Athens, GA - Terrapin Brewery

Terrapin offered a great selection the night we visited. 

It is hard to beat the energy and atmosphere of Athens, GA in the month of April. With the exception of autumn, when football fever is everywhere, the spring is this college town's most exciting season. Outdoor events abound, the weather is gorgeous and healthy University of Georgia students are out in force looking for a little fun before finals begin.  All were in play when we visited Terrapin Brewery last Saturday night to drink beer and enjoy the festivities.  Terrapin is celebrating their 10th year anniversary this month and is currently a regional microbrewery, producing craft beer and distributing only to a few southern states. The great news is due to their success, there are plans for expansion and broader distribution If you haven't had the chance to sample some Terrapin Beer, you're missing out.

More people tasting than touring

Why go:
The Terrapin microbrewery is located only a few miles from the UGA campus, and therefore, a popular destination for students and other members of the University community looking for some great beer and something fun to do. The brewery is open for tours and tasting on Wednesday - Saturday nights from 5:30 - 7:30. Georgia law prevents selling the beer at the brewery, but you can buy an imprinted beer glass for $10, and with that comes 8 tickets for "tasting."  Each taste is a healthy 4 ounce pour and you can easily sample all the beers they have available, and go back for seconds on the ones you like the best.  On the busy Saturday night when we visited, there were bars set up both inside the brewery and outside in the large gathering area where there are tables, a large lawn where people sit on folding chairs and blankets, and a stage for live music. The brewery was hosting a fundraiser and there were booths of food vendors from local eating establishments.  For $25 you could drink your beer, eat all you wanted of an eclectic assortment of delicious food, enjoy the music, and support a great local cause. Terrapin has made a huge impact on the Athens community over the past decade supporting many local philanthropic organizations and sponsoring numerous special events.

A generous 4 ounce pour.  Eight pours per visit. 

What did we have:
Unfortunately I was the driver that night, so I had to limit my beer consumption.  Truthfully, I have tried most of Terrapin's beers over the years, so I was familiar with their offerings.  I really like the Hop Karma, a brown IPA with just the right balance of malt and hops.  The Rye Pale Ale is very popular and I enjoyed that as well.  My favorite was the special release Anniversary Ale, a strong Belgian 10% blond with malt, spices and totally yummy. If it's hot and you're thirsty, the crisp, clean bold tasting Golden Ale, my husband's favorite, may be your beer of choice. For hop lovers, the Hopsecutioner, is a big hit, and Hopzilla, a side project with a whopping 110 IBUs is only for the real hop head. The great thing about Terrapin is that you just never know what they are going to come up with next. Whatever it is, I know it's going to be fun.


 

Great people and dog watching at Terrapin

What's fun:
Okay, so here is the deal.  If you love craft beer and haven't visited our quintessential college town (and why haven't you?)  I have a reason for you to put Athens, GA on your list of "must visit" locales. It is really hard to beat the fun you'll have on an April or October evening at Terrapin Brewery on a Saturday night.  With the laid back happy crowd, the live music, the superb people (and dog) watching, it feels like an American version of a German beer garden.  The beer is great, and with every year it keeps getting better. I absolutely expect to see this microbrewery listed on the Beer Advocate's top 50 list near future.