ASHEVILLE - A North Carolina state flag hangs high in the taproom of the craft beer brewery, Zillicoah Beer Company. It was one of the few items salvaged from wreckage left by Tropical Storm Helene last September.

Nearly 11 months later, the flag and display cases of muddied hats, cans and other merchandise sporting the brewery's logo serve as reminders of the catastrophic storm's wrath that threatened to put the Woodfin business out of commission permanently.

Helene caused the French Broad River to rise to a historic 24.67 feet, sending an estimated 6 feet of floodwater crashing through Zillicoah's doors, and leaving about 2-3 inches of mud.

Yet, Zillicoah has persevered, and its reopening has become one of the most anticipated post-Helene revivals in the city.

On Aug. 21, Zillicoah

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