Augusta, Georgia may be known for its golf, but the city is quietly cultivating a vibrant craft beer scene. While limited in number, Augusta’s breweries are making a name for themselves with high-quality, innovative brews.
Augusta is home to two main craft breweries that offer unique taproom experiences and a variety of locally-made beers. These establishments are complemented by several bars and restaurants featuring extensive craft beer selections from around Georgia and beyond.
Beer enthusiasts visiting Augusta can explore the city’s growing beer culture through brewery tours, tasting flights, and special events. From German-inspired pilsners to experimental ales, Augusta’s craft brewers are putting their own stamp on the beer world and giving locals and tourists alike new reasons to raise a glass in the Garden City.
The History of Craft Beer in Augusta
Augusta’s craft beer history traces back to the 19th century. In 1889, the Augusta Brewing Company was established, becoming a prominent player in the local beer industry.
However, this wasn’t the city’s first brewery. Earlier establishments had already been serving beer to Augusta’s residents, though records of these are less clear.
The Augusta Brewing Company sold beer in pint and quart bottles starting in the 1890s. These bottles came in various colors, including aquamarine and other shades.
Augusta’s brewing tradition faced challenges during Prohibition but experienced a revival in recent decades. The craft beer scene has grown significantly, with new breweries opening and gaining popularity.
Today, Augusta celebrates its beer culture with events like Craft Beer Week and the Brews and Blues Festival. These gatherings showcase local brews and foster community engagement.
The city’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, blending historical roots with modern brewing techniques. Augusta’s brewers now offer a diverse range of styles, from traditional ales to innovative craft creations.
Profile: Savannah River Brewing Co
Savannah River Brewing Co. stands out as Augusta’s largest brewery, offering a diverse range of craft beers and a vibrant taproom experience. This award-winning establishment has become a cornerstone of the local beer scene since opening in 2017.
About Savannah River Brewing
Savannah River Brewing Co. opened its doors in early 2017 in historic downtown Augusta, Georgia. The brewery operates a 30-barrel brewing system, allowing for substantial production capacity. Their beer lineup includes six flagship brews alongside seasonal and small-batch offerings.
The brewery’s proximity to Fort Gordon, home of the US Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence, adds to its unique local character. Savannah River Brewing has quickly gained recognition for its craft beers, earning awards and establishing itself as a prominent fixture in Augusta’s brewing landscape.
Exploring the Taproom Experience
The Savannah River Brewing taproom provides a spacious and casual environment for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample a wide array of brews, including their popular Savannah River IPA, a 7.0% ABV American IPA featuring Bravo, Amarillo, and Citra hops.
The taproom hosts various events throughout the week, catering to different interests:
- Beer Yoga: Saturdays at 10:30 AM
- Run Club: Sundays at 10:30 AM
These activities, combined with the brewery’s welcoming atmosphere, make Savannah River Brewing Co. a hub for community gatherings and beer appreciation in Augusta.
River Watch Brewery: Crafting Unique Flavors
River Watch Brewery stands out in Augusta’s craft beer scene with its inventive brews and commitment to quality. The brewery offers a rotating selection of seasonal beers alongside innovative small-batch creations.
The Seasonal Beer Selection
River Watch Brewery embraces the changing seasons with a diverse lineup of beers. Their seasonal offerings showcase creative flavor combinations that capture the essence of each time of year.
Spring might bring a refreshing citrus-infused ale, while summer could feature a crisp, light lager perfect for hot Georgia days. Fall often sees the introduction of rich, malty brews with hints of pumpkin or spice.
Winter warmers and robust stouts typically round out the year. These seasonal selections give beer enthusiasts something new to look forward to with each visit.
Small Batches and Innovation
River Watch Brewery’s small-batch approach allows for constant experimentation and innovation. The brewers take pride in crafting unique flavors that push the boundaries of traditional beer styles.
Limited release brews often feature unexpected ingredients or brewing techniques. These might include fruit-forward sours, barrel-aged specialties, or collaborations with local businesses.
The brewery encourages customer feedback on experimental batches, using this input to refine recipes and develop new favorites. This interactive approach keeps the tap list fresh and exciting for regular patrons and newcomers alike.
World of Beer: A Gateway to Augusta’s Brews
World of Beer in Augusta stands as a premier destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Located at 2819 Washington Rd, this establishment offers an extensive selection of local and regional brews.
The venue boasts hundreds of beers and rotating taps, providing patrons with a diverse range of options. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, World of Beer caters to various palates.
Operating hours accommodate both early birds and night owls:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
World of Beer’s atmosphere invites visitors to explore the craft beer scene. Knowledgeable staff members guide guests through the menu, offering recommendations based on individual preferences.
Beyond beer, the establishment serves craft cocktails and appetizers. Popular menu items include mimosas and donut bites, complementing the beer selection.
Live music events enhance the experience, creating a lively environment for socializing and beer tasting. The combination of extensive beer options, food, and entertainment makes World of Beer a central hub in Augusta’s craft beer culture.
Hive Growler Bar: Celebrating Local Ales and Spirits
Hive Growler Bar stands out as a craft beer lover’s paradise in Augusta, GA. This establishment offers an impressive selection of taps and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
Diverse Beer Menu
Hive Growler Bar boasts an extensive lineup of 60 craft beers on tap. Many of these options showcase local Georgia breweries, giving patrons a taste of the region’s brewing talent.
The bar also features 7 wines, 5 house craft cocktails, and unique offerings like sake, kombucha, and in-house cold press coffee. This variety ensures there’s something for every palate.
For those who want to enjoy their favorite brews at home, Hive Growler Bar offers growler fills. These large glass jugs allow customers to take draft beer to-go, preserving its freshness and flavor.
Cultivating a Community of Beer Lovers
Located in historic downtown Augusta, Hive Growler Bar has become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. Its welcoming atmosphere encourages patrons to explore new flavors and expand their beer knowledge.
The bar’s 78-tap system allows for frequent rotation of beers, keeping the selection fresh and exciting. This variety sparks conversations among patrons and staff about different styles and breweries.
Hive Growler Bar’s commitment to craft extends beyond beer. Their full-service restaurant offers food pairings that complement the diverse beer selection, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
By focusing on local and craft options, Hive Growler Bar supports the growing beer scene in Augusta and surrounding areas. It serves as both a showcase and gathering place for the local craft beer community.
Brewing Education and Expertise in Augusta
Augusta’s craft beer scene thrives on the expertise of its local brewers. Many have honed their skills through formal education and hands-on experience in the industry.
Several breweries in Augusta offer educational tours and tasting sessions. These provide opportunities for beer enthusiasts to learn about brewing processes and ingredients directly from experts.
Savannah River Brewing Co. stands out for its commitment to education. The brewery hosts regular events where visitors can gain insights into craft beer production and flavor profiles.
Local brewers often collaborate, sharing knowledge and techniques. This exchange of ideas contributes to the continuous improvement of Augusta’s craft beer offerings.
Some Augusta breweries participate in regional and national competitions. These events allow brewers to showcase their expertise and gain recognition for their unique creations.
Craft beer workshops are becoming increasingly popular in Augusta. These sessions cover topics ranging from homebrewing basics to advanced brewing techniques, fostering a knowledgeable community of beer lovers.
Augusta’s brewing experts frequently experiment with local ingredients. This practice not only supports regional agriculture but also results in distinctive flavors that reflect the area’s terroir.
Interactive Experiences: Games and Tours
Augusta’s craft beer scene offers more than just great brews. Visitors can engage in interactive experiences that blend education with entertainment.
Savannah River Brewing Co. provides guided tours led by beer experts. These tours delve into the science and art of brewing, covering ingredients, recipe design, and the brewing process.
Certified Cicerone Jim Christian leads tasting sessions, allowing participants to sample a flight of beers. This hands-on approach helps beer enthusiasts appreciate the nuances of different craft brews.
Augusta Beer Bus Tours offer a mobile experience, taking craft beer lovers to multiple breweries. This allows visitors to compare different brewing styles and flavors across the city.
Many local brewpubs and taprooms feature games to enhance the social atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy classics like darts, pool, or board games while sipping on their favorite craft beers.
Riverwatch Brewery, Augusta’s first post-prohibition brewery, offers tours and tastings. This experience provides insight into the city’s brewing history and current craft beer trends.
Some venues organize beer-themed trivia nights, challenging participants’ knowledge of craft beer styles, brewing techniques, and beer history. These events create a fun, competitive atmosphere for beer aficionados.
The Impact of Craft Beer on Augusta’s Economy
Craft beer has become a significant contributor to Augusta’s economic landscape. The local brewing industry has created new jobs and attracted tourism to the area.
Augusta’s craft breweries have tapped into the growing demand for unique, flavorful beers. This trend aligns with the national craft beer movement, which contributed $82.9 billion to the U.S. economy in 2019.
Local breweries have become popular gathering spots, boosting foot traffic in their neighborhoods. This increased activity often benefits nearby businesses, creating a ripple effect in the local economy.
The craft beer scene has also enhanced Augusta’s appeal as a destination. Beer enthusiasts from surrounding areas visit to sample local brews, supporting not only the breweries but also restaurants and hotels.
Employment opportunities in Augusta have expanded due to the craft beer industry. Breweries require staff for brewing, serving, marketing, and distribution roles.
While specific economic impact figures for Augusta are not available, the growth of craft breweries in the city suggests a positive trend. The industry’s success has the potential to attract more entrepreneurs and investors to the area.
Augusta’s craft breweries also contribute to the local tax base. This additional revenue can support community services and infrastructure improvements.
As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, Augusta stands to benefit from its growing reputation as a craft beer destination. This could lead to further economic growth and diversification in the coming years.
