Memphis, Tennessee, has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. The city’s brewing scene has exploded in recent years, with numerous local breweries opening their doors to beer lovers. Memphis now boasts 11 craft breweries, offering a diverse array of unique and flavorful beers that capture the essence of the region.
These local breweries have become integral to Memphis’s cultural fabric, each with its own distinct character and specialties. From experimental brews to traditional styles, Memphis brewers are crafting beers that reflect the city’s rich history and innovative spirit. Visitors and locals alike can explore taprooms housed in renovated historic buildings, modern facilities, and even a brewery built inside an old Midtown home.
The Memphis craft beer scene offers something for every palate. Beer aficionados can sample a wide range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and refreshing lagers. Many breweries also feature seasonal and limited-edition brews, ensuring there’s always something new to discover in the city’s ever-evolving beer landscape.
History of Craft Beer in Memphis
Memphis has a rich brewing heritage dating back to the 19th century. The city’s exceptional water quality, sourced from natural underground reservoirs, played a crucial role in attracting breweries.
By 1873, Memphis had reached a peak of 4,131 breweries. However, the local beer industry faced challenges over the years, including Prohibition and economic shifts.
The craft beer renaissance in Memphis began in the early 2000s. Ghost River Brewing Co. opened its doors in 2007, becoming the city’s first modern craft brewery.
Other pioneers soon followed. High Cotton Brewing Co., Memphis Made Brewing Co., and Wiseacre Brewing Co. established themselves in the 2010s, rekindling interest in locally produced beer.
Today, Memphis boasts a thriving craft beer scene. The city hosts several annual beer events, including the Cooper-Young Beerfest, which showcases regional breweries.
Memphis breweries continue to innovate, drawing inspiration from the city’s culinary traditions and musical heritage. They offer a diverse range of styles, from traditional lagers to experimental small-batch brews.
The growth of craft breweries in Memphis reflects a larger national trend. As of 2024, the city’s beer scene continues to expand, with new breweries and taprooms opening regularly.
Overview of Memphis Craft Breweries
Memphis boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous local breweries offering unique flavors and experiences. These establishments range from small taprooms to larger production facilities, each contributing to the city’s diverse beer landscape.
Crosstown Brewing Co
Crosstown Brewing Co resides in the revitalized Crosstown Concourse building. Their taproom offers a rotating selection of craft beers, with an emphasis on innovative flavors and seasonal brews. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while sampling beers like the Traffic IPA or Crosstown Kolsch.
The brewery’s location in the bustling Crosstown area makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Crosstown Brewing Co regularly hosts events and collaborates with local businesses, further cementing its place in the Memphis community.
Ghost River Brewing Co
As one of Memphis’ oldest craft breweries, Ghost River Brewing Co has been a cornerstone of the local beer scene since 2007. Their downtown taproom offers a wide range of year-round and seasonal beers, including the popular Ghost River Golden Ale.
Ghost River is known for its commitment to water conservation, donating a portion of sales to protect the Wolf River aquifer. The brewery’s taproom features a spacious patio, perfect for enjoying Memphis evenings with a cold craft beer in hand.
Memphis Made Brewing Co
Located in the heart of Midtown, Memphis Made Brewing Co embodies the city’s creative spirit. This brewery is known for its ever-changing lineup of small-batch beers, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
Memphis Made’s taproom, affectionately called the “Tasting Room,” offers a cozy space to sample their latest creations. Popular brews include the Cat Nap IPA and Fireside Amber. The brewery also hosts regular events, including live music and food truck gatherings.
Wiseacre Brewing Co
Wiseacre Brewing Co has grown to become one of Memphis’ largest craft breweries. With two locations – the original in Broad Avenue and a larger downtown facility – Wiseacre offers a wide range of beers to suit various tastes.
Their flagship beers, like Tiny Bomb American Pilsner and Ananda IPA, can be found in stores across the region. Wiseacre’s taprooms feature spacious outdoor areas and rotating food truck options, making them popular gathering spots for beer enthusiasts.
High Cotton Brewing Co
Situated in Memphis’ Edge District, High Cotton Brewing Co offers a laid-back atmosphere and a solid lineup of craft beers. Their taproom, housed in a renovated warehouse, provides a rustic charm that complements their brewing philosophy.
High Cotton’s year-round offerings include the Scottish Ale and ESB (Extra Special Bitter). The brewery also experiments with seasonal and limited-release beers, keeping their selection fresh and exciting for regular visitors.
Grind City Brewing Co
Grind City Brewing Co, located in Uptown Memphis, combines a passion for craft beer with community engagement. Their spacious taproom and outdoor area offer views of the Mississippi River, creating a unique drinking experience.
Grind City’s beer lineup includes approachable styles like their Viva Honey Wheat and more adventurous options such as the Memphis Sands Lager. The brewery frequently hosts events and collaborates with local artists and businesses.
Meddlesome Brewing Co
Meddlesome Brewing Co, situated in Cordova, brings craft beer to Memphis’ eastern suburbs. Their taproom offers a family-friendly environment with a focus on community and quality brews.
Popular beers include the 201 Hoplar IPA and Brass Bellows Belgian Blonde. Meddlesome also produces a range of seasonal and experimental beers, keeping their offerings fresh and exciting for regular patrons.
Hampline Brewing Co
Hampline Brewing Co, one of Memphis’ newer additions, is located in the Binghampton neighborhood. Their cozy taproom offers a selection of craft beers brewed on-site, with an emphasis on classic styles and local ingredients.
Signature beers include the Hampline Pale Ale and Binghampton Brown. The brewery’s location along the Hampline bike path makes it a popular stop for cyclists and pedestrians exploring the area.
Hook Point Brewing Co
Hook Point Brewing Co, located in Collierville, brings craft beer to Memphis’ eastern suburbs. This family-owned brewery focuses on creating approachable beers with a nod to German brewing traditions.
Their taproom offers a rotating selection of beers, including the popular Hook Point Hefeweizen and Collierville Kolsch. Hook Point’s commitment to quality and community involvement has quickly made it a favorite among local craft beer enthusiasts.
Craft Beer Experience
Memphis boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with diverse brewery tours, year-round beer offerings, and delectable food menus. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local beer culture through guided experiences, signature brews, and tasty pairings.
Exploring Brewery Tours
City Brew Tours Memphis provides an immersive craft beer adventure. Guests visit three local breweries, sampling up to 16 different beer styles across four stops. Knowledgeable guides lead the tours, offering insights into beer history and the brewing process.
The tours include comfortable transportation in the “Flagon Wagon,” ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Participants learn about award-winning beers and get ample portions at each brewery stop.
For a comprehensive experience, the Sip of Memphis Brew Tour combines brewery visits with a beer and meal pairing. This option allows visitors to taste local flavors while exploring Memphis’ craft beer landscape.
Sampling Year-Round Beers
Memphis breweries offer a range of year-round beers for visitors to enjoy. Wiseacre Brewing’s Tiny Bomb, a pilsner that won a Great American Beer Festival bronze medal in 2014, stands out as one of the country’s top-selling craft pilsners.
Ghost River Brewing features three always-on beers in their taproom, including the popular 201 Hoplar IPA. These staple offerings give beer enthusiasts a taste of Memphis’ signature brews.
Local breweries often showcase their core beers alongside seasonal and experimental options. This mix provides a well-rounded tasting experience for both newcomers and seasoned craft beer fans.
Savoring The Food Menu
Many Memphis breweries complement their beer offerings with carefully curated food menus. These pairings enhance the overall craft beer experience, allowing visitors to explore flavor combinations.
Some brewery tours, like those offered by City Brew Tours Memphis, include beer and meal pairings. This feature gives guests the opportunity to taste how local cuisine complements the city’s craft beers.
Taprooms often serve small bites or partner with local food trucks to provide a variety of dining options. This approach allows visitors to enjoy fresh, local fare while sampling different beer styles.
Popular Beer Styles and Brews
Memphis craft breweries offer a diverse range of beer styles to suit every palate. India Pale Ales (IPAs) are particularly popular, with many local brewers putting their own spin on this hop-forward style.
Pale ales and amber ales also feature prominently in Memphis taprooms. These balanced, drinkable beers appeal to both craft enthusiasts and casual beer drinkers.
For those who prefer darker beers, many Memphis breweries produce excellent stouts and porters. These rich, roasty brews often incorporate local flavors like coffee or chocolate.
Some standout local brews include:
- Wiseacre Brewing Co.’s Tiny Bomb American Pilsner
- Memphis Made Brewing’s Fireside Amber Ale
- High Cotton Brewing Co.’s Scottish Ale
- Crosstown Brewing Company’s Traffic IPA
Seasonal and experimental beers are also common. Many breweries offer rotating taps featuring unique ingredients or brewing techniques.
Sour beers and fruit-infused ales have gained popularity in recent years. Several Memphis breweries now produce these tart, refreshing styles, especially during warmer months.
Lagers and wheat beers round out the offerings at many local taprooms. These crisp, clean styles provide a refreshing option for hot Memphis summers.
Events and Collaborations
Memphis boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous events throughout the year. The city hosts several annual beer festivals that showcase local and regional breweries.
One notable event is Art on Tap at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. This gathering features beers from local favorites like Wiseacre and High Cotton Brewing, alongside regional offerings from Abita, Goose Island, and Yazoo.
The Memphis Cocktail Festival, while primarily focused on spirits, often includes craft beer offerings. This event provides a platform for local brewers to showcase their products alongside other artisanal beverages.
Overton Square hosts an annual crawfish festival that combines craft beer with live music and a local vendor market. This event exemplifies the city’s love for pairing great food with exceptional brews.
Many Memphis breweries collaborate with local businesses and organizations. The Cooper House Project, for instance, often partners with area breweries for special releases and events.
For those looking to explore multiple breweries in one go, the Memphis Brewery Tour offers a curated experience. This tour provides insights into the city’s brewing history and current craft beer landscape.
Visiting Memphis Breweries
Memphis boasts a thriving craft beer scene with multiple breweries offering unique experiences. Visitors can explore taprooms, take tours, and sample local brews across the city.
Planning Your Visit
Memphis has seven breweries and taprooms spread throughout the city. Downtown breweries offer Mississippi River views, while others are located in historic Midtown homes or former factories. Most breweries are open daily, with extended hours on weekends. Check individual websites for specific opening times and tour availability.
Popular spots include:
- Wiseacre Brewing Co. (1264 Concourse Avenue)
- Memphis Made Brewing Co. (768 S Cooper St)
- Crosstown Brewing Company (1264 Concourse Avenue)
- High Cotton Brewing Company (598 Monroe Ave)
Consider using rideshare services or designated drivers when visiting multiple breweries in one day.
Brewery Event Schedules
Memphis breweries frequently host events to engage visitors and locals alike. These can include:
- Live music performances
- Food truck nights
- Trivia contests
- Seasonal beer releases
- Brewery tours
Many breweries update their event calendars regularly on social media platforms. Follow your favorite breweries online or check their websites for the most up-to-date event information. Some breweries, like Wiseacre, offer scheduled tours on weekends. Others may provide tours upon request or during special events.
The Role of Breweries in Local Culture
Breweries in Memphis, TN play a vital role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape. They serve as gathering places for residents and visitors alike, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
Memphis Made Brewing and High Cotton Brewing are prime examples of establishments that contribute to the local culture. These breweries often host events, live music performances, and art exhibitions, showcasing local talent and creativity.
Craft beer has become an integral part of Memphis’s culinary scene. Many breweries collaborate with local restaurants and food trucks, creating unique pairings that highlight the city’s diverse flavors.
The annual Cooper-Young Beerfest celebrates regional breweries, strengthening connections between Memphis and neighboring communities. This event not only promotes craft beer but also supports local businesses and charities.
Breweries in Memphis actively support the local economy by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and partnering with area suppliers. This commitment to local sourcing helps create a sustainable economic ecosystem within the city.
The emergence of Beale Street Brewing Co., Memphis’s first black-owned brewery, demonstrates how the craft beer industry is expanding its reach and diversifying its audience. This inclusivity strengthens the cultural fabric of the city.
Memphis breweries often incorporate local history and landmarks into their branding and beer names, helping to preserve and promote the city’s rich heritage. This connection to local culture resonates with residents and tourists alike.
Dining and Nightlife
Memphis offers a vibrant craft beer scene paired with delicious local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy unique brewpubs and eateries while exploring beer pairings that complement the city’s famous flavors.
Brewpubs and Eateries
Memphis boasts several brewpubs that combine craft beer with excellent food options. Flying Saucer Draught Emporium stands out as a popular spot, offering an extensive selection of 70 beers on tap and 125 in bottles. The venue also features pool tables and darts for entertainment.
Blues City Cafe, while not a brewpub, is a notable establishment on Beale Street that pairs well with the local beer scene. It’s known for its barbecue ribs and other Southern specialties.
Many local breweries have taprooms where visitors can sample fresh brews. Wiseacre Brewing Company and High Cotton Brewing Co. Taproom are two such places that offer unique beer experiences in comfortable settings.
Pairing Beer with Local Cuisine
Memphis is famous for its barbecue, and local craft beers make excellent companions to these smoky, savory dishes. Light pilsners, like Wiseacre’s award-winning Tiny Bomb, pair well with pulled pork sandwiches.
For spicier barbecue sauces, hoppy IPAs can balance the heat. Ghost River Brewing offers options that complement bold flavors. When enjoying Memphis-style dry-rub ribs, a malty amber ale can enhance the dish’s complex spices.
Local breweries often create seasonal beers that pair with regional specialties. These unique brews can be found at various taprooms and beer-centric restaurants throughout the city, offering visitors a true taste of Memphis.
Supporting Local
Memphis boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous local breweries. These establishments contribute significantly to the city’s economy and culture.
By choosing locally brewed beers, residents and visitors support Memphis businesses. This helps create jobs and keeps money circulating within the community.
Many Memphis breweries use locally sourced ingredients when possible. This practice supports other local businesses and reduces transportation costs.
Craft beer enthusiasts can find a wide variety of locally made options at Memphis bars, restaurants, and stores. Some popular local breweries include:
- Wiseacre Brewing Co.
- Memphis Made Brewing Co.
- Crosstown Brewing Company
- High Cotton Brewing Company
These breweries often host events, tours, and tastings. Attending these gatherings is a great way to support local businesses while enjoying fresh, unique beers.
Some local breweries collaborate with other Memphis businesses or organizations. These partnerships create special edition beers and foster community connections.
Purchasing local beer merchandise, such as t-shirts or glassware, is another way to support Memphis breweries. These items make great souvenirs or gifts for beer enthusiasts.
