When you think Tennessee, probably the first alcohol to come to mind is whiskey, and if you’re visiting Nashville you’ll surely find it there. There are a number of local distilleries, and the famous Jack Daniels Distillery is a doable daytrip from Nashville. But for the beer-drinkers out there, Nashville has plenty to offer too. Here are some of the highlights that I hit on my recent trip to Nashville.
Bearded Iris Brewing
This brewery located in the city’s up-and-coming Germantown neighborhood is a great spot to enjoy a few beers, either on their sunny patio or in the equally cozy vintage-inspired taproom. I tried Homestyle, the slightly citrusy 6% IPA responsible for bringing them into the local craft beer spotlight. I also tried – and fell in love with – Going in Circles, a sour 7.6% DIPA with peachy notes that certainly doesn’t drink like a 7.6%. This one was perfect for the sunny spring day that I visited.
Yazoo Brewing Company
In the trendy neighborhood the Gulch, you can find three craft breweries just blocks apart – perfect for a beer crawl after some shopping or snapping your picture at the What Lifts You mural. The first one to hit is Yazoo. They recently celebrated 15 years, so at their taproom I tried their 15th Anniversary Ale. A popular one you’ll see at some bars in the city is their malty Gerst amber ale, which I tried at Legends Corner on Broadway.
Jackalope Brewing Company
The next one to hit after Yazoo is Jackalope. They actually have two taprooms in Nashville, but the location in The Gulch is where it all began. I chose their Lovebird 4.4% strawberry rasberry hefeweizen which had its launch the day I was there. I thought it was amazing and liked that even though it was fruity, it wasn’t too sweet.
The third brewery to hit in The Gulch is Tennessee Brew Works, who have a great two-story taproom and serve food. I tried their seasonal Wildwood flower ale, a 6.8% Belgian honey blonde with floral notes, and hung out for a bit to enjoy some live music. On my night out at Tootsie’s, I was drinking their State Park Blonde Ale which is brewed in partnership with Tennessee State Parks.
Fat Bottom Brewing Company
I didn’t get to their taproom in West Nashville but tried their Acme Rooster Brew that they did for Acme Feed and Seed. It was a good light and wheaty beer that went well with my flavorful Redneck Lo Mein dish.
Music City Beer Company
Music City is a brewing operation started by local musicians who, with all of the craft brewers popping up in the city, had a vision of creating a light beer option that celebrated the vibrant city. Their light lager is available at many restaurants and bars throughout the city. I tasted it at Broadway Brewhouse, paired with some hearty BBQ pulled pork tacos.
With so many great options both for nightlife and craft beers, you may find yourself needing a light option like Music City’s after a night out! No matter what your drink of choice, you are bound to have a great time experiencing Nashville.
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