With political text messages and phone call going the way of daylight on the evening commute, today is a good hump day for a beer, either to celebrate or drown your sorrows. Did not get much buzz about anything, so perused the socials and here is what I found that is going on:

• East Nashville has added an Autumn Old Fashioned to their cocktail menu. Also a Pumpkin White Russian, Apple Cider Sangria, My Gineration, Tequila Mockingbird, and others. Link.

• Honeytree Meadery has their clothing swap today: 11/6

• Monday Night has released a BAImperial Milk Stout and a BA, Oatmeal Cookie Quad.

• Fait la Force announced an event from Nashville Fantasy Ball called Yule at the Tavern. Profs and Pints will be doing Prostitution in Civil-War Nashville on November 13. For those not aware, Tennessee was the first state to legalize prostitution (1863), largely due to have testing, as Union soldiers were coming down with STDs, like syphalis, in droves. The main prostitute area was between modern day Commerce and Union on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, an area known as "Smokey Row" from the many steam ships that would dock here.

• Cyanide Cider is now open 4-10 PM on Wednesday, in addition to their Noon to 10 PM schedule Thurs - Sun.

• Czann's has their chili cookoff on November 16th from 2-5 PM.

That's all I have for now. Cheers everyone.

EDIT: I forgot the Real Ale Roundup at the Farmer's Market on Saturday - November 9th. All Cask Ales. Breweries on ticket site (linked):

Barrique, Middle Ground, Southern Grist, Fat Bottom, Yee Haw, Embrace the Funk, Yazoo, New Heights, Crazy Gnome, Half Batch, Black Abbey, Jackalope, TennFold, Wanderlinger, Tennessee Brew Works, Blackstone, Nashville Brewing Company, Cyanide Cider, BS Brew Works, Hap N Harrys, Creature Comforts, Mill Creek Brewing, Fait La Force, and Wiseacre.

After the extreme devastation of the rains from Helene, I just saw Hi-Wire is going to reopen (no, I don't suggest you drive there unless you are also going to help, but you be you boo!).

As part of their celebration this Friday, they are having a tap takeover from Home Place, Whaley Farms, Zillicoah, and Chimney Rock breweries.

Only a few items, but feel free to open the discussion.

What I have found out is Harding House is stuck in licensing (which is not surprising). The coffee shop has already opened. Once that hurdle is crossed, they will be slinging beers in Woodbine. You can currently hit Cyanide Cider down the street and get Birria Tacos from Birria Babe.

Living Waters has canned "Higher Calling" a collab with DISSOLVR (Asheville) in conjunction with the North Carolina Brewer's Guild and Higher Calling. The proceeds from this hazy IPA will be used by the Guild to help breweries and communities affected by Hurricane Helene. On November 1 (I will miss it), the secret bodega will be on hand for other opportunities to donate. The beer uses Citra, Mosaic, and Egger's Special hops and has an ABV of 6%. If you love a good IPA, go help out the community by grabbing a pack.

While we are on suport of breweries and communities in North Carolina, the following breweries are known to be participating in Aerial Recovery in their efforts to help North Carolina: Fat Bottom, TennFold, Mill Creek, Black Abbey, Crazy Gnome, Cedar City, and Cedar Glades.

Brandon has been busy at Yazoo : Embrace the Funk and has Future Nostalgia Volumes 3 and 4 out tomorrow for Halloween. 3 = Belgian Blonde and 4 = Golden Ale.

Flash Tatoos tonight at Honeytree Meadery, if that is your bag. Check Insta for the options.

Fat Bottom has an event on November 8th for the release of Noel, their Christmas Ale, with free samples, a smattering of artists and vendors, and cookies and cocoa.

November 9th is a cask beer brew challenge called the Real Ale Round Up Cask Ale Fest at the Farmer's Market. Participating breweries: New Hieghts, Nashville Brewing Company, Yee-Haw, Wiseacre, BS Brew Works, Jackalope, Black Abbey, Middle Ground, Cyanide Cider, Yazoo: Embrace the Funk, TN Brew Works, Southern Grist, Barrique, Half Batch, Mill Creek, Creature Comforts, Marble Fox, Fait la Force, TennFold, Blackstone, Hap & Harry's, Yazoo, Fat Bottom, Wanderlinger, and Crazy Gnome. Tickets are currently $50 and $75 (VIP), as early bird is over. Regular tickets go to $65 day of.

East Nashville Beer Works starts a Fun House pop-up on November 21st, running through December 29. This will be a Home Alone themed pop up.

And for those who have not visited Marble Fox or HI-Wire due to the parking situation, you can validate in Marble Fox for free parking in the lot on the side of their building and Hi-Wire has a 2 hour for $0 deal with the parking lot around the corner (between Hi-Wire and Marble Fox). You can use the Metropolis Parking app to validate.

Figured I'd ask y'all rather than r/Nashville because I trust your tastes more. I usually watch baseball at home but figured this could be a fun night out if I found the right place.

Requirements:

• Has the game on (obviously), with audio
• People are there to watch the World Series
• The tap selection is varied and local
• There's bar grub

Now I'm just getting greedy:

• The taps include the best stouts and porters in the city
• The bar grub is awesome
• Yankees > LA [ducks, covers groin]
• West of the interstates

The cozier the better. A sports bar with ten TVs all playing different things is Hell to me. Thank you and much respect.

I saw this idea in the ATLBeer subreddit and figured I would start a weekly hump day thread where we can talk about anything and everything.

I don't have a lot of news right now. Looking forward to Black Friday stouts, but that is a month away. No news yet on Harding House, so may have to try to ping Nate Underwood and see if there is anything.

I did get the scoop on another brewery that could potential open within the next 6 months or so. I would make a thread about this, but it would have to be click bait-y, as I promised not to give out details right now. The reason why will be apparent once I am able to divulge. It will coincide with some other plans that have not yet cemented.

One other topic I thought of is Crazy Gnome. As Grayson completed the opening of Cyanide on schedule, has anyone heard if Crazy Gnome's work at Kirkland Ave has started or not?

I’m visiting in Tennessee and I really want to surprise my friends with some junt beer because my friend group uses this made up word all the time. Seems like they haven’t brewed a batch since 2022 according to their Instagram page.

Could y’all give some recommendations of stores that have a wide selection of beer that I might carry Junt? Theres so many liquor stores in Nashville, I don’t even know where to start.

I got a chance to reach out and this is what I have found about the breweries in North Carolina. Some I have vetted with people I trust or found something on social media from owners/employees of breweries. This is bad. At least the breweries I have contact with have found their workers and everyone is alive. Catawba and Yalla have a GoFund Me.

I don't know as many people in East TN breweries, so have not had a chance to see if any have been hit.

##Asheville##

• 7 Clans - Not sure, but not a lot of hope with their location and French Broad and Hillman both being severely flooded.

• Burial - Main location okay, not sure about Biltmore Village. They are currently making food for residents of Asheville at their south slope location, showing the spirit in this brewery.

• French Broad – endured at least 9 feet of water

• Hi-wire – RAD location underwater, have not been able to confirm how much damage to the Biltmore village location

• Hillman – Also under at least 9 feet of water.

• New Belgium – Flooded about ½ way up the building

• River Arts District Brewing – Have not been able to get information, but they were hit hard in July with flooding, so likely in bad shape

• Wedge – lost two of three locations (both in River Arts)

• Zillocoah – Looks like the facility is destroyed from the pictures I have seen.

##Carolina Mountains##

• Chimney Rock Brewing – The town was completely wiped out. The brewery has a Go-Fund Me that has already raised over $10,000 of their $15,000 goal (BTW, the town of Chimney Rock is pretty much gone at this point). Fae Nectar, in Lake Lure made it, but the rest of the town is devastated.

• Boone: Appalachian Brewing had a few feet, but will reopen after flooding. Both downtown breweries had minor flood waters: SouthEnd & Lost Province.

• Sylva: Minor flooding in Innovation, other breweries survived pretty much unscathed.

• Dillsboro: Other Innovation location had minor flooding.

Looking at Nate's Insta, they are already hiring beertenders and baristas, so any day now. If you get over there when they do, also check out cyanide cider (Crazy Gnome cidery offshoot) and grab some Birria Babe tacos or ramen (lamb tacos are the best, IMO).

If Von Elrod's isn't your scene, there are a ton of festbier releases and events going on at local breweries around town the next few weeks. I'm usually a regular at Mill Creek which is worth the trek to Nolensville in my opinion (theirs will be on 10/05) but will unfortunately be absent this year. To make up for this, I'll be running around this Saturday visiting a few local ones what I've found. Please let me know what I've missed and let's hope for some Fall weather soon!

• Barrique: 09/11- 10/06 Saturdays Oktoberfest taplist released last week and will be available through October 6th. It looks like they're getting into the spirit of the season with a German foodtruck on-site every Saturday through 10/6 in addition to The Secret Bodega.

• Black Abbey: 9/21 noon-close Not an Oktoberfest, but they're celebrating "Hobbit Day" which includes games, food trucks, and a screening of The Two Towers and it felt too cool to ignore!

• Blackstone: 10/05 noon-10pm full-on celebration that includes music, stein holding competitions, and a keg tapping.

• Czann's: 09/28 Not many details at this time, though they released a Marzen on 9/14

• Crazy Gnome: 09/20-22 noon-10pm Okt-gnome-berfest will be every day this weekend from noon to close and is offering $1 off stein pours for anyone dressed for the occasion. Food, music, and games throughout the day.

• East Nashville Beerworks: 09/21 noon-10pm First annual "Eastoberfest" which will include live music, brats, and their Festbier release

• Fait La Force: 09/21-22 11am-9pm Polka Music, sandwich specials from Jambox (which looks to be bratwurst related), games and so much more.

• Jackalope: 09/20 Tho they already held their Festbier release celebration at the beginning of the month, "Sprucefest" is this Friday and it celebrates the release of their spruced IPA.

• Marble Fox: 09/21 2-7pm Oktoberfest celebration featuring two festbier releases.

• New Heights: 09/28 Couldn't find anything about an Oktoberfest which was odd because I could've sworn they've done Dachshund races in past years. However Roo-Fest is on 9/28 which is an event devoted to fighting canine cancer.

• Smith & Lentz: 09/22 Festbier tapping on Sunday with German fare available

• Southern Grist: 10/13 (Nations Taproom) Fall Fest looks like a fun, family friendly carnival with tye dye, face painting, bottle releases, and local vendor pop-ups

• Tennessee Brew Works: No fest that I could find, although they released a Marzen this month

I caught the guys down at the Common John Brewfest this weekend, but did not hear any buzz about shutting down. Announced on social media that the taproom is out, although they will continue distribution, at least for the time being.

When the Green Dragon went out of business, I was hoping someone would bring craft beer to this location again. Sad to see them shuttering. I really enjoy their brews and hope to see them remain successful on the distribution side. Best of luck guys and sad to see you go.

Anybody know if any breweries have pumpkin beer on tap or available? It’s not my thing but My wife likes pumpkin beer and the fallish weather has her wanting pumpkin beer. I know we can probably find some at sinkers but I was hoping to find some at a taproom.

Thank you!

As the Nashville breweries are already pinned, let's move on to nearby. I am going to include places that have cider and mead, where applicable. I will try to stay within an hour, maybe hour and a half of Nashville. If there is interest, I can cover Chatt, Memphis, and Knox at some point.

##South##

###Franklin###

Franklin has two breweries: Granite City and Curio.

• Curio is in the old Turtle Anarchy/Mantra/Mill Creek location on the south side of Franklin. It is a coffee shop/brewery, much like Living Waters, although the beer is not at the same tier. Cute little place that has music on some nights (unless that has changed). Few of their own, so they supplement with local beers from Nashville breweries. No food on premises unless there are food trucks.

• Granite City is a bit like Gordon Biersch or Big River. It is really more of a restaurant where the concept has beer brewed in each location. HQed in St Paul, which is known as Granite City, you can find locations across the country. I can't say any of their beers really stand out, but I don't find them offensive either. The food is good. Tends to be a cougar bar during happy hour and they have a free mug club (typical corporate points based system).

###Nolensville###

Only one here. Mill Creek is located in a warehouse district in Nolensville. A few years back Mill Creek almost closed due to a success problem: They opened too many locations to stay ahead of their bills - opened both in 12 South and in the Curio location. There most known is probably their Lil' Darlin' wheat, which also comes in peach and mango, and their Daze series of IPAs: Easy Daze, Juicy Daze, and Neon Daze. Do a wide variety of others. The coolest thing is their permanent food truck is parked inside the warehouse building they occupy.

###Columbia###

With Asgard defunct (R.I.P.), Bad Idea is the sole survivor in Columbia. Very experimental brewer, with beers in Gin barrels, cereal beers, and other combos you don't see a huge amount of outside of hi-grav stouts. On my first visit, Zachary Fox (owner) was about to take a couple on a tour and asked if I would like to join. As the equipment was right there, it was a very interesting kind of tour. They recently moved just north of the city square. I was informed they share the building with Ollie + Finn’s, a sandwich shop, so there is food onsite.

###Mt. Pleasant###

Also only one brewery here: Twisted Copper. My one visit was coming back from Shaffer Farms and a snap decision to take a side jaunt. Cute little nano-brewery with an old vibe to it. For a new nano, the beer was surprisingly good. Not enough I would recommend everyone take a trek out, but if you are ever in this part of the state, it is worth the stop.

##Southeast##

###Murfreesboro###

• Cedar Glade is located near Murfreesboro Road and somehow I missed them when exploring years ago. I rectified it this year. I was pleasantly surprised at this spot and the quality of their brews. Like most down here, no food, but they do have a food truck schedule on their site and allow other food when the trucks aren't there. If they have a bottle release, it is worth getting a to go. Got the feeling they are much like Southern Grist: no staples, but have fan favorites on regularly anyway. A larger place, they have music on Fridays and do various local meetups, including board game nights.

• Mayday feels a bit more like a homebrewer's shop, albeit with a much cooler building. Currently the longest standing in Murfreesboro, they are all over the board and can a lot of their beer. I would say Boro Blonde is the best known, but they have other staples, as well. If Ozzy is in, strike up a conversation. Or you can talk to his daughter Kelsey, the brewer, about her creations. Full food menu.

• Middle Ground is the new boy on the block. They have food (a rarity down here?). It is the closest to the Interstate, so makes for a quick stop on the way south on 24. Don't know they have been around long enough to develop staples, although the menu online still has many I tried a few months back.

• Panther Creek has been opened for a few years in the spot where the Middle Earth themed Green Dragon Inn used to sit. Experimental in styles, although heavy on hazy IPAs and fruited sours. One of my favorite breweries in the middle Tennessee area. No food, but they routinely work with food trucks and allow food in when none are there. Often put on bands and comedy nights out back. 2 for 1 on Monday.

• Tailgate opened its 8th location (9 including airport franchise) this summer (2024). As much has already been said about Tailgate in the primary listing for Nashville, I will let you peruse that list.

###Manchester###

Common John is another brewery within striking distance of 24 (exit 119 and then west). 20 taps and about a dozen will be their own brews. The rest show they understand the Middle TN beer scene, as you can usually find a good Barrique brew on tap. No staples that I know of, but they do have a food menu.

There is also Ole Shed in Tullahoma, although they do not currently have a taproom, so won't go into too much detail.

##East##

Tenn Fold is still located in Davidson county, so this is moving out further to the east. Skeptic Meadery is located in Mt. Juliet at Breeden's Orchard - 631 Beckwith Blvd, Mt. Juliet TN. You can purchase mead there in bottles and they do flights on some nights (consult the website).

###Lebanon###

• Cedar City is located in an old brick building (painted white) on the north corner of the square. Primarily IPAs and lagers, they also brew a couple of ciders and a seltzer for the non-beer crowd. Full food menu. I like that they do the steamed subs and enjoyed the Philly.

• Tenn Lakes is a few blocks away at the Mill at Lebanon. More across the board on styles and with blonds, browns, reds, and ESBs complementing the IPAs and lagers. Also a full food menu, much larger and varied than Cedar City.

###Cookeville###

There is only one brewery here: Red Silo. One of the largest tap lists I have seen and also one of the most varied. Recently won an award at the Nashville Brewer's Fest and one of the few that still produces beer in bottles. No food on premises, but you can bring in.

##Sparta##

• Calfkiller is one of my favorite breweries in Tennesse. Not as much for the beer, as it is good, but average; but for the brothers that bought it. Early on Calfkiller got a mystique and people clamored to get their brews. This allowed them to pick the types of businesses they wanted to feature their beer in and put everyone else on the wait list. At one time they got a cease and desist from AHB for using their embossed kegs (as they were identifiable), so they spray painted them randomly to cover the logos (problem solved). If you can get in the taproom when they are there, the stories are worth the ride. No food sold.

• Happy Trails is a bit more accessible, as it sits right off US 70. The outside of the building is very industrial. The bar itself is a masterpiece. As Calfkiller is more of a destination for beer nerds, you might be tempted to pass by. But with only two out here, you should give them a shout.

##Northeast##

###Hendersonville###

There is another Tailgate location here, which I won't cover, as it is well covered in the Nashville list. The other brewery here is Half Batch. Half Batch has a lot of the regulars, but I think their best beers are the offshoots, like their Two Foot Cream Ale and their Fulkin Scottish Ale. Pretzels only, but have food trucks every weekend, so consult the schedule. Have Furlong punch cards for free beers and half price brews on Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.

###Gallatin###

Another one brewery town, Gallatin is home to Big Trouble, a brewery with an 80s theme. Beers are named for this period, like Lazy Swayze Hazy and Doc Emmitt Brown Ale. They also have theme nights, with contests. Have decent tacos, nachos, and dogs for those needing a bite, although I might be tempted to go down to Awedaddy's for their fried cheese (ridiculous big ... and good).

EDIT: Another one bites the dust.

##North##

###Springfield###

Near the tracks you will find BS Brewing in a beautiful old wooden building. The owners are usually behind the bar and very open to a conversation. One unique thing is they have a board of blends (mixtures of two or more of their brews) and the palette on the person blending is on point. Full menu of pub favorites, include sharables, sammies, wings, etc. Flagships are the more maltier types of lagers, although they do have a lighter lager and an IPA on tap.

###Clarksville###

• Blackhorse is more of a restaurant for me than a brewery and one of two, Strawberry Alley being the other, that has a great food menu. Blackhorse is a darker spot and feels a bit like an English Pub. There is another location in Alcoa in East Tennessee. Year round brews include their IPA, a vanilla cream ale, Barnstormer red ale, and Coalminer's Stout. I found the mix of the vanilla cream and stout makes for a nice concoction.

• Evill Nash is a cute brewery in an old 50s/60s building that has a bit of a diner feel. I have been in a few times and love talking to James, the owner/brewer. They did food, but I think that is a ting of the past (call ahead?), although there are breweries in the area that have full menus. All over the board in styles. Never had a bad one, although none stand out as I write this.

• King's Bluff is a failed brewery that appears to be resurrecting. You have to follow on Facebook at this time (event planned Sept 11, 2024) as they are popping up at this time. One of my favorite breweries in Clarksville, largely because of the people and the vibe. The closed location never had food, but did some excellent pop ups on the regular.

• Old Abe's Brew House is northeast of downtown on Wilma Rudolph, this spot feels a bit more like a bar than a brewery. Have food and cocktails. A few of their own, but a decently curated list of others you probably won't find in Clarksville.

• Star Spangled is a military themed brewery with two locations in Clarksville (on the river and just off 24). No food and the river location often has a dog laying around inside. On my last visit, I had a very good barrel aged barley wine that really stood out. They do a wide variety. Flights served in lunch boxes, which is a nice twist on the flight holder.

• Strawberry Alley is a few blocks from Blackhorse and has an extensive food menu. Multi-level with a large bar on the upper floor, there is also a nice deck when the weather is good. Year round staples include the 1820 Kolsch, Class A IPA, Belgian Golden, and Joe B's Brown Ale. If they have their Dubble or Facedream IPA on, make sure to give them at least a taste.

• Trazo Meadery is a spot I like to stop in after I hit Strawberry Ale or Blackhorse. This is a tasting room, not a brewpub or taproom, so it is more to try and take home than sit and have drinks with friends. No food obviously.

##West##

With Marrowbone in Ashland City shuttering, there is only one brewery now with a reasonable distance towards the east: One19 Kitchen in Dickson. Live music, food, and beer, this spot started as Furnace brewery, but feels much more restaurant. Usually only one or two Furnace brews on tap, with the west of the taps being TN brews. I have spent time with friends who are regulars and love the owners. Do a brunch on weekends. If you head out this direction, it can also be a great time to stop and see Starrlight at Fat Tiger Korean in White Bluff (best Korean in the area, IMO).

We all love great beer but it's also an added bonus when a brewery can pair that beer with some great food too! Here are my personal Top 5 Nashville Brewery kitchens/menus. To set some rules, to be eligible the food has to be from an in-house kitchen or a permanent fixture on the grounds. i.e. Cabin Attic at BI counts. Il Forno at Fait does not.

1. TennFold: very pizza focused menu, but this place probably has the most complete kitchen menu I've seen and some health-conscious options that are actually great and don't just taste like they added it out of obligation. Don't sleep on the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich.
2. Smith & Lentz: there's a 1-star Google review of this shop that says that "the pizza tastes like [the owners] learned how to make it while backpacking stoned through Italy" and tbh this is actually the best compliment they could've given them because this pizza is fantastic and among the best in the city and does in fact taste like a bunch of chemistry nerds got together to try to figure out the perfect sourdough crust. This might be the best beer-food pairing on the list but that's certainly up for debate.
3. TN Brew Works: they wouldn't make my Top 5 for beer but they certainly do for food because this one of the best burgers and hot chicken sandwiches in town. This was one of the first breweries I went to in town and the burger is still in my Top 10.
4. Bearded Iris: this feels like cheating but it's impossible to leave them off the list when they have two remarkable collab kitchens in Cabin Attic and Black Dynasty Ramen, both of which go great with their haze-forward brews. Either one on its own would take the 4th spot. Smash Burgers and Ramen. What more could you want.
5. TailGate Brewery: this may be controversial but nothing tastes more like a late-October Saturday in Nashville to me than a slice of their whipped ricotta pie in one hand and a Peanut Butter Milk Stout in the other with college football on their wall of tv screens. Pure nirvana. I know their beer gets rightfully criticized by beer drinkers but one thing they've nailed at all their locations is the sports pub atmosphere.

Ok what'd I miss? What'd you agree with? Let's hear it!

Edit: Finally made it to Lauter at Southern Grist last night. Fantastic experience. Menu is a little limited but what I had was fantastic. If you like burgers but want one that isn't a smash burger, this is the place. I'd definitely move this up to the 3 spot

Asgard has announced on Facebook they are closing. If you have not tried them before, one of the few breweries in the US dedicated to Scandanavian styles of beer.

This leaves Bad Idea as the only brewery in Columbia, with Twisted Copper as the only other brewery south of Franklin until you get into Alabama.

Currently writing "Nashville Locals Guide for Vistors and Newbies" and have a chapter on Nashville beer. Would love other sets of eyes to make sure I don't miss something important. Ping back or DM if you are interested.

There are 25 brewery taprooms in the Nashville area, with 32 locations (or 37 if you include airport) locations and one to reopen this fall (Harding House). To avoid favoritism (get flack for that), I am going to put them in alphabetical order, rather order of quality (happy to share my thoughts, if requested). I will outline which I routinely get beer trade requests. I will also note positives and negatives and whether or not there is food on location at all times. Also tagging mug clubs, untappd venues, etc.

[Work in progress now, as I am sure I forgot something - feel free to comment about missing information]

• Barrique (East Bank): I consider Joel Stickrod and Spencer Longhurst to be Nashville's chefs of beer. Joel was with Mantra prior to starting Barrique and was responsible for many of their excellent sours. His wheelhouse is wild and mix-ferm sours, which are barrel aged in, primarily in French or American oak. Spencer handles the clean program, which used to be all barrel aged, as well. When Lippmann closed down their Nations facility, Barrique purchased their larger fermentors, allowing Spencer to create more traditional lagers and ales, sans the barrel. There are still barrel aged clean brews. The only negative is the taproom is in the barrel house, so there is no HVAC and it can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Today, I get ample numbers of requests for Barrique sours, which must be barley wines (this is a joke not a description of their brews, btw), as I can't legally ship beer bottles from Tennessee (Not sure why the law allows shipping wine bottles, but not beer bottles). No food, except trucks and popups, which are routine on weekends. BREW HOP: EAST - stop 7 NOTE: Does cask ales regularly.

• Bassline (West Charlotte Ave): In the L&L Market, this originally started as Bold Patriot. Wise to change names, as there was some controversy early on. More of a taproom now and has other options for non-beer drinkers. Features live music some nights. I really love the space. Now has food on premise, but allow food in from other rstaurants in the market when not running

• Bearded Iris (Germantown & Sylvan Supply): Known primarily for hazies (and darks), Bearded Iris was once the brewery I got the most requests for beer trades from. After merging with Scofflaw, they have reduced the number of new brews and added in a limited bar for those who do not like beer. Has hoppy hour daily during the week. Best known brew is Homestyle, which is a NEIPA, but have other staples: IPAs (double homestyle, tunnel vision, attention please, chasing rainbows, and queen bee), Flamingo Road (sour), and Pep Talk (lager). If you get in the OG location (Germantown), ask Dylan about "Nice Job", a beautiful accident when brewing Pep Talk I hope they bring back. Also has a selection of other alcohol choices. Germantown has a permanent burger food truck and Sylvan Supply has Black Dynasty Ramen (best in town) BREW HOP: EAST - stop 5

• Big Macihne Brewery & Distillery (Downtown and Berry Hill): Brews and distills and has live music at its downtown and Berry Hill locations. Caught a new recording artist at the Berry Hill location a week ago. Full food menu

• Black Abbey (Sidco Drive, near Berry Hill): Brewery feels like an abbey church, fitting the name. Known more for their Belgians and other Euro-style brews, Black Abbey does some great barrel aged brews. Their staples are the Rose (blonde Belgian), Tennessee IPA, Five Points IPA, Pub Ale, The Special (Dubbel), Czech Condition (Pils), Chronicles (Festbier), Guy Fawkes (Brown), and Krampus Nacht (Bock). Limited food (Chese Curds, Pretzel Sticks, Bratwurst and Rueben’s ) and has a delivery deal with Yogi's pizza for delivery. Thanks /u/jb15man NS /u/catlikebus for the info. NOTE: Does cask ales regularly.

• Blackstone (Clifton near Fisk/Meharry): Originally opened as a restaurant. Moved over to their Clifton and opened a taproom, sans restaurant, there in 2016. Another grandfather brewery for Nashville. Half price beers on Sunday (what? $3 pints?); say hi to Anna if you pop in and say Greg told you to stop in for a brew. Great little taproom with plenty of outdoor space when it is not godawful hot. Pretty standard on the beer selection (and includes Nashville Brewing Company), including Hopjack (IPA), Trop Jack (Tropical IPA), Adam Bomb (triple IPA), Black Belle (stout aged in Belle Meade barrels), and Nashville Brewering beers like Pils and Kolsch. Not a lot of rotation, but the beer is consistently good. Still has food from a food truck that sits on the property - some of the old restaurant staples, like fish & chips. Thanks /u/plant_lyfe for noticing the missing brewery.

• Broadcast (WeHo area): Have not been, so have to research before adding details.

• Czann's (Nations): Started in Pie Town in 2005, by Ken Rebman, Czann's focuses heavily on European style brews. He moved to the Nations, in an old church building, in 2019. Two for one pints on Wednesdays. As Ken is from Buffalo, he has wings and a Beef-on-Weck sandwich on his food menu.

• Crazy Gnome (East Nashville): Grayson Miller opened this small/nano brewery on the backside of the Main Street Liquor building in mid 2020 after repairs were completed by the tornado earlier in the year. No real staples and beer is across the board. Also has options from cideries in town, including Diskin's (WeHo) and Crazy Gnome owned Cyanide Cider (Woodbine). No food on presence, except some special events.

• East Nashville Beerworks (Trinity Lane/North East Nashville): One of the most family friendly breweries in town, which can be a pro or a con (depending on your stage in life). Another dry beer brewer, so a bit less mouthfeel. Brews primarily named after Nashville locations and include Woodland Street (Session IPA), East Bank (Citra IPA), Cumberland Punch (Wheat Ale), and Tennessee Sipper (Golden Light Ale). Full pub grub/pizza food menu BREWHOP: EAST ROUTE (stop 4).

• Fait La Force (Chestnut Hill): Opened in 2022, Pete and Zach came out swinging. They are still producing great brews. They tend to gravitate towards Belgian inspired beers (including using belgian yeast to brew IPAs), but have shown talent in a wide variety of styles and produce on the best hoppy pils brews in the area. The taproom is very eclectic, with an old fashioned soda shop style menu board and French Romance style furnishings and a large patio. Does have some options for non-beer drinkers. Has food on premise from JamBox sandwich (Shane Nasby, owner of Cledis, jam inspired sandwiches) and Il Forno next door BREWHOP: WEST ROUTE (stop 3)

• Fat Bottom (Nations): Owned by the son of former governor Phil Bredesen, Fat Bottom has one of the nicest looking taprooms in the city. Can art inspired by old WWII models and most adorn women's names. Staples include Ruby (American red), Knockout (IPA), Hazel (Hazy IPA), Sandy (Blonde Ale), and Teddy Loves Pilsner. Beer specials from 4-7 PM every Thursday. Full bar. Serves a full pub grub type menu from its kitchen and generally participates in the Scenes Burger week.

• Harding House (Woodbine): Not BOLD as not yet reopened. Will detail more once they open.

• Hi-Wire (Gulch): Another transplant (like Yee-Haw/Monday Night) with one of the largest boards in town. Often hosts events (crafts, etc.) on premise and is just around the corner from Marble Fox and not far from Yee-Haw and Tennessee Brew Works if you want a walking tour. No food on premise, but you can bring in - love Calle tacos one block away or Peg Leg Porkers for ribs.

• Jackalope (WeHo): Jackalope has been around since 2011, when it sat in the south Gulch near Yazoo. It is a female owned brewery (Bailey Spaulding and Robyn Virball) and now sits in the WeHo area. Staples include Thunder Ann (American Pale), Bearwalker (Maple Brown), Sarka (Pils), Lovebird (Strawberry/raspberry wheat), and Fennario (IPA). The space is very light feeling and they have cornhole set up on their astroturf outdown patio/lawn. No food except when there are trucks. BREWHOP: WEST ROUTE (stop 4)

• Living Waters (Trinity Lane/North East Nashville): Known for it darks, Living Waters has it Mythos program, which includes special releases of its barrel aged darks ($125/year) and includes a shirt and other schwag. Living Waters also does excellent IPAs and lagers of different styles (rice lager currently is excellent). Living Waters is also a coffee shop, so it is open for beer early in the morning. In fact, the main negative here is that there is a lot of barrista activity here, which means longer lines to get beer. Limited food menu, primarily breakfast oriented

• Marble Fox (Gulch): Opening in 2023, Marble Fox, like Fait la Force, came out swinging. Pretty much everything I have tried has been nice, including IPAs, lagers, and darks. Parking lot is paid, but can get validation for free parking. Occasionally a free spot in the gravel on the street nearby or in front of Hi-Wire (until they rectify that?). Food on premises, but can be sporadic - when no food on premises, can bring in.

• Monday Night (Germantown): Located on the river, Monday Nights Preservation Society location is one of the best taprooms in the city, especially its outdoor space in a restored/delapidated factory building. Monday Night is currently an Atlanta "transplant" (locations in Atlanta and Birmingham, AL) and does not brew on premise. This is slated to change when they move, but they love the space and may not end up moving after all. Tuesday is token day (buy one, get a token for another to use at any time) and Wednesday night has happy hour from 4-8 PM, with beer and drink specials. Many staples, including Dr. Robot (sour), Death Raptor (IPA), Slap Fight (West coast IPA), Space Lettuce (Double IPA), and Blind Pirate (Blood orange IPA). I also enjoy the barrel aged brews they have on tap regularly, including many that are mixed from multiple barrels. Full bar with some frozen drinks. Limited food, which is more like a boxed lunch BREWHOP: EAST ROUTE (stop 6) - UNTAPPD venue

• Nashville Brewing Company: See Blackstone as they brew out of the same location and their beers are on tap in the same taproom.

• New Heights (Just outside Pie Town/Inner Interstate Loop): Run by Jeff Fountain, New Heights is best known for its Navel Gazer, especially in the various barrel aged/adjunct versions. Also does barley wines and other fortified beers, as well as some good IPAs. Will also do some kettle sours, often with unusual combinations. Permanent Food Truck on site; currently Nashville Chicken & Waffles (chicken and waffles, mac & cheese) BREWHOP: WEST ROUTE (Stop 2)

• Rock 'N Dough (Dickerson Pike North - also Gallatin): Rock N' Dough is a pizza place with some of their own brews. Location is in the Hampton Inn near skyline medical. Had a location in the Nations, but nothing has yet survived there. Food includes pizza, sandwiches, and salads

• Smith & Lentz (East Nashville): How did I forget this one? Kurt Smith joined our virtual happy hours during COVID and relayed fighting the insurance company over the tornado saved this beauty of a brewery. They ended up rebuilding with a better outdoor space and a kitchen (ping pong does not pay the bills like pizza does?). They don't do darks and sours and Adler has mentioned this is not their wheelhouse. If you like lagers and IPAs, this is a top destination (I would rank the lagers, overall, number 2 in the city - Barrique being best - and the pizza one of the best in the city). Has Pizza, appetizers, and salads BREWHOP: Not a stop, but 2 blocks down Main from the Crazy Gnome stop on the EAST ROUTE (stop 1).

• Southern Grist (East Nashville, Nations): This is the brewery I get more requests for trades from today. They are known for their sours, primarily, but do some great darks (esp. barrel), lagers, and IPAs (primarily hazy). No always available brews, but well known for beers like Mixed greens (hazy IPA series), Teal (hazy IPA), the Hill Series (sours), and routine barrel aged dark releases. Has Loyal Fans of Grist ($125?), which includes 6 Batch one Theory bottles, special events, and special access to releases. Limited non-beer drinks, including cocktails. Lauter, a limited menu, chef run pub grub restaurant runs every day, food at the Nations on weekends. BREWHOP: EAST ROUTE (stop 3). UNTAPPD venue (both locations)

• Tailgate (West Charlotte, Music Row, East Nashville, Germantown, Tanger Outlet, and the airport in Nashville). While COVID badly hurt a lot of breweries, Wes Keegan's acquisition of the old Moose Lodge on West Charlotte was a godsend. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, he could seat over 1,000 people due to the massive outdoor space. Today, Tailgate has more locations than any other brewery (in addition to those mentioned, he has a locations in Hendersonville, Mufreesboro, and Chattanooga, with plans to open in [RUMORED LOCATIONS REDACTED]). Tailgate staples include Orange Wheat, Howdy Cloudy Session IPA, Wizards Order IPA, and Tailgate Cider. Series includes trees (hazy IPAs), Wizard's Order (hazy IPAs), Lager Projekt (lagers), Schnack (fruited and pastry sours), and barrel project (barrel aged). One of the best mug clubs in the city, if not the country ($60 per year = $2 off everything (brews, growlers, cans), $1 Tuesday (kick the keg and mug club appreciation on last Tuesday (everything non-specialty is a dollar a pour), plus free shirt on renewal). The main negative for me is the heavier use of lactose in their beers (hazy IPAs and sours). I miss their Southeast IPA (clean, more west coast style IPA), which comes back from time to time. Limited cocktail choices, including frozen drinks. Has food at all locations: pizza (half price Wed), sandwiches, salads, and apps (select half price on Wednesday). Deals also include lunch special weekdays (pizza or sandwich) and 1/2 price slush drinks all day Thursday. BREWHOP: EAST ROUTE (stop 2 - East Nashville lcoation) and WEST ROUTE (stop 6).

• Tennessee Brew Works: One of the older breweries in Nashville, sticks primarily to traditional styles, although some one-offs are very creative. Has live music many days, including Monday night open mic. One of the best bourbon selections in town and any pour $13+ is half price on Tuesday. Great, multi-level space and has a free parking lot out back, as well as free street parking. Has an upscale, beer inspired, food menu

• Tennfold (Donelson): Brewery/restaurant started by the owners of Nectar. One of two breweries that tends to brew beers drier, so less mouthfeel. Year round brews include lagers (Pils, American lager, Vienna lager), IPAs (West coast and juicy), and a golden and a Scottish ale. Food includes pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

• Yazoo (Madison): The granddad of Nashville breweries, Yazoo is really two breweries: clean brewed on premise and funk in their separate funkatorium. Staple traditional brews include Dos Perros (Mexican lager), Gerst (Amber), Daddy-O (pilsner), Calla (IPA), Hop Perfect (IPA), Hopry (hazy IPA), Sue (Imperial Smoked Porter), Czech lager, Pale Ale, and Hefeweizen. They also re-introduced a "hop project" style of rotating brew series in Impy (imperial) and a hoppy rotation (need name here). On the embrace the funk side, the regular line-up is Saisn de Bois, Foudre Noire, Citraluxe (sour pale), Octatonic (multi-wine barrel aged blonde), Grisette, Little Tables (Belgian Blonde), Foedre Fruits, and a couple of ciders. Has a mug club ($100?) with a 20 oz mug pour, free first beer and bogos on birthday, free growler fill each month, $8 growler Wednesday, free T-shirt, and 10% off to go brews and merchandise. Recently teamed with the Grillshack for pub grub on premise.

Airport breweries (franchise, as they are run by either Delaware North, aka DNC, or HMSHost):

• Fat Bottom (Satellite Concourse - C7)

• Little Harpeth (Concourse B - B7)

• Tailgate (C concourse food court) - does do mug club discounts at this location too

• Tennessee Brew Works (Concourse A&B intersection)

• Yazoo (end of C concourse - C25)

No taproom:

• Hap & Harry's, Turtle Anarchy, Little Harpeth, and Music City were all scheduled to open a taproom in the Nations. Owner of the property stalled and ultimately jacked the rent up to get them out. Beers are contract brewed at this time, unless they found a new location (probably not, as they sold the Little Harpeth equipment to Barrique).

Other types of brewed beverages:

• Cyanide Cider (Woodbine): Cidery created by Grayson and crew at Crazy Gnome. Only dry cidery in town (all dry, while Diskin's, et al, are primarily sweet or semi-sweet). Also has some local brews on tap for non-cider drinkers. Permanent food pop up, Birria Babe, is an excellent marriage of food and cider

• Diskin's Cider (WeHo): Excellent cidery. My favorite is BTC (bourbon tart cherry), which was a seasonal, but is brewed and barreled year round now. Space includes tables, a bar, and some couches. Very flexible restroom situation, which individual stalls and community hand washing. Has a limited food menu on premise

• Honeytree Meadery (East Nashville): Meadery with their own apieries for honey. Brews primarily full strength meads, but has some sessions. A wide variety of flavors from traditional to floral to fruity. Permanent Bad Luck Burger food truck in front

Reopening the subreddit to attempt to get some action in here.

Need some help here as I have not perused all of the deals breweries have in the area. Figured I would meta, so I could get feedback and get the list completed.

Beer/Food Specials:

• Blackstone: Buy one get one on Sunday. Who can resist a $3 pint?
• Bearded Iris: Hoppy Hour from 5-6 Mon-Friday. $2 off on pints
• Czann's: Happy Hour Wednesday 4-7 PM. 2-4-1 beers.
• Fat Bottom: Happy Hour from 4-6 PM Mon-Fri. 2-4-1 pints
• Monday Night: Buy one, get a token for another (good any time) on Tuesdays.
• Tailgate: Half price fries on Monday, 1/2 price pizza on Wednesday; 1/2 price slush drinks (non-beer) on Thursdays.
• Tennessee Brew Works: Happy hours 3-6PM Mon-Thurs. Additional specials - Monday: $5 off craft beer pitchers; Tuesday: Top Shelf Tuesday - Liquor specials all day; and Wednesday: 1/2 price beer all day.
• Yazoo: Late night happy hour (7 PM - close) on Saturday and Sunday. $1 off all pints

Clubs:

• Black Abbey: Deacon Club ($95/year). 20 oz mug filled for $1 off. Can get 16 oz high gravity fills. Free birthday beer. Free fill on Black Abbey's Anniversary (Sept 21), $5 cask fills on Wednesdays, 10% discount on beer, merch, kegs, and growlers. $5 mug fills on release days. Special Mug Club events.
• Living Waters: Mythos club ($price? and benefits?)
• New Heights: Mug Club ($price? and benefits?)
• Southern Grist: Loyal Fans of Grist (price?). 6 bottles from special releases, First dibs on bottle releases, T-shirt, and special members only events (some in which you can bring a guest).
• Tennessee Brew Works: Mug Club ($75 first year, $50 renewal). 20 oz mug; $2 off mug fills; early access to new releases; and 20% off all packaged beer, including kegs.
• Tailgate: Mug Club ($60/year). $2 off pints, growlers, and 4/6 packs every day. Drink out of a slightly larger members mug. Free t-shirt when re-upping (each year). $1 Tuesdays - kick the keg most Tuesdays, $1 everything but specialty last Tuesday of the month. - unlimited number of members
• Yazoo: Mug Club ($price? and benefits?)

With craft brewed gone, I am looking for new spots that offer a wide selection of single cans and or allow you to build your own 4-pack.

This is an updated discussion and list since the last was ~3 years ago.

Cheers!

One thing I see a lot on social media visitor's forums are questions about how to experience the most breweries without wracking up a fortune in Ubers. As we don't have a beer cluster, like Dunedin Florida (7 breweries in a 3 by 4 block area), my suggestion is get a ticket to the Music City Brewhop one day and plan a little walk the other. NOTE: When I say lagers, I mean beers brewed cold with lager yeast and not lager versus pils, kolsch, etc. All of those are lagers by that definition).

##Day 1: Brew Hop##

Stops, in order:

1. Stops in front of Main Street liquors for Crazy Gnome. From here I would definitely take the 2 block walk to Smith & Lentz which ranks second best in lagers ink the city on most beer nerd lists. If you like Mead, Honeytree is up the hill on Woodland. You can take McFerrin up (right next to No Quarter) and it will be 1/2 block to the left.

2. Tailgate - I would consider forgoing this on the trolley, unless you are good at pacing yourself, as you can walk to the Demonbreun or Germantown location from downtown without any problem.

3. Southern Grist - Currently the second most requested brewery for beer trades I do. Known for sours, but do good IPAs and darks. The new crisp series of lagers is also very nice. They also have a chef run restaurant here called Lauter.

4. East Nashville Brew Works - One of the nicer decks in the area and very kid friendly (although you are probably not taking kids on a brew trolley). If you are doing well pacing yourself, stop in. Otherwise, you may have to make a choice between "only want local" (drink here) or "want highest rated by locals" (then do Monday Night). I would also consider this if you need food and felt Lauter (last stop) was too boujie.

5. Barrique - I get more requests for Barrique now than any other. Both lagers and sours. And Joel and Spencer are the master brewers in Nashville in both my book and others. The only downside is they are not climate controlled, so it can get temperate inside the tap room. You can always get a couple of halfs or samples of the lagers and buy some sour bottles, however. No food, unless there is a truck or pop up.

6. Bearded Iris - I still get requests for BI's hazies, including many for Homestyle, which I have seen in many states. They have a permanent food truck here, if you need food.

7. Monday Night - I would not wait for the trolley to take you here, as BI and Monday Night are about 2 blocks away. Excellent tap room. Healthy selection across styles. But this is an Atlanta based brewery, if "drinking local" is your goal. 2-4 on Tuesday (you get a token good for any time if you can't finish 2 after this many breweries).

##Day 2: Brewery Walk, Southeast##

Yee-Haw will be the closest for people downtown or in SoBro. It is not a local brewery, but it can be fun to pay the $15 moonshine tasting fee (you get back a coupon to buy packaged products - including shine - and merch). You will taste a handful of moonshines and get a pint of beer. You can skip this if you only want local or want higher ranked breweries.

From here you can walk down to Tennessee Brew Works. They have a few staples and don't rotate too often. Very traditional brewer and very technical. This years IPA tastes just like last years. Also more upscale pub grub, including a burger with a variety of ingredients using beer. Then duck under the Interstate loop and hit New Heights. IPAs and darks are the main draw and if they have a Navel Gazer variant, give it a try.

You have to go a few blocks down to Fait la Force (you can turn around towards the gulch and do day 3 if you feel this is a bit too much of a walk?). Fait came out swinging from day 1 and does a great job on old world style, primarily Belgian, beers. Snacks on premise, but you can bring over food from Il Forno when they are open.

And if you are still able to hike a bit, Jackalope is in WeHo, a few blocks more down the road. I would also consider Diskin's, if you like cider. My fave there is BTC (Bourbon Tart Cherry), although this cider is seasonal.

##Day 3: Brewery Walk, Gulch & Music Row##

In the south gulch, there are two breweries: Hi-Wire and Marble Fox. Hi-Wire is a Carolina brewery, so not for "local only" types. They do have a huge board of beers across a number of styles. Currently, of the transplants, I am more fond of Monday Night. Marble Fox is a new gem. Like Fait came out swinging hard, although not quite to the same level. Cute little brewery. No food at either spot, but Calle Tacos, just down the street, makes for good traveling food.

You can then swing up to Tailgate on Demonbreun. Wednesdays is a good day, as that is half price pizza. Tailgate is average in the Nashville area and has hits and misses. If you like sweeter sours, the Schnack series is almost always a hit. Most of the barrel aged brews are great. And their Lager Projekt has had some really nice brews. For IPAs, usually not a lot of clean (but that is true of most of Nashville - pity?).

From here, if you are not worn out from 3 days of drinking, Yee-Haw/Ole Smokey could be a fun option (see day 2).

NOTE: You can mix and match from day

Other options:

• For a drive into an area with a few (pace yourself and don't get a DUI, please), West Charlotte and the Nations. Bassline is re-establishing after the Bold Patriot days. They now have food, but I think they will still let you bring in from one of the other L&L Market vendors. Bearded Iris right up the street and has Black Dynasty Ramen (best in town). On the other side of 40 you have 4 (R.I.P. Harding House). Fat Bottom has the nicest place and decent food all the time. Beers are okay in my book, although they will sometimes have a one off. Czanns is down the street on Indiana in an old church. Very old world style and Ken brews for himself. I like sitting and having a conversation with Ken and he does a great job on Buffalo Wings and Beef on Weck (Buffalo staple). On 51st, you have Rock 'N Dough. I like them more for the bourbon selection. I have known the manager Geoff for at least 8 years, so always a pleasure. Then there is Southern Grist on Centennial.

• Black Abbey is an interesting brewery in an industrial area. No food unless there are trucks outside. Looks like an abbey inside. More old world style with some abbey type brews. I watch for special releases, as their one offs can be quite interesting.

• Yazoo. This is a hike up to Hendersonville/Madison. Nice spot on the river in a very industrial area. They just recently teamed up to add food from Riverside Grill Shack (thank you /u/oatmealfoot for pointing this out). Really two breweries: clean and funk. I prefer the funk and still have some Embrace the Funk bottles I have not cracked. I also have people ask for me to ship some of these "barley WINE" bottles. (It is illegal to ship beer bottles in Tennesse, but you can ship wine).

Okay, I just wrote a novel. Have fun!

EDIT: Side trips

It is worth taking an Uber out to Living Waters (thanks /u/Crashsurfer), especially if they have released one of their darks. Just after a Mythos (bottle club) party, the leftovers are on tap for the public (if any remain) and it is worth getting over to try. Black Friday usually has releases out and a great time. If you have a car, you can hit this on the way to Yazoo.

Another possible outing is the original Tailgate on Charlotte Pike in Bellevue. Mostly because of the mass of outdoor space. Brewery wise, they are average. Food is decent, but better on the deal days (Monday fries, Wednesday pizza). Very family friendly, as well.

And a few other things to note:

• Blackstone does 1/2 off on pints every Sunday.
• Bearded Iris has $1 off pints every weekday from 5-6: Hoppy Hour.
• Monday Night gives a token for a free beer for every pint sold on Tuesday. You can redeem them on nights other than Tuesday.

Hi Nashville brewery enthusiasts! With smaller breweries closing down (Harding House and Common Law) we should really be supporting our smaller, not as well known, or newer breweries instead of the main stream Nashville breweries(Bearded Iris, Southern Grist, Yazoo, etc) that will be okay business-wise without us(can still support by buying products). I’d love to have as many Nashville breweries pumping out great beer as possible! Some great newer breweries to support are Fait La Force and Crazy Gnome! Beer is so much fun and I’d love to have lots of growth from these smaller breweries too!

Should be a fun year, looks like a lot of new breweries from around Tennessee are participating this year too.

Who is going?

Traveling from Austin next weekend and planning on visiting a few breweries. Who has the best Hazy that shouldn’t be left w/o trying?

I also posted this in the link, but have it here for those not opening to the comments:

I was talking to the guys at Tailgate after the Tanger Outlet spot opened and mentioned they should try Clarksville, as they would be the top brewery there. That led to a conversation about the pain of having a brewery out of the Nashville area (Chattanooga) and they were seeking other spots nearby. I said "Murfreesboro, Franklin and Mt Juliet?" and got "I can't tell you where, but you will see". Looks like I got at least one right.

Tailgate is an interesting brewery. They started in California but moved to West Nashville (Bellevue) on Charlotte in 2015. Wes purchased the old Moose Club lodge and they opened with the old horseshoe shaped bar (now cut into two bars, one for beer, the other for food). Wes is a very smart businessman and understands selling direct to the public is the way to go if you want to maximize profits. At this point, they had nothing but beer and most was guest taps (fairly well curated, at that). They got pannini presses and started sandwiches and chips (still have a couple of sammies on the menu). Salads were later. Once they got pizza ovens in, the race was on.

The mug club started about 2 years after opening. It was a bit different then. Joel was the bar regular and there almost every day. Dave was the first person to ever walk in, other than employees. Adam was the manager. He mentioned the mug club and gave them applications. Joel read it. Dave signed it. Dave is mug club member number 1 and Joel is number 2. Not sure who is number 3, but Scott and his wife are 4 and 5. I got in a few after that.

Wes' next location was a cidery on Demonbreun street in midtown. Awhile later, he opened East Nashville, where he would brew more funk beers. Then COVID hit.

Most breweries got hit really hard with COVID. Mayor Cooper locked the city down for about a month and then only allowed about half capacity. I was on virtual happy hour Fridays with many of the "notables" in the Nashville beer scene as a form of socialization and Kurt (Smith & Lentz) mentioned they might have gone out of business if they were not messing with the insurance company over the damage from the tornado about a month earlier (they are thriving now, esp. with the food additions).

It was tough for Tailgate, as well, as Wes had to find things to make money to keep people on the payroll. They were selling food, but also made pizza kits. A TN law was passed to allow to go sales of alcohol and even delivery.

Then something happened and Wes lucked out (luck is taking advantage of opportunities when they present and not some magic fairy dust). When the order came they could reopen, outdoor spaces could have a large amount of people. When you sit on 7 acres, which about 2 on top of a hill, that provides an opportunity. I remember showing up seeing Drew, the art director, putting picnic tables together.

When I would walk in to meet friends, we might be the only people inside, but there were 700+ people on property (almost all outside). While most places were struggling to get customers, Tailgate had a bit of an advantage.

Germantown was next, opening next to the sounds stadium (seltzers), but Wes scored one of his biggest opportunities with the Terminal building in Chattanooga a bit later (Belgians). The building came with the equipment Terminal Brewing left behind making it a perfect location for him to acquire. It is also a beautiful building, right near the Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Hendersonville opened in mid-2023 and will brew beer once the rennovations are complete. The Tangers outlet mall location opened a few months later. And now Mufreesboro will open about a year after Hendersonville opened.

The question is whether or not Franklin or somewhere east will become a reality or not.

EDIT: Just realized I had forgotten the airport location. That is primarily because it is a franchise location, as there are only two companies that can run businesses in the airport: The Delaware North and HMSHost. This opened after the renovation of the food court and sits at the end as the court goes into the far end of terminal C.