural heritage and its enduring spirit of collaboration.

From Forest to Barrel

The story begins with salvaged white oak trees (the official tree of North Carolina). These trees were casualties of Hurricane Helene that might otherwise have been lost. Green River Woods provided this reclaimed timber, and Appalachian Cooperage is now transforming this hurricane-salvaged oak into six handcrafted barrels. Each barrel features a light toast on the interior, a crucial detail that will impart subtle flavors to whatever rests within. These aren’t just containers; they’re instruments of flavor, carefully constructed to enhance the brewing process.

A Beer Worth Waiting For

Burial Beer Co., known for its innovative and thoughtfully crafted brews, will fill these special barrels with a beer designed to celebrate Echoes of the Forest. The exact recipe remains under wraps, but one thing is certain: patience will be essential. The beer will age for at least six months in the White Oak barrels, allowing time for the wood and brew to meld into something truly distinctive.

This aging process isn’t just about flavor development; it’s also about timing. The extended maturation period means the beer will be ready for its debut in late spring or early summer, when the community can gather to celebrate together.

More Than Just a Beer Release

The collaboration culminates in a fundraising event planned for the beer’s debut. This gathering will do more than introduce a new brew to the world; it will bring the community together in support of Echoes of the Forest, transforming a local tragedy into an opportunity for positive impact.

The Bigger Picture

This project exemplifies the power of local collaboration. When a disaster strikes, it’s easy to focus solely on loss. But this partnership shows another way forward: taking what was broken and creating something that brings people together.

The barrels being crafted today carry more than just beer; they carry a story of resilience, craftsmanship and community. From the salvaged oak to the final pour, every step of this process represents Western North Carolina’s ability to transform hardship into hope.

Stay tuned for announcements about the beer’s release and the fundraising event. This is one collaboration — and one beer — you won’t want to miss.

This project represents the best of what happens when local businesses work together with purpose, creativity, and care for their community.

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Echoes of the Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Asheville, NC, dedicated to transforming trees lost to Hurricane Helene into meaningful art installations. Founded by Liisa Andreassen, the organization promotes community revitalization, environmental restoration, and economic support for local woodworkers and artists. Through the "Echo" project, it creates educational memorials and plans an "Echo Trail" to inspire hope and resilience in Western North Carolina. Learn more at echoesoftheforest.org or contact info@echoesoftheforest.org.