New breweries planned for Georgia | 2017 Edition
GO HERE FOR THE UPDATED 2018 EDITION
A year has passed since Beer Guys Radio launched and the Georgia craft beer scene has grown quite a bit since then. We tracked the progress of new Georgia breweries for 2016 in this post. Here’s a quick recap:
Georgia Brewery Growth in 2016
- 7 new breweries opened in Georgia
- 3 new brewpubs opened in Georgia
- Monday Night Brewing announced a second facility on Atlanta’s Beltline
- SweetWater built a new barrel-aging facility, The Woodlands, which recently opened
- Georgia breweries won back the right to sell tours and offer samples and to-go souvenirs
- Georgia brewpubs won the right to sell growlers of their beer to-go
As it goes when planning and building a brewery a few that were set to open in 2016 are still working to make that happen, but several of them are getting close to opening. Although the title just says breweries, we’ve listed meaderies and cideries as well. It looks like 2017 could shape up to be another great year for Georgia beer.
New Breweries Planned for Georgia in 2017
2017 Georgia Brewery Stats
As of November 3, 2017. Numbers may be off by +/- 1 or 2, this stuff is tricky to keep up with.
45 – Production Breweries currently in operation in Georgia (Does not include gypsy or contract breweries.)
28 – Brewpubs currently in operation in Georgia
4 – Cideries currently in operation in Georgia
3 – Meaderies currently in operation in Georgia
5 – Contract or gypsy breweries currently in Georgia. Many with plans to open a location in the state.
24 – New breweries, brewpubs, cideries, and meaderies opened in Georgia in 2017
18 – Breweries, brewpubs, cideries, and meaderies in planning in Georgia for 2017/early 2018 (An additional 12 are in planning beyond 2017)
5 – Breweries closed or plans canceled in 2017
This list is ever-changing. Breweries will be added and moved around here as needed and we’ll update with relevant info throughout the year.
Banyan Roots Brewing Co. | Atlanta, GA
Banyan Roots Brewing Co. is the third brewery announced (along with Monday Night and Wild Heaven) for the Lee + White development on Atlanta’s Westside Beltline. The brewpub will feature a 20-barrel brewhouse and 3-barrel pilot system in an 18,000 sqft location. Tim Schiavone will be the breweries be Head Brewer and Director of Brewery Operations and told the Atlanta Business Chronicle they’ll feature a sour-aging program, high-gravity barrel-aged beers, a private chef’s table and a large outdoor patio. Schiavone is no newbie to the Atlanta beer and brewing scenes and has previously worked with some of the areas best locations including Max Lager’s , Twain’s, and Brick Store Pub.
Target opening: TBD
The Bold Monk | Atlanta, GA
Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group (Max Lager’s, White Oak Kitchen, Richard’s Southern Fried) plans to open a brewpub, beer garden, and production brewery on Atlanta’s Westside, near the Midtown TopGolf location. The Bold Monk will be a 12,000 square foot space in Third & Urban’s Complex West Midtown project. The interior will have an eclectic mix of stone, wood, concrete, and steel that will create a contemporary representation of the monastic breweries of Belgium.
UPDATE: We spoke with John Roberts and demo/construction should begin early to mid-September 2017, with a target of 6-8 mos to complete build-out.
Target opening: End of Q1 2018
More Info: Press Release
Creature Comforts 2nd Location | Athens, GA
In the works for a while now, Creature Comforts announced mid-January that they have selected a location to build a 2nd brewery in Athens. With an $8+ Million investment they plan to convert a circa 1900 mill complex into a 36,000 square foot brewing facility that should be operational in October 2017.
Target opening: October 2017
More info: Creature Comforts expands, will open 2nd location in Athens, GA
Etowah Brewery | Dallas, GA
The owners of Johnnie MacCracken’s Celtic Pub in Marietta are working on opening a brewery in Dallas, GA in a unique, L-shaped building that was once the home of People’s Drug Store. They plan to open in Spring 2017.
Target opening: TBD
More info: Website | Facebook (Updates are shared via Johnnie MacCracken’s)
Firewater Brewing Company | Kennesaw, GA
Firewater is planned for Kennesaw but there’s no solid timeline yet on opening. Owner Michael Sorg said he would like to have beer out by Spring but he may need to be push that back a bit. Firewater will definitely launch with an IPA and have other TBD brews available as well.
Target opening: TBD
Georgia Beer Company | Valdosta, GA
Continuing for 2017, Georgia Beer Company recently signed an economic development agreement with Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority that will help make their brewery happen. They will be located in the old Waterworks building in downtown Valdosta. The brewery plans to open this Summer and will offer their beers on draft and in cans with occasional limited release beers in 750ml bottles.
Update 08/23/17: The brewery is now fully funded and anticipates an opening in early Spring 2018. A new head brewer has been hired and plans have been approved by the city. GBC plans to purchase a 10-barrel / 2-vessel brewhouse with 2 ea. 5, 10, and 20-barrel fermenters. A 100 year old, 6500 sqft building (previously the city’s waterworks) has been selected as the location of the brewery which will feature a tap room and outdoor beer garden. Distribution will be kegs and cans, with limited bottle releases. GBC will be family friendly inside and out and pet friendly outside.
Target opening: Early Spring 2018
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
MAZURT Brewing | Atlanta, GA
An unfortunate accident in June of 2017 took the life of MAZURT’s Dan Rosen. Our most recent update did not include updated information on the brewery’s future plans, however some readers did not feel it appropriate that the article still referenced future updates from Dan. I’ve reached out to Hamp Covington to see if he has any updated information and will add that to the article when I receive a reply. We apologize to anyone that felt this was insensitive. Dan was a good friend and we have nothing but admiration and respect for him.
Target opening: TBD
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Monkey Wrench Brewing | Atlanta OTP East, GA
Monkey Wrench has offered beers at various festivals and events for a few years via guest brewing with other breweries. Owner Wayne Baxter says that after many years of planning hes getting to the final mile of opening his own brewery. A location is pending that will offer room for a 20-barrel brewhouse and “Tasting Garage” with a very outdoor friendly space. Beers that Monkey Wrench has offered in the past include a West Coast IPA, Spiced Holiday Ale, Spiced Witbier, and a Chocolate Milk Stout.
Target opening: TBD
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter
New Realm Brewing Co. | Atlanta, GA
Probably one of the most hyped and exciting projects coming to Georgia this year is former Stone Brewmaster Mitch Steele’s brewpub. Don’t get me wrong, I’m plenty excited for Georgia’s hometown breweries but the fact that a high-profile Brewmaster coming from a much more beer friendly state chose Georgia to set up shop is a pretty big deal for us. We’ll undoubtedly get some great beer from the brewpub but this will also bring a bit more hype to Georgia beer in general. I suggested to Mitch that he throw a curve ball and not offer any IPAs at all at the brewpub, he did not like my idea. They’ll be opening on the Beltline and plan to be serving up beer by the 4th quarter of 2017.
UPDATE 03/16/17: The brewpub now has a name, New Realm Brewing Co.
Target opening: 4th Quarter 2017
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Beer Guys Radio Ep. 57
North 2 South Cider Works | Atlanta, GA
Cidery planned for Atlanta. Their Facebook page says planned opening was September 2017 however there have been no updates since March.
Reformation Brewery 2nd Location | Woodstock, GA
Reformation recently announced plans to build a 2nd location in Downtown Woodstock on Elm Street, near Truck & Tap. The new location will focus on R&D brews while core beers will continue to be produced at their existing brewery. Plans are to open the new location in the Spring of 2018. More information can be found here.
Two Tides Brewing Company | Savannah, GA
Microbewery with plans to open in the Fall of 2017 in Savannah’s Starland District. As of June 20th Two Tides is working on zoning approval for their location.
Target opening: Fall 2017
Wild Heaven Beltline Location | Atlanta, GA
With the passage of SB85 allowing direct sales at Georgia breweries Wild Heaven Beer announced they will open a second location on the Westside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline. The new brewery will be in the Lee + White development, the same development where Monday Night Brewing is building their barrel aging and sour facility. Owner Nick Purdy says the new location will be an “incredible food and beer destination.” Other neighbors will include Honeysuckle Gelato, Doux South Pickles and Southern Aged Cheese.
Target opening: May 2018
UPDATE 03/31/17: We talked with co-owner Nick Purdy about the new brewery, changes with SB85, and development on the Westside Beltline. You can listen to our interview here.
Recently Opened Breweries
NOTE: For the purpose of being “open” we are listing any brewery that has their beer available in market. For brewpubs, we count them as open if they are… open, even if they are not currently pouring their own beer.
Akademia Brewing Company | Athens, GA
Akademia is currently contract brewing and their beer can be found in select locations. Their brewpub is currently under construction.
Target Opening: Opened Oct. 16, 2017
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Atlanta Hard Cider Co. | Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hard Cider Co. released its first offering in late September 2017. Crisp Apple is available now on draft and in 12 oz. cans. The cidery has six others in the works now: Dry, Hopped, Pomegranate, Ginger, Honey and Tart Cherry. They plan to open a tasting room on the Westside Beltline at 1283 Marietta Boulevard in 2018.
Target Opening: Tasting room slated to open in 2018, Crisp Apple available now on draft and in 12 oz. cans
More Info: Website | Facebook | Brewbound
The BeeCraft Mead Company | Dawsonville, GA
The BeeCraft Mead Company in Dawsonville, GA (with hives in Elijay) is scheduled to open for distribution in June with three mead recipes that have scored 45/50 or better in BCJP sanctioned major competitions over the last few years (including last year’s Peach State Brew Off). Their tasting room is set to open later in the summer right next to the North Georgia Outlet Mall. Owner Derek Piper tells us they are, “super jazzed to begin and excited about being a part of the Georgia craft alcohol scene!”
Target opening: Opened Sept. 15, 2017
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Chattabrewchee Southern Brewhouse | West Point, GA
After traveling the world in the US Army, the Chattabrewchee owners decided they wanted to settle down somewhere with warm weather and a slower pace. Their brewhouse in West Point will offer easy-drinking and approachable beers with a Southern theme. Their main goal is to serve the local market and be a gathering place for folks to come together and relax over a pint or two. Brewing will be on a 7-barrel brewhouse as well as a 1-barrel pilot system, expect to see them on draft and in cans sometime around June.
Update: 08/23/17: Chattabrewchee is ready for action and will open on Sept. 1, 2017. The brewery’s taps will be fully self-serve and dispense beer by the ounce.
Target opening: Opened Sept. 1, 2017
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Brackish Beer Co. | St. Mary’s, GA
Brackish Beer Co. is St, Mary’s first microbrewery. They currently operate out of a small office space using a 1/2 barrel brewhouse with plans to upgrade to a 3-5 barrel system. Distribution began in late March 2017 with a focus on St. Mary’s and Brunswick areas. Currently they distribute only one beer, Brackyard Ale, brewed in the style of a München Kölsch.
More info: Facebook
Brewhouse Music & Grill / Rome City Brewing Company | Rome, GA
Recently opened, Rome City Brewing Company is located inside Brewhouse Music & Grill. Rome’s first brewpub is a sports bar offering live music, wings, burgers, and locally brewed cold beer.
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Untappd
Cherokee Brewing + Pizza Company | Dalton, GA
This one slipped under our radar and one of our listeners told us about it. Dalton has a pizzeria and brewpub! We’ve reached out to them for some details and will update soon.
More Info: Facebook
Etowah Meadery | Dahlonega, GA
Small meadery turning honey and fruit into wine. Targeting an opening in late Spring 2017.
Target opening: Opened Nov. 18, 2017
More info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
From the Earth Brewing | Roswell, GA
Brewery founder Tim Stevens tells us they will open with 6 house brews and also feature local and regional taps as well as seasonal craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a seasonal chef-drive menu. The brewpub will feature a large outside beer garden with herbs and vegetables grown on site as well as games for the family to enjoy and live music and special events throughout the year. Menu items will be aggressively priced to give guests an exceptional value. From the Earth will be located in the Connexion Center at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Roswell.
UPDATE 04/03/17: Atlanta Magazine posted a rendering of From the Earth brewing as well as more info. Kevin Rathbun is partnering with Tim Stevens for the venture. Although Rathbun won’t be in the kitchen he was involved in menu development. The brewpub will feature and 85 seat dining room, 19 seat bar, a semi-private room, and a patio/beer garden. Former SweetWater Brewmaster Kevin McNerney is spearheading the beer program which will feature six house-brewed beers as well as ginger beer and root beer and four rotating taps of small production local beers. From the Earth plans to offer clay growlers as well as canned beer. Read the full article at Atlanta Magazine‘s website.
Target opening: Opened Nov. 3, 2017
More info: Facebook | Beer Guys Radio First Look
Good Word Brewing | Duluth, GA
The team at Decatur’s Brick Store Pub is working on opening Duluth’s first brewpub. Headed by Ryan Skinner and Todd Dimatteo they will offer their brews on the Duluth square and fill in one of the gaps on Georgia’s beer map. Their goal is to offer both food and beer that makes everyone feel welcome, like they are at home. While waiting for the brewpub to open look for their beers (gypsy brewed with other local breweries) occasionally on at Brick Store Pub or special events around Atlanta.
UPDATE 04/17/17: We spoke with co-founder Ryan Skinner who tells us the brewpub is moving along nicely and they will be open by October. Brewhouse equipment has been ordered and interior construction is complete. They are currently working with electrical and plumbing contractors for that portion of the build. Truck & Tap’s second location will be one of their neighbors and it sounds like there are other beer-focused business looking at the area as well. Duluth is really stepping up their craft beer game.
Update 08/23/17: Brewhouse and cellar are in place, framing is done, kitchen equipment being installed soon.
Target opening: Opened Nov. 28, 2017
More info: Twitter | Instagram | Beer Guys Radio Ep. 57
Hopstix |Chamblee, GA
A unique brewpub concept serving Asian fusion cuisine including robata grill, raw bar, and a beer bar. The bar and restaurant area of Hopstix is open now and they’ve done a few soft open events. They plan to have their beer on tap very soon. Hopstix has tapped Chris Collier as their Head Brewer.
As of late February Hopstix has been under a soft open, their official Grand Opening party is set for March 4th.
Oconee Brewing Co. | Greensboro, GA
Located in a circa-1917 former mill, Oconee Brewing Co. hopes to open by Masters weekend or at least in early April. Their debut will include a Kölsch, a Habanero Pale Ale, an IPA, and a Dunkel. Brewmaster Taylor Lamm joined us in the studio in August 2016, you can hear that interview on Ep. 32 of Beer Guys Radio.
UPDATE 04/14/17: Oconee Brewing Co. will host their Grand Opening May 6th. Get more info and purchase tickets here.
More Info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Monday Night Brewing The Garage | Atlanta, GA
The Garage is open, the space is amazing, and the beers are fantastic. Go check it out.
More info: Monday Night Brewing talks about their new brewery and barrel aging facility
Oak Brewpub | Oakhurst, GA
Oak Brewpub plans to have their interior build finished in early February with the exterior not far behind that. They’re finalizing the build out on the brewery as well and hope to be brewing test batches soon. The target soft opening will be soon after that with plans to open to the public in mid-March. They will also have a large outside patio with movie screen for family friendly movies and comedies to enjoy when the weather cooperates.
UPDATE 11/28/17: Oak Brewpub is on hiatus. An announcement on social media says new owners are in the process of taking over and they’ll take some time off to rework and rebrand. Expect to see the new Oak Brewpub in early 2018.
Ocmulgee Brewpub | Macon, GA
Opened in early January Ocmulgee Brewpub offers a naturally sourced menu featuring burgers, superfood salads, and hand-cut fries. A recent taplist featured American IPA, Witbier, American Amber, American Stout, Vanilla Porter, and a Winter Ale.
More Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen | Macon, GA
Partners Brian Whitley and Richie Jones plan to be brewing my late February and open their brewpub in March. They will brew on a 7-barrel brewhouse and offer 7 beers on tap with 3-4 core styles and the others rotating seasonal and limited release brews. Their building is a two-story location and will feature an arcade with pinball and other games and (if space allows) a mini indoor bocce ball court. They intend their brewpub to be very family / kid-friendly.
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Pontoon Brewing | Sandy Springs, GA
Pontoon’s beer is available at several locations and at beer fests, they are currently contract brewing while they build out their Sandy Springs Brewery.
Update 08/23/17: Pontoon broke ground on their Sandy Springs location on August 18, 2017. The owners have recently traveled to China to finalize brewhouse selection.
Target Opening: Public opening on Dec. 1, 2017 with official Grand Opening celebration Jan. 12-14, 2018
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Pretoria Fields Brewery | Albany, GA
Pretoria Fields Brewery broke ground in Albany last November and is the largest ever private investment in Downtown Albany. There’s no timetable yet for opening but the brewery plans to show “respect to local agriculture” and use a variety of ingredients from South Georgia. Crops have already began production on certified-organic land Pretoria Fields owns in Dougherty County.
Target opening: Grand Opening set for Dec. 8, 2017
More info: Facebook
Printer’s Ale Manufacturing | Carrollton, GA
Printer’s Ale plans to produce “year round brews, and unique/experimental one-offs and seasonals.” They’re making great progress on their build-out and have just received Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau (TTB) approval. With current progress they plan to open in March.
Target Opening: Opened Apr. 29, 2017
More Info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Savannah River Brewing Co. | Augusta, GA
Savannah River Brewing opened it’s tasting room on Saturday, February 25th. A few of the brews at launch include their Savannah River IPA, Westobou Amber Ale, Dynamite Brown Ale, No Jacket Required Pilsner. Check their website or Facebook page for info on tour times.
Slow Pour Brewing Company | Lawrenceville, GA
Slow Pour’s Facebook page shows things are coming together for them. As of mid-January their brew system is in place and their tasting room is under construction.
UPDATE 06/13/17: Slow Pour was featured on Good Day Atlanta’s Brewery Week. Chase Medlin (formerly of Twain’s) has joined the team as a Brewery Consultant. They plan to open with two IPAs and a blonde ale.
Target opening: Opened 09/15/17
More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
STATS Brewpub | Atlanta, GA
STATS Food + Drink in Downtown Atlanta recently announced they will convert their Coke Zero event space to an in-house brewery. A 10-barrel brewhouse will be installed and STATS will offer up to 6 house brewed beers as well as other craft beers. They plan to have their beer on tap by July 2017.
Target opening: Opened brewery September 2017
More info: Website | Facebook | Beer Guys Radio
Steady Hand Beer Co. | Atlanta Area
Currently contract brewing while they choose a location for their brewery.
Update 10/17/17: Steady Hand will build their brewery on Atlanta’s Westside, near Top Golf and the planned Bold Monk Brewery. More information from What Now Atlanta.
More info: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Strawn Brewing Company | Fairburn, GA
Update 06/26/17: Strawn started 2017 on our brewery closings list but announced on their Facebook page they were open again. There hasn’t been much in the way of updates or info since that initial post at the end of May.
More info: Facebook
Terrapin ATL Brew Lab | Atlanta, GA
Braves baseball, beer, and barbecue – now that’s about as American as it gets. Terrapin’s ATL Brew Lab plans to open in April at SunTrust Park. Not only will you be able to enjoy some Terrapin beer and Fox Bros. barbecue (in the tasting room/restaurant attached to the brewery) during games but it will be open year-round and accessible outside of the stadium. Terrapin plans to start with 3-4 recipes and eventually have 8-9 beers on tap. The ATL Brew Lab will create a lot of new and different beers on site.
UPDATE 04/14/17: The Terrapin Taproom and Fox Bros. BBQ is now open, and it’s awesome.
More info: Terrapin founder Spike Buckowski talks about the ATL Brew Lab and Fox Bros. partnership
Variant Brewing Company | Roswell, GA
Roswell is becoming a great location for craft beer. There are two breweries open now with Variant and From the Earth coming this year, as well as a nice handful of bars and restaurants with plenty of craft beer selections. Variant is in the building process now and hopes to open their brewery on Norcross Street this Summer.
UPDATE 10/12/17: Variant is almost ready to set an opening date. We got a sneak peek at the brewery/taproom and sampled a few of their beers. You can read more here.
Target opening: Opened Nov. 3, 2017
More Info: Facebook | Twitter | Beer Guys Radio Ep. 57
Wild Leap Brew Company | LaGrange, GA
Founded by friends that worked together at Red Brick, Wild Leap will be located in the Westbrook Tire building in in LaGrange. Beers could be available in LaGrange as early as February through a partnership with another local brewery and the owners hope to open this Summer.
UPDATE 04/18/17: Wild Leap’s beers are available at several locations around LaGrange and they continue to expand while building out their brewery.
Target opening: Opened Sept. 23, 2017.
More Info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Georgia Breweries Beyond 2017
There are a handful of breweries in the early planning stages right now that may not open this year, some of them may not see the light of day at all, it happens. Here’s a look at what we may see in the coming years.
Armadillo Brewing Co. | Kingsland, GA
More info coming soon.
Awkward Brewing | Fayette County
The owners of Awkward Brewing are transplants from Washington state where they owned a small brewery before relocating. With craft beer in their blood, and the passage of SB85, they feel now is the perfect time to open a brewery in Georgia. They are currently on the search for a suitable location and hope to open in 2018 and foster a rich craft beer community in their area.
Big Oak Brewing | Thomasville, GA
Big Oak Brewing is currently raising capital to open their brewery in Downtown Thomasville. Co-founders Elliott Glass and and Jacob Odum tell Beer Guys Radio they hope to raise the necessary capital by the end of 2017 and open their brewery in 2018. A 15-barrel brewhouse is planned for the location along with a tasting room with distribution primarily in kegs.
Braselton Brewing Company | Braselton, GA
In the early planning stages but targeting to open in 2018 as a brewpub.
Brown Man Brewing | Atlanta Area
Very early planning stages but targeting late 2018 to early 2019 to open.
Dalton Brewing Co. | Dalton, GA
Planned to open in Downtown Dalton in early 2018, Dalton Brewing Co. aims to be a “family-oriented, low key hangout spot.” The brewery will be both family and dog friendly. (Source: Dalton Daily Citizen)
Down Home Brewing Co. | TBD, GA
Down Home is currently contract brewing while they search for a location. They have two beers available now, Georgia Hooch IPA and T-Pom Pomegranate Wheat. Founder and Brewer Chris Reeves tells us they have five core beers planned for when they open their location and will offer seasonal brews as well. Down Home plans to offer a variety of styles to appeal to those new to craft beer as well as seasoned craft beer fans.
Target Opening: TBD
Droptank Brewery | Chamblee, GA
Droptank recently had their variances approved by the city and is moving forward. The brewpub will feature a rooftop terrace and possibly an outdoor bocce court.
Target opening: Spring / Summer 2018
GRITS Brewing | Atlanta, GA
GRITS Brewing hopes to open in mid 2018 with the possibility of some beers offered via contract/gypsy brewing in 2017. Their brewery will feature an event space and extensive outdoor beer garden as well as a barrel program. GRITS intends to brew American-style craft beers and make “traditionally uncreative things imaginative, starting with our bold flavors.”
More Info: Facebook | Blog | Instagram
Halfway Crooks Brewing and Blending | Atlanta
Earlier this year it was teased that a new brewery was coming to Summerhill area as part of the redevelopment of the area around Turner Field. It was recently revealed that former Three Taverns Brewmaster Joran Van Ginderachter, along with partners Shawn Bainbridge and Tim Kilic, will open Halfway Crooks Brewing and Blending at the location. Van Ginderachter and Baindridge shared they are both excited and nervous of the new venture in uncharted territory. However with the impact Van Ginderachter made during his time at Three Taverns the brewery is sure to be highly anticipated.
Taking advantage of the new laws in Georgia, Halfway Crooks will sell 99% of their beer at the taproom with very limited distribution for festivals and special events. Their brewing focus will be on barrel-aging, spontaneous brewing, saisons, and a variety of lower alcohol beers.
Target Opening: May-June 2018
More Info: Good Beer Hunting
Line Creek Brewing Co. | Peachtree City, GA
Founded by long time local residents, Line Creek Brewing Co. will feature traditional styles as well as beers that will appeal to the “most avid craft beer fan.” Their Head Brewer (Jason Carroll) comes from Ireland with previous experience at The Open Gate Brewery, Guinness’s experimental brewery. According to the website the brewery will feature food trucks, live music, beer yoga, meet the brewer events, and more.
Target Opening: TBD
More Info: Website | Facebook | Twitter
The Lost Druid Brewing Co. | Avondale Estates, GA
Owner Rob Hopek plans to open (possibly) the first own-premise brewery in Georgia with his opening in early 2018. The Lost Druid will feature “a community-centered taproom and shareable/small plate-oriented kitchen.” Groundbreaking is set for January 2018.
Target Opening: TBD
More Info: Facebook
Porter BBQ & Brewpub | Dunwoody, GA
Owner Allen Porter plans to launch two brewpubs in early 2018. A BBQ and brewpub slated to open March in Dunwoody and a pizzeria and brewpub in Atlanta at 285 and Powers Ferry slated for a March opening. Each brewpub will operate a 5-barrel brewhouse and offer a rotating selection of beers including a NE-style and West Coast-style IPA, porter, stout, and seasonal selections.
Target Opening: March 2018
Porter Pizza & Brewpub | Atlanta, GA (285 & Powers Ferry)
Owner Allen Porter plans to launch two brewpubs in early 2018. A BBQ and brewpub slated to open March in Dunwoody and a pizzeria and brewpub in Atlanta at 285 and Powers Ferry slated for a March opening. Each brewpub will operate a 5-barrel brewhouse and offer a rotating selection of beers including a NE-style and West Coast-style IPA, porter, stout, and seasonal selections.
Target Opening: January 2018
Senoia Beer Company | Senoia, GA
Founded by four homebrewing friends, Senoia’s Facebook page states they are currently in the exploratory and planning stages.
More Info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Split Batch Brewing | Chamblee, GA
More info soon.
Suwanee Creek Brewing / Greenway Brewing (Tentative names) | Suwanee, GA
Long-time homebrewer and engineer Scott Norwood and his wife plan to open a brewpub in the Suwanee area in the future. If they can’t find a suitable space in Suwanee they may set up shop in Buford, Johns Creek, or Duluth. Scott spent some time in the Air Force in the 1980s stationed in Germany and traveled extensively through England and Western Europe sampling their brews. His favorites include English Bitters, ESBs, Scottish Ales, IPAs, Marzens, and Pilsners. If he could set this up as his dream project he’d like to have the ability to ride his bike to work.
Tidal Soul Brewing | Saint Simons Island / Jekyll Island, GA (Tentative)
For now, Tidal Soul is a concept brewery with a loose target to open in 2018. The focus would be on “beachable beers” with a variety of lighter ales, lagers, sours, IPAs, and fruit beers with few darker beers except for the occasional barrel-aged offering. Beers would be available on draft and in cans, including crowlers to-go from the brewery. Founder Justin Crandall tells us they will offer pizza and he has perfected his pizza dough after years of working in pizza places since his teenage years.
Tucker Brewing Company | Tucker, GA
After spending some time in Germany as an exchange student, Tucker Brewing Co. founder Ryan Chapman and his father began attending local brew club meetings and brewing in their basement. With a passion for craft beer and German culture the brewery was founded with the slogan, “German-style beers, Southern roots.” The brewery is slated to open in Spring 2018 and will feature a 6,500 sqft Beer Garden, the largest in Georgia. In keeping with their slogan the first beers on tap will be a German Pilsner, Hefeweizen, and Red Lager.
Target Opening: Spring 2018
More Info: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Brewery Closings / Cancellations / Status Unknown
5 Seasons North | Alpharetta, GA
After receiving an offer they couldn’t refuse, the owners of 5 Seasons North sold the building and the location closed June 15, 2017. The new occupant will be a BBQ restaurant, there will not be another brewpub.
Copper Creek Brewing | Athens, GA
Copper Creek closed Nov. 18, 2017 after 15 years in Downtown Athens.
Gordon Biersch Midtown | Atlanta, GA
After an 18 year run, Gordon Biersch announced they would close the Midtown Atlanta location on November 12, 2017. The Buckhead location will remain open.
Grizzly Brewing Co. | Acworth, GA
Grizzly was on last year’s list but there haven’t been any updates from them since mid-2016. We’ve reached out to them for an update but have not received a response.
Kudzu Brewing Co. | Athens, GA
Another one from 2016’s list. We’ve sent an email for an update but have not received a response. Their Facebook page shows occasional activity but no progress updates on the brewery.
Normaltown Artisanal Brewery & Cucina | Atlanta, GA
We received news in late 2016 that Normaltown’s owner had passed away. Damien Schaefer was a friend to many in the culinary and beer worlds and will definitely be missed.
Slice & Pint | Atlanta, GA
Slice & Pint announced on Facebook they would close on December 30, 2017. Owner Crawford Moran said in an email the closure was due to extremely high rent prices. The location was up for a five-year lease renewal and the property owner was unwilling to negotiate.
Standing Pitch Brewing Company | Atlanta, GA
Standing Pitch was the former project of Tim Schiavone who recently joined Banyan Roots Brewing Co. as Head Brewer and Director of Brewery Operations.
https://beerguysradio.com/2017/02/06/new-georgia-breweries-2017/https://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/GA-Breweries-in-Planning-2017.jpghttps://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/GA-Breweries-in-Planning-2017-150x150.jpgBeer ReleasesBeer TravelBrewery ProfilesBrewpubsGeorgia beer releaseNews2017,2018,Georgia breweries,Georgia breweries in planning,Georgia brewery,Georgia brewpub,Georgia brewpubs,New Georgia Breweries,New Georgia brewery GO HERE FOR THE UPDATED 2018 EDITION A year has passed since Beer Guys Radio launched and the Georgia craft beer scene has grown quite a bit since then. We tracked the progress of new Georgia breweries for 2016 in this post. Here's a quick recap: Georgia Brewery Growth in 2016 7...Tim DennisTim Dennistgdennis@gmail.comAdministratorCo-Host of the Beer Guys Radio Show. Georgia beer advocate, all around craft beer fan, homebrewer, and troublemaker.Beer Guys Radio Craft Beer Podcast
What is the total breweries open today and total buy 2018? Cannot find an answer anywhere. Thanks!
As of 06/27/17 GA has 45 breweries, 27 brewpubs, 4 cideries, and 2 meaderies active. That could vary a bit depending on how you view contract/gypsy breweries. There are about 21 in planning to open in 2017, I know there are a couple that are rumored but I haven’t confirmed them yet. Beyond 2017 it’s really just a guess but there are at least 7 that have stated intentions to open in 2018 or later. Some of them may be delayed or never happen. If all goes as planned for 2017 we could see close to 100 places producing craft beer/mead/cider in GA by the end of the year!
Please publish a list of breweries that have microbrew lagers on tap.
Hey Wayne, a few that I know have Lagers available are Terrapin, Creature Comforts, Arches Brewing, Ironmonger, and Red Brick. We may look at a more in-depth list in the future. Cheers!