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When Thrillist ranked all 50 states by beer two years ago, I had two instant reactions: 1. They should have included Washington, D.C.; 2. Georgia, at No. 31, seemed low.
RELATED: Top 10 breweries in SEC states
Thrillist wrote that Georgia “lands in the middle by a couple dozen middle-of-the-road breweries, but no truly great ones. A C+ average might be passing, but it’s hardly excelling.”
I’ve traveled through Georgia quite a bit, so I’m a bit more familiar with its scene than with, say, Idaho’s. I insist there are some exciting things going on there.
The number of craft breweries in the state has approximately doubled this decade, making it impossible for an out-of-stater to be comprehensive; my apologies to the ones that I’ve missed. Honorable mentions also to Orpheus, Jeckyll, Jailhouse, SweetWater, Southern and the venerable Red Brick.
My top five from the Peach State:
1. Creature Comforts Brewing Co.
Where: 271 W Hancock Ave, Athens
Founded: 2014
Distribution: Georgia only
Skinny: This brewery is practically across the street from the 40 Watt Club, and I only wish it had existed when I was driving to Athens every few years to see Sleater-Kinney. (Who still refuse to come to Florida. Grumble.)
Everything I’ve tried, and I mean everything, has ranged from excellent to world-class. That includes one of the best pilsners I’ve ever had; called Bibo, it’s one of their core beers and is virtually perfect for summer drinking. Introduce it to someone who associates the style with Bud.
Creature Comforts Brewing Company Bibo Pilsner #branding #packaging #inspiration pic.twitter.com/FS2d22mVtZ
— TRIROM (@tri_rom) June 1, 2016
2. Burnt Hickory Brewery
Where: 2260 Moon Station Court NW, Kennesaw
Founded: 2011
Distribution: Georgia
Skinny: You kind of have to be looking for it; please do — it’s worth the trip. They’re pushing the envelope with beers like Courageous Conductor, a red velvet porter; and Maps And Legends, a Kahlua caramel coffee stout that blew some minds at this year’s Hunahpu’s Day (and gets bonus points for being named for an R.E.M. song).
https://twitter.com/HRSteel/status/686187563602833408
3. Wild Heaven Craft Beers
Where: 135B Maple St, Decatur
Founded: 2010
Distribution: Georgia and Alabama
Skinny: Whatever they’ve saved on decor obviously gets invested in the beer, which is fresh and flavorful across the board. My favorite was a coffee brown ale called Ode to Mercy; maybe I’ve just had too many mediocre browns, but this was special, loaded with coffee and roasted malt flavors. The coffee they use is specially blended in Atlanta, a nice touch.
4. Terrapin Beer Co.
Where: 265 Newton Bridge Rd., Athens
Founded: 2002
Distribution: Most of the Southeast and Mid Atlantic
Skinny: They’ve gotten large, and for one very good reason: They make excellent beer. Hopzilla is a damned fine DIPA, and there are moments — not infrequent — when I crave a Wake-n-Bake. It helps that I’m partial to turtles.
#Geaux #LSU https://t.co/Tmh9n4FFK7 And the Valley Drinks: Terrapin Wake-n-Bake Stout pic.twitter.com/cTf3wZflqn
— Geaux Tigers! (@LSUGEAUXGEAUX) January 24, 2016
5. The Wrecking Bar Brewpub
Where: 292 Moreland Ave. NE, Atlanta
Founded: 2011
Distribution: You pretty much have to go there.
Skinny: Located in a gorgeous late Victorian house in Little Five Points — you’d hardly guess it was a brewpub — the Wrecking Bar is a full-service restaurant that happens to brew some of the best beer in the city. Fantastic, knowledgeable servers; ask yours to recommend a pairing.
Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments section and be sure to follow us on Twitter @BeerGuySDS.
