South Fulton, Georgia has become a rising star in the state’s craft beer landscape. This vibrant city offers an impressive selection of breweries catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, South Fulton’s local breweries showcase their commitment to quality and innovation in every pint.
Beer enthusiasts visiting South Fulton can explore a variety of craft beer experiences. Breweries like Cochran Mill Brewing Company and Arches Brewing have established themselves as local favorites, drawing both residents and tourists alike. These establishments not only serve exceptional brews but also contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a craft beer destination.
The South Fulton craft beer scene continues to evolve, with new breweries emerging and existing ones expanding their offerings. This guide aims to introduce beer lovers to the best local spots, highlighting the unique flavors and atmospheres that make South Fulton’s craft beer community truly special.
The Rise of South Fulton’s Craft Beer Scene
South Fulton’s craft beer scene has experienced significant growth, transforming the city into a notable destination for beer enthusiasts. Local breweries have emerged, offering diverse styles and flavors that reflect the community’s passion for quality brews.
Historical Overview
South Fulton’s craft beer journey began in the early 2010s, mirroring Georgia’s broader beer renaissance. The city’s first microbrewery opened in 2014, sparking interest in locally-produced beers. This initial venture paved the way for other craft breweries to establish themselves in the area.
By 2018, South Fulton boasted three operational breweries, each with its unique approach to beer-making. These pioneers focused on creating distinctive flavors using locally-sourced ingredients. Their efforts garnered attention from beer aficionados across the state.
The passage of favorable legislation in 2017 allowed breweries to sell directly to consumers, fueling further growth. This change enabled South Fulton’s breweries to expand their operations and experiment with new beer styles.
Impact on Local Economy
The burgeoning craft beer industry has significantly boosted South Fulton’s economy. Local breweries have created numerous jobs, from brewers and taproom staff to sales and marketing positions. These businesses have also attracted tourists, increasing foot traffic in commercial areas.
Craft beer festivals and tasting events have become popular, drawing visitors from neighboring cities. These gatherings showcase South Fulton’s local brews and foster a sense of community pride. The success of these events has led to partnerships with local restaurants and food trucks, further stimulating economic activity.
The craft beer boom has inspired related businesses to open, such as homebrew supply stores and beer-centric bars. This ecosystem has contributed to the revitalization of previously underutilized areas in South Fulton, transforming them into vibrant social hubs.
Guide to South Fulton Breweries
South Fulton boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several exceptional breweries. Each offers unique flavors and atmospheres for beer enthusiasts to explore.
Jekyll Brewing
Jekyll Brewing brings a taste of Georgia’s brewing history to South Fulton. Their taproom features a rotating selection of ales and lagers. Popular choices include the Hop Dang Diggity IPA and Big Creek Kolsch.
The brewery offers tours on weekends. Visitors can enjoy flights or pints in the spacious beer garden. Jekyll often hosts food trucks and live music events.
From the Earth Brewing Company
From the Earth Brewing Company focuses on sustainability and locally-sourced ingredients. Their beer lineup includes creative seasonals and year-round favorites. The Peach Berliner Weisse showcases Georgia’s signature fruit.
The taproom features a cozy indoor space and outdoor patio. Guests can pair beers with a full food menu of elevated pub fare. From the Earth also offers crowlers and growlers to go.
Reformation Brewery
Reformation Brewery combines traditional brewing techniques with innovative flavors. Their core lineup includes the popular Cadence Belgian-style ale and Atlas IPA. Seasonal and limited-edition beers rotate frequently.
The spacious taproom features plenty of seating and games. A rooftop patio offers skyline views. Reformation hosts regular events like trivia nights and live music. Food trucks often park on-site.
Atlanta Brewing Co
Atlanta Brewing Co, formerly Red Brick Brewing, is Georgia’s oldest operating craft brewery. Their diverse beer selection ranges from easy-drinking lagers to bold imperial stouts. The Hoplanta IPA is a local favorite.
The taproom offers a relaxed vibe with plenty of seating. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the brewing process. Atlanta Brewing Co frequently collaborates with local businesses on specialty brews.
Sweetwater Brewing Company
Sweetwater Brewing Company is one of Georgia’s most well-known craft breweries. Their extensive beer list includes the flagship 420 Extra Pale Ale and seasonal favorites like Waterkeeper Hefeweizen.
The large taproom features indoor and outdoor seating areas. Sweetwater offers brewery tours and a gift shop. The expansive beer garden hosts frequent events and live music performances.
Monday Night Brewing
Monday Night Brewing produces a wide range of styles, from IPAs to barrel-aged stouts. Their Eye Patch Ale and Slap Fight IPA are popular year-round offerings. The taproom rotates through creative small-batch brews.
Visitors can enjoy beers in the industrial-chic taproom or on the patio. Monday Night hosts weekly events like trivia and yoga. Food trucks are often on-site. The brewery offers tours on weekends.
Second Self Beer Company
Second Self Beer Company focuses on bold flavors and unique ingredients. Their core lineup includes Thai Wheat, infused with lemongrass and ginger. The taproom often features experimental small-batch brews.
The modern taproom offers a comfortable space to sample beers. Second Self hosts regular events like beer and food pairings. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the brewing process.
Schoolhouse Brewing
Schoolhouse Brewing combines education and craft beer. Their taproom features a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and guest taps. The Principal’s Office IPA is a popular choice.
The brewery offers homebrewing classes and supplies. Visitors can enjoy beers in the classroom-themed taproom or outdoor beer garden. Schoolhouse hosts regular events like trivia nights and live music.
Eventide Brewing
Eventide Brewing focuses on approachable, well-crafted beers. Their year-round lineup includes the Kölsch Ale and Pale Ale. The taproom often features seasonal and experimental brews.
The cozy taproom offers a neighborhood pub atmosphere. Eventide hosts regular events like run clubs and game nights. Food trucks frequently park outside. Visitors can take brewery tours on weekends.
Gate City Brewing
Gate City Brewing produces a variety of ales and lagers. Their core beers include the 20 Grand Cream Ale and OTP IPA. The taproom rotates through seasonal and limited-edition offerings.
The spacious taproom features plenty of seating and games. A large patio area hosts frequent events and live music. Gate City offers brewery tours and a small food menu of snacks and appetizers.
Pontoon Brewing
Pontoon Brewing specializes in flavorful, easy-drinking beers. Their lineup includes the No Pants Pilsner and Flotation Device IPA. The taproom often features creative small-batch brews.
The nautical-themed taproom offers a laid-back atmosphere. Pontoon hosts regular events like trivia and yoga. Food trucks frequently park on-site. Visitors can enjoy beers on the spacious outdoor patio.
Currahee Brewing
Currahee Brewing focuses on German-inspired beers and American craft styles. Their Frankenstark Hefeweizen and Wayah Lager are popular choices. The taproom rotates through seasonal and limited-edition brews.
The rustic taproom features plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Currahee offers brewery tours on weekends. The beer garden often hosts live music and food trucks. Visitors can enjoy scenic mountain views while sipping beers.
Creature Comforts
Creature Comforts produces a range of high-quality ales and lagers. Their Tropicália IPA and Athena Berliner Weisse are local favorites. The taproom often features limited-release and barrel-aged beers.
The spacious taproom occupies a renovated tire factory. Creature Comforts hosts regular events like art shows and live music. Food trucks frequently park outside. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the brewing process.
Exploring Beer Styles and Brews
South Fulton’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of styles and flavors. From classic ales and lagers to unique barrel-aged creations, local breweries showcase their skill and creativity through various beer styles.
Ale vs. Lager
Ales and lagers form the foundation of the craft beer world. Ales ferment at warmer temperatures, producing fruity and complex flavors. They include styles like IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers.
Lagers ferment at cooler temperatures, resulting in crisp and clean-tasting beers. Popular lager styles include pilsners, bocks, and märzens.
South Fulton breweries excel in both categories. Local ale offerings range from hop-forward IPAs to rich, malty stouts. Lager enthusiasts can enjoy crisp pilsners and refreshing kölschs.
Specialty and Limited-Edition Brews
Craft breweries in South Fulton often release specialty and limited-edition beers to showcase their innovation. These unique creations may incorporate local ingredients or experimental brewing techniques.
Seasonal releases are popular, with breweries crafting beers to match the time of year. Examples include refreshing fruit-infused ales for summer and warming spiced stouts for winter.
Some limited-edition brews gain cult followings, prompting beer enthusiasts to seek them out. These may include collaborations between breweries or beers aged in unique vessels.
Barrel-Aged Beers and their Unique Character
Barrel-aging imparts distinct flavors and complexity to beer. South Fulton breweries utilize various barrels, including those previously used for bourbon, wine, or other spirits.
The aging process can last months or even years. During this time, the beer absorbs flavors from the wood and remnants of the barrel’s previous contents.
Common styles for barrel-aging include imperial stouts, barleywines, and strong ales. The result is often a higher alcohol content and rich flavors like vanilla, oak, and caramel.
Some local breweries offer special barrel-aged beer releases. These events often draw crowds eager to taste the latest creations.
Culinary Experiences in South Fulton
South Fulton’s craft beer scene pairs seamlessly with its diverse culinary offerings. Local breweries and restaurants collaborate to create unique food and beer pairings, while many taprooms feature their own food options.
Pairing Food with Craft Beer
South Fulton’s breweries offer expertly curated food and beer pairings. Local favorites like The Real Milk & Honey complement their Southern comfort dishes with light lagers and wheat beers.
For a more adventurous pairing, some establishments match spicy dishes with hoppy IPAs to enhance flavor profiles. Stouts and porters are often paired with rich desserts or smoky barbecue.
Many breweries host special pairing events, allowing visitors to explore new flavor combinations under the guidance of experienced brewers and chefs.
Local Food Options at Breweries
Several South Fulton breweries have embraced the food scene by offering their own culinary creations. Taprooms frequently feature rotating food trucks, providing a variety of cuisines to complement their beer selection.
Some breweries have permanent on-site kitchens. These often focus on pub-style fare like gourmet burgers, artisanal pizzas, and locally-sourced charcuterie boards.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, with breweries recognizing the demand for diverse dietary choices. Many emphasize using local ingredients, supporting South Fulton’s agricultural community.
Brewery Tours and Experiences
South Fulton’s craft beer scene offers engaging brewery tours, tasting sessions, and special events. Visitors can explore local breweries, sample unique brews, and participate in beer-related activities throughout the year.
Educational Brewery Tours
Many South Fulton breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours of their facilities. These tours provide insights into the brewing process, ingredients used, and equipment involved. Visitors learn about beer styles, fermentation techniques, and quality control measures.
Some breweries feature interactive elements, allowing guests to smell hops or taste malts. Tour guides often share the brewery’s history and philosophy. Tours typically last 45-60 minutes and may include a complimentary tasting at the end.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend tours. Group tours are available at some locations for private events or team-building activities.
Tasting Sessions
Tasting sessions are a popular way to experience South Fulton’s craft beer offerings. Many breweries have taprooms where visitors can sample various beers in flight form. Flights usually consist of 4-6 small pours, allowing guests to try multiple styles.
Knowledgeable staff provide tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Some breweries offer guided tastings led by brewmasters or beer experts. These sessions delve into flavor profiles, brewing techniques, and beer history.
Food pairings are sometimes incorporated into tasting events. Local cheeses, charcuterie, or small bites may be offered to complement the beers.
Special Events and Releases
South Fulton breweries host various special events throughout the year. Beer release parties celebrate new brews or seasonal offerings. These events often feature limited-edition beers not available elsewhere.
Festivals and tap takeovers showcase multiple local breweries in one location. Live music, food trucks, and games are common at these gatherings.
Some breweries organize educational events like brewing classes or beer and food pairing workshops. Trivia nights, beer yoga, and holiday-themed parties add variety to the brewery experience.
Loyalty programs and mug clubs offer perks to regular visitors, such as discounts or early access to special releases.
Enjoying Beer Culture
South Fulton’s beer scene offers diverse outdoor experiences for craft beer enthusiasts. From lively beer gardens to scenic rooftop patios, the city provides unique settings to savor local brews.
South Fulton’s Beer Gardens
Beer gardens in South Fulton create a welcoming atmosphere for beer lovers. These open-air spaces often feature long communal tables, encouraging social interaction among patrons. Many gardens showcase a rotating selection of local craft beers on tap.
Some beer gardens incorporate traditional German-inspired elements, such as pretzels and sausages, to complement the beer offerings. Live music performances are common, adding to the vibrant ambiance.
Families can enjoy these spaces too, with some gardens providing play areas for children. The relaxed environment makes beer gardens ideal for both casual gatherings and special events.
Enjoying Craft Beer on a Rooftop Patio
Rooftop patios in South Fulton offer a unique vantage point to enjoy craft beer. These elevated spaces provide panoramic views of the city skyline or surrounding landscapes, enhancing the drinking experience.
Many rooftop bars feature a curated selection of local and regional craft beers. Some offer tasting flights, allowing patrons to sample multiple brews. Comfortable seating arrangements, from lounge chairs to high-top tables, cater to different group sizes.
Seasonal events on rooftop patios often highlight specific beer styles or local breweries. During warmer months, these spaces become popular spots for sunset happy hours and evening gatherings.
The Art of Craft Cocktails and Beers
South Fulton’s beverage scene blends artisanal cocktails with innovative local brews. Mixologists and brewers showcase their creativity through unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients.
Local Craft Cocktails
South Fulton’s bars and restaurants offer an array of expertly crafted cocktails. Mixologists use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create signature drinks. Popular spots like Eleanor’s and The Third Door are known for their inventive concoctions.
These establishments often feature seasonal menus that highlight Georgia’s produce. Bartenders experiment with infusions, house-made syrups, and unexpected flavor pairings. Some venues offer cocktail-making classes for enthusiasts to learn the art firsthand.
Beer-Inspired Cocktails
Breweries and bars in South Fulton have embraced the trend of beer cocktails. These drinks blend craft beer with spirits and other mixers to create unique flavors. Local favorites include IPA-based margaritas and stout-infused old fashioneds.
Breweries like Schoolhouse Brewing and Atlantucky Brewing collaborate with mixologists to develop these hybrid beverages. The result is a fusion of craft beer and cocktail cultures. These innovative drinks appeal to both beer enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike.
Responsible Enjoyment
Responsible enjoyment of craft beer involves understanding alcohol content and promoting safe consumption practices. These factors are crucial for beer lovers to fully appreciate South Fulton’s craft beer scene while prioritizing health and safety.
Understanding Alcohol Content
Craft beers often have higher alcohol content than mass-produced lagers. South Fulton’s breweries offer a range of styles, from session ales to high-gravity brews. Beer lovers should check the alcohol by volume (ABV) listed on menus or bottles.
ABV typically ranges from:
- Light beers: 3-4%
- Standard ales: 4-6%
- IPAs: 6-8%
- Imperial styles: 8-12%+
Higher ABV beers pack more alcohol in smaller servings. A 12 oz imperial stout may contain as much alcohol as two light beers. Pacing oneself and alternating with water helps moderate intake.
Promoting Safe Consumption
Safe consumption starts with knowing personal limits. Beer lovers should:
- Eat before and while drinking
- Sip slowly to savor flavors
- Set a drink limit beforehand
- Use rideshare services or designate a driver
Many South Fulton breweries offer tasting flights. These small pours let patrons sample various styles without overindulging. Some venues also serve non-alcoholic options for designated drivers.
Breweries often partner with local organizations to promote responsible drinking. Look for events or programs that educate about alcohol’s effects and safe consumption practices.
