In honor of American Craft Beer Week I’ve taken a moment to share some local Georgia beers as well as a couple of other favorites.  When most people think of “American” beer the names Budweiser, Miller and Coors probably come to mind, and rightfully so.  These beer behemoths have a tried and true formula for selling their brews.  But in my opinion I’d rather spend a dollar or two more and drink something I really enjoy.  The breweries below have special events going on in conjunction with American Craft Beer Week, so if you find yourself nearby, be sure to check their websites for details!

First up, Atlanta-based Sweetwater Brewery has been producing quality brews since 1997.  Probably best known for their 420 Extra Pale Ale, they brew six varieties year round with a few seasonals as well.  I quite enjoy their Georgia Brown and Exodus Porter while Tamara has high marks for their IPAs.  One fun thing about Sweetwater Brewery is they have tours Wednesday through Friday just in time for happy hour.  Stop by with a few friends and have a taste of a few fresh beers. (SweetWater Brewing Company, Inc.
195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30324 | Phone: 404-691-2537)

Terrapin Beer Company is another Georgia-based brewer that we have grown fond of over the past few years. Based in Athens, this brewery has a fierce and devoted following among the students of the University of Georgia.  They produced their first beer, a Rye Pale Ale, in 2002.  That same brew won a gold metal at the Great American Beer Festival in the American Pale Ale category.  Admittedly, it was their packaging that drew us in at first, with lots of fun turtle images, but their flavors kept us coming back.  Two varieties of note for our palate are Hopsecutioner IPA and MooHoo Milk Stout.  Terrapin Beer Co. is open to the public for tastings every Wednesday through Saturday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. (Terrapin Beer Co., 265 Newton Bridge Road, Athens, GA 30607 | 706-549-3377)

We’ve also newly discovered Marietta base Red Hare Brewery.  Opened in 2011, this brewery is definitely worth checking out when visiting Atlanta.  With a 220 barrel fermenting capacity their product is distributed only in the metro Atlanta area.  Attending an event at the brewery was our introduction, during which live music and beer sampling ensued.  Watership Brown Ale and the Chocolate Porter were highlights.  We then were able to see the operations of the brewery in a small group.  They have decided to can their beers for distribution.  The idea behind using aluminum cans, we were told, was a two-fold decision.  One, it lets less light in than glass, thus ensuring a better beer for the end user.  Two, aluminum has less of an impact environmentally than glass in the production and recycling process. (Red Hare Brewery, 1998 Delk Industrial Blvd, Marietta, GA 30067 | 678-401-0600)

There are so many good breweries that I can’t possibly begin to scratch the surface here. (Maybe a series is in order.)  We’ve been blessed to have traveled to nearly every state in the United States (two to go!) and we try to eat and drink local whenever possible.  Whether it’s enjoying Mother’s Milk from Keegan Ales in Kingston, NY or a Polygamy Porter at Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City, UT we always give the local offerings a shot.

Special mentions: Cape Cod Beer is our favorite when visiting family on the Cape.  They have a growler program which you can refill at the brewery itself.  With loads of seasonal and small batch brews to try, we check in to see what we might get to sample. Favorite brew: Cape Cod Red!  They also serve Cape Cod Beers in a number of restaurants on the Cape, so keep an eye out on your next visit.  Two more widely-distributed, innovative breweries that deserve a mention are Left Hand Brewing Company and Rogue Ales.  Colorado-based Left Hand has some great full-flavor dark beers with their Milk Stout Nitro being a new favorite.  This is the first beer in the US to release nitro in a bottle.  Others use a “widget” inside a can to reproduce the draft pour you get in a bar.  Oregon-based Rogue has been pushing the flavor envelope lately.  With flavors like Chipotle Ale and Hazelnut Brown Nectar you may think, “Wow, interesting.”  But when you stumble upon a bottle of their Voodoo Donut Bacon Maple Ale your mind (and taste-buds) are blown!

There is no right or wrong answer to beer varieties and flavors.  We do however urge you to try something new, and equally importantly, local, whenever possible.  There are so many great breweries that you are bound to find a new favorite beer on a regular basis.  Get out there and bottoms up!