You’d best believe that the city of stars, country music and BBQ is home to some of the best beer in America, if not the world. Taking after generations of German immigrant brewing trends, Nashville breweries have become a symbol of Southern pride and the city now boasts an impressive amount of over 40 breweries.
What Are The Best Breweries In Nashville Tennessee?
Nashville is known for its innovative food and beverage scene, and the beer industry is no exemption. These are the best breweries in Nashville right now.
Southern Grist
Nashville locals have recently taken to working with traditional southern cuisine and added a modern twist, which is something that can be seen at the Southern Grist brewing company in East Nashville.
What started as a home brewers hobby, turned into a Nashville empire becoming one of the most well-known breweries in Tennessee. The Southern Grist not only has taken beer to the next level, but they’ve now opened a concept restaurant in Lauter, that specializes in farm-fresh local produce and unique takes on the classic Tennessee food you might see elsewhere.
The Southern Grist got its claim to fame thanks to its undeniably creative sour ales. You won’t just see your typical blonde ale being served up in this joint, but instead, you’ll see bright pinks, yellows, purples and reds. Flavours like carrot cake, caramel, tropical fruit and coconut are on rotation. There’s a new flavour almost every week, so no matter when you visit you’ll always be surprised by the choices on offer.
Bearded Iris
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The hipster beer haven has found itself a home base in Nashville, and the Bearded Iris is one of the many breweries catering to the craft IPA trend, with a focus on an artsy and alternative atmosphere. Take your pick of one of their two branches; Germantown or Sylvan Supply. At either one of these breweries you’ll enjoy a laid back experience and some of the best IPA in Nashville, they are known to be the masters of this brew.
Jackalope
Another Nashville brewery that has completely modernized the taproom formula is the Jackalope brewing company. Their taproom in Houston street named “The Ranch” has recently opened its door to the public and offers a light, cheerful and stylish space to enjoy their refined brews. Don’t expect your usual pub atmosphere when coming here, because it’s far from it.
The Ranch offers seats for groups of 6-8 close ones to gather and enjoy the beer brewed in house. You’re also able to tour the place where the magic happens and sample whatever concoction they’ve come up with this week. Enjoy with an offering of a cheese or pretzel board, or satisfy your hunger with a meal from one of the food trucks on rotation, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Nashville party.
What Beer Is Popular In Nashville?
There’s a pattern when it comes to Nashville breweries and how they’re adjusting their brews to fit the current trends and popular choices of the locals and those who come to visit. When in Nashville, you’ll notice a strong lean towards the IPAs, Blonde Ales, and Sour beers. It’s probably safe to say that the newfound popular choice of beer lovers is that of a fruitier, citrusy, light beer.
This may be due to the warmer weather, the BBQ culture or the type of hop and grain commonly found in the South. Whatever the reason, it sure has incited some wonderful and game-changing beer making. Most of the best Nashville breweries started with home brewers experimenting with IPAs in their garage, and this can be seen in the average brewery. A family run business with a blend that’s traditional yet unique, and a style that will suit anyone’s preference.
Which Brewery In Nashville Has The Best Food?
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The number one reason Nashville attracts so many tourists and the thing that’s most known for is its iconic style of Southern food favourites. When you think of Nashville it’s hard to get the picture of a delectably crispy and spicy Nashville style piece of fried chicken, sandwiched between two pieces of white bread with pickles on the side out of your head. So it’s only natural for the breweries to provide some of these famous snacks.
The Tenessee Brew works not only has some finely crafted beer that they’ve been brewing since the 20s, but they also offer food so good customers have started coming exclusively for it. Not only do they sell the classic southern fried chicken sandwich, but you’ll also be able to get a whole crawfish boil with your next beer. It’s not all unhealthy either, as they even have a pick of salads using seasonal veg, so there really is something for everyone.
What Are The Major Beer Events Or Festivals In Nashville?
There’s no doubt that the city of music is going to be throwing some major events all about the social enjoyment of beer. There’s nothing more unison than a beer and a concert, one simply cannot be enjoyed without the other. That’s why the Music City’s Brewers fest is an event that can not be missed.
All of the best Nashville breweries make an appearance at this event, in addition to entertainment, live music, food trucks, restaurants and as much beer tasting as your heart desires. You’ll probably bump into local celebs too, as this is one of the biggest and most well-known festivals in Nashville.
If craft beer is more your style, then the East Nashville beer fest is the place to be. This event is all about the little guys, and the big bold flavours they have brewing. It’s important to the Nashville locals to support the smaller beer names to keep the industry momentum going. Walk around the Eastside park and enjoy a tasting from the many stalls participating.
Growth In The Nashville Beer Industry
There’s no sign of stopping for the craft brewing scene in Tennessee, and soon Nashville will be known for more than just being the home place of some of the world’s most famous musicians. Next time you’re attracted to the Music City for a concert, think of how delicious the beer is, and who you have to thank for it. Pay them and visit and accompany it with some hot-style fried chicken, and you’ll have yourself a truly authentically Southern experience.
Jake has been a craft beer and homebrew enthusiast since his college days. He loves scouring Europe for unique and unusual hops to add to his beers.
Founder of Jake’s Brew Haven – he currently hosts beer-tasting sessions at select local pubs in Baltimore.