Happy Hour Test Drive: The Golden Pineapple

If you haven’t yet seen the Golden Pineapple glass, you are not following enough local Ashevillians. This signature cocktail glass is the center of an incredible new bar in West Asheville. This new bartender-owned and operated establishment is channeling all the vibes necessary to be your new favorite neighborhood bar. With a drink for everyone, including mocktails and memorable presentation, you are sure to have a great time. From the retro-modern design to the passionate staff, this bar is cozy, relaxing and in our eyes, the perfect place to unwind.

The Golden Pineapple #1

Of course, we got started right away with the #1 drink on the menu, The Golden Pineapple. Served in an Instagram-worthy, you’ve guessed it, golden pineapple, this cocktail let us know we came to the right place for happy hour. A blend of bonded rye whiskey and overproof rum was disguised by lime, amaro, tepache and almond. If you didn’t know, you could easily mistake this for a mocktail. The almond comes through so beautifully and is balanced with the pineapple sweetness of tepache, a fermented beverage made from the peel and the rind of pineapples. We can hands-down say, ORDER THIS FIRST.

Tumeric Breakfast

Now, we mentioned mocktails, so we had to try one! The turmeric breakfast tastes like the most balanced mimosa you’ve ever had. Your body celebrates quickly as it digests one of the coolest anti-inflammatory superfoods. The touch of lime and salt almost make it feel like a fruity margarita. Whether you are looking for a kickstart to brunch or in search of a non-alcoholic summer love, Tumeric Breakfast is the one for you.

Bandaloop Sour

If you are in search of a drink that will surprise you and leave your tastebuds begging for more, order the Bandaloop Sour. Served with a massive ice cube, the powerful flavors behind this drink comes from beet, ginger, grapefruit, and Appalachian fernet. I think we could easily say, this was our favorite of the night. Married with bonded corn whiskey, this stunning creation is simply presented yet complex with flavors.

Princess Juice

Looking for the cutest cocktail at The Golden Pineapple? We would have to say the Princess Juice is the one. Presented in the most adorable glass with a reusable straw, Princess Juice continues that retro-modern feel you see in the signature drink and wallpaper. Along with the theme, this drink is unique. It is for sure different and we can almost for certain guarantee, the funkiest drink you will have ever had. A combination of blanc vermouth, espadin mexcal, cream, strawberry and egg, your tastebuds know its not a strawberry milkshake or a classic cocktail but instead something in between. If you give this one a drink, please let us know how you would describe it.  

Airmail

The sweet and sour rum center creation here brought smiles to our faces. With a touch of lime, burnt honey, amaro and sparkling wine, what is there not to love? This cocktail felt like an old-timey classic, hitting all the right notes. 

Looking Through the Glass Onion

Are you into savory sips and gin centered cocktails? If so, this London dry gin cocktail served with shallot, cardamon and dry vermouth is just that. Savory yet slightly sweet on the tail end of your sip. A drink any gin martini connoisseur would love! It may just kick start your appetite for your next meal.

Overall Review:

Now, when we visited, The Golden Pineapple did not yet serve food. However, co-owner Katey shared that they were working with some culinary creators to curate the perfect small bites options. Until then, have no fear for they are right next door to Haywood Common.

We stayed beyond these five drinks and encouraged others to join us. Between everyone, I think we tried every offering, including their funky cider from Basque, Spain. We give this bar an A+ and encourage you to check it out next time you are ready to hit West Asheville. Make it a date by rounding it out with dinner at Haywood Common, just 43 ft to the right when you exit the bar. Once they have small plates, we will be sure to revisit and let you know all about their new additions. Til then, cheers!

The Golden Pineapple

503 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 505-4458

Hours:
Wednesday – Monday 5 – 2am
Closed Tuesday