Atlanta, a vibrant metropolis nestled in the heart of the South, is rapidly emerging as a craft beer haven. Beyond its iconic landmarks and bustling culinary scene, the city boasts a thriving community of breweries, each with its unique character, brewing philosophy, and, of course, exceptional beers. For the discerning beer enthusiast or the curious traveler seeking a taste of local flavor, embarking on an Atlanta brewery tour is an absolute must. This guide unveils some of the best brewery experiences the city and its surrounding areas have to offer, providing a glimpse into the art of brewing and a chance to savor the fruits of passionate craftsmanship.
A Journey Through Atlanta’s Brew Scene: Discovering the Best Atlanta Brewery Tours
The Best Atlanta Brewery Tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses into the brewing process to lively tasting rooms buzzing with energy. Each brewery tells its own story, reflected in its beers, its atmosphere, and the people who bring it all to life. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or a newcomer eager to explore the world of craft brewing, Atlanta has a tour to quench your thirst for knowledge and delicious beer.
Red Brick Brewing (Atlanta Brewing Company): A Pioneer of Atlanta Craft Beer
- Address: 2323 Defoor Hills Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
- Phone: +1 404-355-5289
Red Brick Brewing, formerly known as Atlanta Brewing Company, holds a special place in the city’s brewing history. As one of the oldest craft breweries in Georgia, Red Brick has been crafting beers for over two decades, laying the foundation for the vibrant scene that exists today. Their beers, easily recognizable in major grocery and liquor stores throughout the area, are a testament to their enduring presence.
A visit to Red Brick Brewing offers a glimpse into the brewery’s history and its commitment to quality. Tours, priced at $10, provide an engaging overview of the brewing process, from the selection of ingredients to the fermentation and packaging stages. The tour culminates in a tasting session where you can sample a selection of Red Brick’s flagship and specialty brews, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow beer lovers. As a memento of your visit, you’ll receive a souvenir glass to take home.
Red Brick’s diverse portfolio includes year-round favorites like Red Brick Blonde, a light and refreshing ale; Red Brick Brown, a malty and smooth brown ale; Red Brick Pale Ale, a balanced and hoppy ale; and Red Brick Porter, a rich and flavorful dark ale. In addition to these staples, Red Brick also produces specialty lines like Laughing Skull, known for its innovative and experimental brews, and the Brick Mason series, which showcases the brewery’s creativity and passion for pushing the boundaries of brewing.
SweetWater Brewing Company: Atlanta’s Beloved Craft Beer Icon
- Address: 195 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
- Phone: +1 678-679-1622
SweetWater Brewing Company has ascended to become one of Atlanta’s most recognizable and beloved beer brands. Their beers, characterized by their distinctive branding and bold flavors, have garnered a loyal following both locally and beyond. SweetWater’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their wide range of beers, including a constantly evolving selection of limited-edition specialty creations.
The SweetWater brewery itself is an experience. A significant renovation in 2011 transformed the facility into a welcoming and engaging space for visitors. Brewery tours, priced at $10, offer an immersive look into SweetWater’s brewing operations. The 30-minute tour provides insights into the brewing process, the brewery’s history, and its commitment to sustainability. Following the tour, visitors can enjoy a tasting session, using the six tasting tickets included with the tour price to sample a variety of SweetWater’s beers. A souvenir glass is also included as a keepsake.
SweetWater’s core beer offerings include classics like 420 Extra Pale Ale, a balanced and flavorful session beer; SweetWater IPA, a hoppy and aromatic India Pale Ale; Blue, a refreshing wheat ale with blueberry notes; Georgia Brown, a smooth and malty brown ale; and Sch’wheat, a crisp and refreshing wheat beer. In addition to these year-round staples, SweetWater also brews a variety of seasonal beers, such as Happy Ending Imperial Stout, Road Trip Summer Lager, Motor Boat, Festive Ale, and Exodus Porter. For the adventurous beer drinker, SweetWater’s "Dank Tank" series offers a rotating selection of limited-edition beers, often found on tap at local bars.
Monday Night Brewing: Craft Beer with a Creative Edge
- Address: 670 Trabert Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
- Phone: +1 404-596-8271
Monday Night Brewing, a relative newcomer to the Atlanta beer scene, quickly gained popularity for its flavorful beers and clever marketing. Founded by a group of friends who shared a passion for brewing, Monday Night has cultivated a distinct brand identity, characterized by its quirky name and the prevalence of neckties in its branding.
A visit to Monday Night Brewing’s West Midtown taproom offers a taste of the brewery’s creative spirit. Tours and tastings, priced at $10, include a souvenir pint glass, four complimentary 8-ounce tastings, and a guided tour of the brewery. As a unique touch, visitors who bring a used necktie to donate to the brewery’s "wall of ties" receive a $1 discount on their tour.
Red Hare Brewing Company: Marietta’s Brewing Pride
- Address: 1998 Delk Industrial Blvd SE, Marietta, GA 30067
- Phone: +1 678-401-0600
Located in Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta, Red Hare Brewing Company was founded by two friends with a shared passion for brewing. The brewery’s name, a playful reference to the red clay soil prevalent in the region, reflects its local roots and its commitment to crafting beers that capture the spirit of the South.
Tours and tastings at Red Hare Brewing Company are priced at $10 and include a souvenir glass and six tasting tickets. The tour provides an overview of the brewery’s operations, from the brewhouse to the bottling line, while the tasting session allows visitors to sample a selection of Red Hare’s flagship and seasonal beers.
Blue Tarp Brewing: A Decatur Gem
- Address: 731 E College Ave. Decatur, GA 30030
- Phone: +1 404-669-6740
Blue Tarp Brewing, located in Decatur, offers a selection of rotating beers. A tour here scores you a souvenir pint glass and five complimentary tastings.
Three Taverns Brewery: Belgian-Inspired Brews in Decatur
- Address: 121 New St, Decatur, GA 30030
- Phone: +1 404-600-3355
Decatur is also home to Three Taverns Brewery. Tours include a souvenir tasting glass, brewery tour and six 5.5oz pours of Three Taverns beers. $2 off for those who bike to the brewery!
Terrapin Beer Co.: A Day Trip to Athens for Craft Beer
- Address: 265 Newton Bridge Rd, Athens, GA 30607
- Phone: +1 706-549-3377
While not located directly in Atlanta, Terrapin Beer Co. in Athens is a worthwhile day trip for craft beer enthusiasts. This brewery, known for its creative and flavorful beers, has a strong presence throughout Georgia and beyond.
Tours at Terrapin Beer Co. are priced at $10 and include a souvenir glass. The tour provides an overview of the brewery’s operations and its commitment to quality, while the tasting session allows visitors to sample a selection of Terrapin’s flagship and seasonal beers.
Terrapin’s year-round offerings include Rye Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Hop Karma Brown IPA, and Hopsecutioner IPA. The brewery also produces a variety of seasonal brews, such as Sunray Wheat, Pumpkin Fest, and Moo-Hoo. In addition to these staples, Terrapin also brews a range of creative special editions and collaborations throughout the year.
Beyond the Breweries: Exploring Atlanta’s Craft Beer Scene
In addition to the breweries listed above, Atlanta boasts a thriving craft beer scene that extends beyond brewery tours. Local shops like Hop City and Ale Yeah! offer an extensive selection of craft beers from around the world, including many local Atlanta brews. These shops also offer growlers, allowing you to take home fresh draft beer to enjoy at your leisure.
Keep an eye out for Wild Heaven, another successful Atlanta brewery. Their beers can be found at many local bars, and they are planning to open a brewery in the Decatur area in the near future.
Planning Your Best Atlanta Brewery Tours
When planning your Atlanta brewery tour, consider the following tips:
- Check brewery websites for tour schedules and pricing. Tour schedules and pricing may vary, so it’s always best to check the brewery’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
- Make reservations in advance, especially for larger groups. Some breweries require or recommend reservations for tours, especially for larger groups.
- Designate a driver or utilize ride-sharing services. Safety should always be a top priority. Designate a driver or utilize ride-sharing services to ensure that everyone gets home safely.
- Pace yourself and drink responsibly. Brewery tours are meant to be enjoyable experiences. Pace yourself and drink responsibly to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time.
- Bring your ID. You will need to present a valid ID to participate in beer tastings.
The Best Atlanta Brewery Tours offer an engaging and flavorful way to experience the city’s craft beer culture. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, take the opportunity to explore Atlanta’s breweries and discover the passion and creativity that drive this thriving community. Cheers to discovering your new favorite Atlanta brew!
