Clarksville, Tennessee, has emerged as a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s brewing scene has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with six new breweries opening their doors since 2021. Clarksville now boasts a diverse array of craft beer destinations, offering unique flavors and experiences for locals and visitors alike.
From The Star Spangled Brewing to Evill Nash Brewing, each establishment brings its own personality to the table. Many of these breweries, like The Fallen Brewery, pay homage to Clarksville’s strong military connections, infusing their brews with patriotic spirit. Beer lovers can explore a wide range of styles, from traditional ales and lagers to innovative seasonal offerings.
The city’s craft beer revolution extends beyond just breweries. Local pubs and taprooms, such as Tippers Neighborhood Pub and Strawberry Alley Ale Works, showcase Clarksville’s brews alongside regional and national craft selections. This thriving scene has transformed Clarksville into a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the best of Tennessee’s craft beer culture.
History of Craft Beer in Clarksville
Clarksville’s craft beer scene has evolved from humble beginnings to a thriving industry. The city’s journey mirrors the broader American craft beer revolution, with local breweries emerging to challenge mainstream offerings.
Emergence of Local Breweries
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery pioneered Clarksville’s craft beer movement as one of Tennessee’s first brewing companies. Established on Franklin Street, it quickly became a local favorite. This early success paved the way for new entrants. In recent years, Clarksville has experienced rapid growth in its craft beverage sector. The city now boasts six craft breweries, each contributing unique flavors and styles to the local beer landscape.
Influence of American Beer Culture
Clarksville’s craft beer scene reflects broader trends in American beer culture. The shift towards diverse, flavorful brews resonated with local entrepreneurs and consumers alike. This cultural change spurred innovation, leading to the creation of distinct local flavors. Clarksville breweries embraced experimentation, crafting beers that showcase regional ingredients and tastes.
The city’s craft beer industry has become intertwined with local identity. Breweries serve as community gathering spaces, fostering a sense of pride in locally-made products. This growth has positioned Clarksville as a notable destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Tennessee.
Guide to Clarksville Breweries
Clarksville boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several unique breweries. Each offers distinctive flavors and experiences for beer enthusiasts to explore.
Star Spangled Brewing Co Overview
Star Spangled Brewing Co embodies patriotic spirit in its brews. Located in Clarksville, this brewery crafts a range of beers with American-inspired names and flavors. Their taproom features a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can sample flagship beers and seasonal specialties.
Popular offerings include their light and crisp American Blonde Ale and the bold Stars & Stripes IPA. The brewery often hosts events and live music, creating a community gathering space.
Star Spangled also gives back to the community, frequently supporting local veterans’ causes through special releases and fundraisers.
Evill Nash Brewing Co Profile
Evill Nash Brewing Co brings a rock ‘n’ roll edge to Clarksville’s beer scene. This brewery focuses on bold, flavorful beers with attitude. Their taproom exudes a grungy, alternative vibe with music memorabilia adorning the walls.
Signature brews include the hoppy Headbanger IPA and the dark, roasty Blackout Stout. Evill Nash often experiments with unique ingredients and brewing techniques, appealing to adventurous beer drinkers.
The brewery regularly hosts live local bands, creating a lively atmosphere for enjoying craft beer. Their outdoor seating area is popular during warmer months.
Strawberry Alley Ale Works
Strawberry Alley Ale Works combines a brewery, restaurant, and event space in downtown Clarksville. This multi-level establishment offers a diverse beer selection brewed on-site, alongside a full food menu.
Their beer lineup includes traditional styles like the Luau Wheat and more experimental brews such as the Strawberry Blonde, which pays homage to the brewery’s name. The rooftop bar provides scenic views of downtown Clarksville.
Strawberry Alley Ale Works hosts regular trivia nights, beer pairing dinners, and other events. Their central location makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors exploring Clarksville’s downtown area.
Gladiator Brewing Co Spotlight
Gladiator Brewing Co draws inspiration from ancient Rome for its branding and beer names. This brewery focuses on creating balanced, drinkable beers suited for Clarksville’s climate.
Popular offerings include the refreshing Colosseum Kolsch and the robust Centurion Stout. Gladiator’s taproom features Roman-inspired decor and often hosts themed events like toga parties.
The brewery emphasizes community engagement, partnering with local organizations for charity events. Their dog-friendly patio is a hit among pet owners in Clarksville.
The Fallen Brewery Introduction
The Fallen Brewery pays tribute to America’s veterans through its beers and atmosphere. Located near Fort Campbell, this brewery attracts both military personnel and civilians.
Their beer lineup includes patriotic-themed brews like the Freedom Fighter IPA and the Purple Heart Porter. The taproom’s walls display military memorabilia and tributes to fallen soldiers.
The Fallen Brewery frequently collaborates with veteran-owned businesses and hosts events supporting military charities. Their commitment to honoring service members resonates strongly with Clarksville’s community.
Beer Types and Specialty Brews
Clarksville’s craft breweries offer a diverse range of beer styles, from classic American ales to innovative experimental brews. Local brewers showcase their creativity through unique flavor combinations and seasonal offerings that reflect the region’s tastes and ingredients.
IPA and American Ales
India Pale Ales dominate Clarksville’s craft beer scene. Breweries like Blackhorse and The Fallen Brewery produce hop-forward IPAs with citrusy, piney, and tropical fruit notes. American pale ales provide a balanced alternative, featuring moderate hop bitterness and a malty backbone.
Many local brewers experiment with IPA variants:
- New England-style hazy IPAs
- West Coast IPAs with intense hop aromas
- Double and triple IPAs for hop enthusiasts
Traditional American styles like amber ales, brown ales, and wheat beers are also popular choices among Clarksville’s breweries. These beers often incorporate local ingredients to create unique flavor profiles that represent the region.
Experimental Brews and Seasonal Offerings
Clarksville’s craft brewers push boundaries with experimental brews. Fruit-infused beers, sour ales, and barrel-aged creations showcase their innovative spirit. Some breweries collaborate with local businesses to produce specialty beers using coffee, herbs, or honey from area producers.
Seasonal offerings reflect the changing Tennessee climate:
- Light, refreshing lagers and wheat beers for summer
- Pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest-style brews in fall
- Rich stouts and winter warmers for colder months
Many breweries host tap takeovers and release limited-edition beers to keep their selections fresh and exciting. These events allow beer enthusiasts to sample rare and unique brews while fostering a sense of community among local craft beer lovers.
Craft Beer Tasting Experience
Craft beer tasting offers a journey through diverse flavors and styles. Developing an understanding of tasting notes and food pairings enhances the craft beer experience.
Understanding Tasting Notes
Craft beer tasting involves observing appearance, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Look for color and clarity in the beer’s appearance. Swirl the glass to release aromas and identify scents like citrus, pine, or caramel. Take small sips to detect flavors such as hoppy bitterness, malty sweetness, or fruity esters.
Pay attention to the beer’s body and carbonation level. Some beers feel light and crisp, while others are full-bodied and creamy. Practice describing these sensations to develop your palate.
Keep a tasting journal to track your experiences and preferences. This helps identify favorite styles and breweries over time.
Pairing Food with Craft Beer
Craft beer pairs well with a variety of foods, enhancing both the beer and culinary experience. Light lagers complement spicy dishes, cutting through heat. IPAs pair nicely with bold, flavorful foods like curry or barbecue.
Stouts and porters match well with desserts or rich, hearty meals. Try pairing a chocolate stout with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Wheat beers go well with lighter fare such as salads or seafood.
Experiment with beer cheese dip using local craft brews. The sharp cheddar flavor complements hoppy beers, creating a perfect appetizer for tastings. Remember, there are no strict rules – trust your palate and enjoy exploring different combinations.
Exploring the Craft Beer Scene
Clarksville’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of experiences for beer enthusiasts. From cozy bars to lively community events, the city provides numerous opportunities to savor local brews and connect with fellow beer lovers.
Bars and Traditional Pubs
Clarksville boasts several standout bars and pubs serving craft beer. The Star Spangled Brewing Company offers a patriotic-themed taproom with a rotating selection of house-made beers. Blackhorse Pub & Brewery Clarksville combines a restaurant atmosphere with freshly brewed ales and lagers.
Evill Nash Brewing provides a more intimate setting, focusing on small-batch experimental brews. For those seeking a traditional pub experience, Tippers Neighborhood Pub offers a wide selection of local and regional craft beers alongside classic pub fare.
The Thirsty Goat and Strawberry Alley Ale Works round out the options, each providing unique atmospheres and carefully curated beer lists featuring local and regional craft offerings.
Cultural Events and Beer Tours
Clarksville’s beer culture extends beyond bars and pubs. The city hosts several beer-centric events throughout the year. The annual Clarksville Craft Beer Festival showcases local breweries and regional favorites, allowing attendees to sample a wide variety of styles.
Beer tours have gained popularity, offering guided experiences of the city’s craft beer scene. These tours often include visits to multiple breweries, providing insights into the brewing process and the chance to meet local brewers.
Some tour companies partner with local restaurants to offer food pairings, enhancing the tasting experience. These events and tours not only celebrate craft beer but also highlight Clarksville’s growing reputation as a destination for beer enthusiasts.
Games and Community Gatherings
Many of Clarksville’s craft beer establishments foster a sense of community through games and social gatherings. The Star Spangled Brewing Company hosts trivia nights, encouraging friendly competition among patrons.
Evill Nash Brewing offers board game nights, providing a relaxed environment for beer lovers to socialize. Some venues feature outdoor areas with games like cornhole or giant Jenga, perfect for warm Tennessee evenings.
Local running clubs often organize “beer runs,” combining exercise with craft beer appreciation. These events typically end at a brewery or pub, where participants can enjoy a well-earned pint.
These community-focused activities have helped strengthen Clarksville’s craft beer culture, creating spaces where residents and visitors alike can come together over a shared love of quality brews.
