Wicked Weed Brewing
Edward McClain possesses a diverse professional background with experience in customer service and quality assurance. Currently serving as a bartender at Wicked Weed Brewing since May 2019, Edward also took on part-time security responsibilities. Previously, Edward worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Costa Farms from October 2018 to September 2019. Between May 2014 and October 2018, Edward held the position of Project Manager at Akins Painting, where responsibilities included managing a team of 8-12 employees, overseeing a portfolio of over 100 clients, and enhancing operational efficiency through employee training. Edward earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Arizona State University, where studies were completed from 2009 to 2013.
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed was imagined, created, and brought to life by the Dickinsons and the Guthys; two families that have been lifelong friends, each bringing a unique skill to the collective ownership team. Upon opening their original brewpub location in 2012, Wicked Weed was known for pushing the envelope in craft by offering 25 unique draft beers including West Coast style IPAs, barrel-aged sour ales, and more. The growth of Wicked Weed’s sour program led to the opening of the South’s first sour beer-dedicated taproom, the Funkatorium. Wicked weed also began to distribute beer throughout North Carolina in 2014. Wicked Weed grew its self distribution statewide to 240 accounts. To keep up with demand, they opened their 50 barrel Clean Production Facility, Wicked Weed West located in Candler, NC. This is where flagship brands like Pernicious and Freak of Nature were bottled for the first time. Wicked Weed sold their NC distribution rights to expand to over 2,000 plus accounts statewide and expanded distribution to Atlanta, GA. They released their first ever 6 pack cans and opened new markets in MA, DC, VA, and PA. More distribution meant more demand for sour beer so Wicked Weed opened their Headquarters and Sour Beer Production Facility, The Funk House in Arden, NC. Wicked Weed moved their first brands into cans while completing a 30K sq. ft. expansion of Wicked Weed West. In order to continue the growth they had seen in the past six years, Wicked Weed Brewing entered into a partnership with the Anheuser-Busch family of craft breweries. Wicked Weed continued expanding to new markets in the Southeast including SC and TN. Now, with four locations in Asheville including three taprooms and a fine dining restaurant, Wicked Weed shows no signs of slowing down. They continue to grow while focusing on innovation, quality, and strong roots in their community of Asheville, North Carolina.