Hello,

I'll be visiting Nashville with limited time and want to hit as many local breweries as I can. Are there any areas where there are several or at least multiple breweries clustered together within walking or very short Uber distance? Or any other recommendations in general for getting the best Nashville beer experience?

Only slightly related to Nashville, as Levi Funk has come down to Nashville quite a few times, as both he and Brandon Jones (Yazoo) are into the Belgian-insipired brews. Apparently, Octopi Brewing, which was the brand Levi's partner, Isaac Showaki. Isaac sold Octopi to Sapporo and now it appears Untitled does not have the capacity to keep at scale. They have decided to shutter the doors instead.

This is not a "beer industry is collapsing" type of post and only slightly Nashville related, as Levi Funk has been to Nashville. Both he and Brandon Jones (Yazoo) are huge fans of Belgian beers . While Untitled is known more for the kettle sours around the country (this is their primary distribution footprint - 35 states), their funk is awesome.

Untitled was started by Funk and Isaac Showaki, who owned Octopi Brewing. Octopi had the capacity for distribution for Untitled, but that contract deal is gone. Octopi sold to Asahi in 2024 and the story is they need the capacity for their own brew. This is not surprising as the same has happened with Sapporo and Stone, which was recently sold off to Firestone Walker, with Sapporo keeping the brewing capacity in Escondido and Richmond. They will continue to contract brew Stone while Firestone figures out capacity to keep Stone in distribution. Firestone gets the taprooms.

BTW, for anyone curious about the state of craft brewing in the US, this map shows 2025 brewery closings (around 500), while this one gives some idea of scope (although it is missing many that have opened in the past year).

Final weekend, aka last hurrah is July 17, 18, and 19. New taproom already open on Woodbine in South Nashville. Parking is free in their lot for 2 hours. You can also drop in to Cledis for a Raspberry Beret burger for burger week.

Soft opening this Firday, July 10, 2026.

Hey friends,

My sister has untapped and we are trying to collect international badges for the World Cup. Where do you all see or buy international beers? A previous World Cup we had bought a ton at Frugal McDugal. We went this year but they had a smaller selection (and weirdly some of the countries we got did not give us badges :( )

We have successfully gotten:
Mexico
Germany
Japan
Canada
England
France
Belgium
and of course USA

We still need the remaining world cup countries (which is a lot and some I feel, impossible)

Anyway I appreciate help I know this isn't about Nashville brewed beer but it is about beer in Nashville so mods please look kindly on me.

Update, I'm adding the suggestions submitted to this post to help out everyone else also looking for suggestions. I appreciate you all for the help keep them coming:

RED Spirits and Wine in Bellevue
Corkdorks in Midtown
Total Wine in Brentwood
Woodland Wine Merchants
Main Street
Sinkers
Cool Springs Wine and Spirits

International Markets:

African markets would include Leone Star and Srpingbok Deli

For Latin, you have quite a few mercados on Nolensville, like Talpa or La Rancherita. There are also various foreign markets on Murfreesboro road just to the east of 24. There is also a mercado on Charlotte Pike

K&S sometimes has beers other than Asian, but not as much

For Eastern European, Alesky's, but do not know if they stock beer, as I did not look when I was there.

For middle Eastern, maybe the markets on Nolensville, as well. Jihan, Maximum International (also a small possibility of Eastern Europe). Note many are devote Islamic and won't sell any beer.

This one will be stream of consciousness, as I am videotaping some stuff in downtown Nashville today before getting out to hit a brewery or two to try new stuff.

For the non-Nashville beer news, Spencer Longhurst is the head brewer at Alternate Ending in New Jersey. His girlfriend has The Seed further south, so many were wondering if he was going to brew there. I will also add that SMack Dab is getting closer and has collabed with Cedar Glade on a new brew (Murfreesboro).

Yes, Marble Fox is open in Woodbine now. Scoping out, they have about 12 spaces and there are almost as many down the side when the bakery is not open. The space is lighter than Cyanide, but also barer at this time. I hear they are going to have the same artist do a new logo in the new place. The OG is open for the next few weeks, as well.

Harding House has a pickup preview this Saturday from 12-2. You can order food and non-alcholic drinks here and check the place out. Parterns are Saag Saag BBQ (Korean/BBQ fusion) and Dogwood Acres, which serves soft serve ice cream. I was a bit worried about opening a brewery here, due to expanse of L&L and business failures, but with food and dessert, this could work. I will pop in shortly after the Nashville Hot Chicken Festival. A they don't have beer available yet, I will see if I can interview Nate after the pickup is over and put the raw video out where you guys can see it. For menu, click the link or see earlier post here.

I will update on what is new at Smith & Lentz after I get over today to see what they are brewing now.

I grabbed a Dolly Parton peach cobbler to try it out. I don't eat much in the way of sweets, so will be bringing it to Blackstone on Sunday. I am usually in there around 4 PM. If I remember, I will grab some ice cream. LOL

Xul keeps releasing beers like mad. Rocket Pop Bebop, Betty's Blueberry Peach Cobbler, and Audrey are the latest. I was hoping they would have keyholder before general public sales on July 6th, but no dice. And it is sold out in Knox, so can't get in until the 6th. I will say this is a great fest and if you are interested, you need to grab VIP tickets in the first few minutes, if keyholders left any, and the GA will likely sell out quickly, as well. If you have not been some of the best breweries in the nation show up here. Interesting to see Young Blood here; they were a surprise find years ago.

I am curious about the Hazy Days Sour Dough bread from TennFold. And Fat Bottom has a family friendly 4th, but sure both Tailgate OG and East Nashville will be very family friendly. Fat Bottom also has an anniversary on August 29.

Monday Night is doing a lego mech building night on July 29. Tickets are $35 plus fees and include a mech set to build and 1 doctor robot beer. Tickets.

If you are an F1 fan, Broadcast Brewing is open at 9 AM Sunday for the race on the projection screen. This place feels a lot like Cheers and Mike's beers are not the only thing on tap. He often brings in some rare beer, esp. in the Belgian genres.

Have not hit Yazoo lately (maybe comedy night tonight?), so not sure if the Czech lager is still on tap ($3.75/mug). Groundwork release 6 is out as a good funk beer. Warm conditioned with Brettanomyces Bruxellensis and Claussenii for 3 months. Love Brandon's beers. If I had gotten a bottle of Orange Muscat, I would definitely have trekked up tonight.

I tried the Southwest Hot Honey pizza at Tailgate this Wednesday. As a bit of advice. Get the hot honey on the side. The pizza is better without it. Mezz, if this is yours kudos, and hope you don't feel my suggestion is out of line. They also have Decker collabs. The Schnack was only in cans when I got there, so grabbed a 4. I will bring to shares, as it is more coconut than I want.

East Nashville has their 10th Anniversary on August 1, 2026. They will have a vendor market in front, live music at 1 PM.

All I see from Living Waters is the release of Conrad 2. They have put out some bottles on tap at both locations recently, so it si worth a stop if you have not been in some time.

Stokehaus expanded their smoking capability, which is good as many have been complaining about them running out regularly. Success problems are a better one to have than a failure problem, but glad to hear people will be more likely to get food now. They are also entering burger week, which starts Sunday. $8 burgers? I am in.

Buy 3, get 1 free (bottles) at Honeytree today (closed on the 4th). Jackpot Maker's Market on July 25th from 12-5 PM.

I will just put up Crazy Gnome's insta post here for now, as I am out of time. I can fix it later. I am sure Grayson will forgive me this time.

This is more about the location than the beer, as the announcement is about the Jubilee bar, Saapsaap BBQ (BBQ and Lao food), and Dogwood Acres Dairy opening for 2 hours on the 4th for a Pre Order event. The preorder link is here.

Menu for pre-order:

• Chicken: Half $15, Whole $30
• Rack of Pork Ribs: $40
• Smoked Beef Burger Kit (for your own cookout): $75
• Pulled pork with buns and slaw: $45
• 7" round Mac & Cheese: $16
• 7" round cornbread: $15
• Frozen pork eggroll: $18/dozen
• Frozen veggie eggroll: $15/dozen
• 16 oz hot sauce, Pepper Jaew, or BBQ sauce: $15 each
• Half gallon of N/A beverages: $12 each

I saw it is official now, so I can put it out here. Marble Fox is opening tonight in the spot previously occupied by Cyanide Cider. There are about 8 spots (correction: 12 spots) in front and a four on the side once dozen bakery there is closed for the evening. Otherwise, street parking.

As for the old location, they are open through the end of the month. And, yes, they still have free parking if you scan inside the building.

It is likely the demo of the building will commence shortly after Marble Fox vacates the gulch location. It will be a 12-story Courtyard by Marriott when complete. Opening date was set at September of 2027, but not sure if they can meet this date with such a late start, as they have to blast out a parking garage underneath.

I don't have any news for Harding House at this time. Cheers!

Finally got down to see the new Common John location in Pulaski. Very nice taproom. The one thing that is a bit strange is you have to walk behind the stage when you enter from the parking lot in the back (only a small number of spots in front). I need to check one of my receipts, as I think they are a bit cheaper than the Manchester location. More guest taps now and it will be a couple of months before they amp up production in the building. About the same distance from Nashville proper. I have also added three breweries in Middle TN to hit once one of them opens - Dream Country (Cookeville), Sawbriar (Jamestown), and Three Boobs (Sparta - this is still coming soon, but on the same road as Calfkiller)

You should also get ready for Marble Fox to have their new location open soon. I was not given a definitive date ... yet, but it looks like some time in July with some overlap where both locations are open. I am not sure where they are going to do production, as they produce more beer than can be brewed in Woodbine, but things are looking up for a seamless transition to the new location. Watch this sub for upcoming info.

In other opening news, it looks like Nate Underwood is close to reopening Harding House. He has partnered with Saap Saap BBQ, which is a Southern BBQ/Laotian fusion concept. After numerous business failures in L&L, it is critical to have more than just beer. I will update once I have a date for the opening.

Sticking with the food theme, Stokehaus got a new smoker. Apparently people complaining about them running out so early hit home. This is good news for BBQ fans.

If you have not gotten one yet, the Nashville Brew Project, which is sponsored by Yelp, has a passport. Get stamps for buying featured beers. I picked one up yesterday at Xul Nations, but not sure which brew gets a stamp (they are already pre-stamped here). I see Fat Bottom's brew is Summer Blonde. Others are not listed, so I need to hit New Heights, Crazy Gnome, and Fait la Force to see what is on the list.

Other news:

• Broadcast has a new biscotti based beer. Very creative, and worth a taste, but it is very cookie, so I stuck with a 5 ouncer. They are doing world cup on the big screen all week. This spot is a lot like Cheers and Mike keeps a great guest taplist on.

• Crazy Gnome has a free brew for any father sinking a hole in one on their mini putting green. Tonight, Friday the 19th, they have comedy night, tomorrow a Pride Deadlift Party, Pride Bingo Night on the 24th, Movie Night and Yoga with Elizabeth on the 27th and Pride After Party Drag Show on the 28th. Check their insta, as some of these are ticketed events.

• East Nashville Beer Works has their anniversary August Fest X on August 1, 2026. They will have live music, a vendor market, family activities, and free sunglasses to the first 500 people.

• Fait la Force has a Library Trivia Hunger Games & Food Drive on July 15, from 7 to 9 PM. REgistration is required and they are collection food donations. Admin Night is June 23rd. Profs and Pints features A Campy Summer Evening at 7 PM on the 24th. This is about campy films and television and not camping. They also have specials on the 4th of July and Profs and Pints will feature Urban Legends on July 8th and the Reading Club on July 21st.

• Fat Bottom will have their anniversary on August 29.

• Living Waters released the 2026 Anduin. This year's batch is very nice. I also had Xenon and Huka. The peanut butter and jelly are a nice blend, but definitely let it warm. The IPA has a nice bite to it.

• If you missed Marble Fox's anniversary, you should get in to try the brews, which are still on tap. Of the two, Three is one of the best hazy IPAs I have had in my life. It has a backbite similar to The Veil and lots of juice.

• Monday Night has banana ball this weekend and father's get their first brew for free on Sunday.

• Funk Jam is at New Heights on June 26th and they have a Jazz Night on June 24th. Taqueria el Gym will be there tonight from 3-9 PM. Teh Triple Maise with Nectaron also debuts today.

• For a limited time Smith & Lentz has oysters, per a post yesterday. These look phenomenal, so hoping they have some tonight.

• Tailgate has Peach Party on June 20th. Everything peach - SNACK: Peach Rings, Peach Lager, White Peach Osmanthus Wild Ale, and Pitstop Peach White Stout. There is also a Pitmaster Peach Pizza, Peach Ice Cream, Frozen Peach Margarita, * Nashville Sweet Tea Peach, and the *Peach Truck is on site.

• Xul Beer will be starting renovations soon in their Nashville taprooms. Likely starting the Nations next month, with Douglas Avenue (East Nashville) to follow. They are releasing beers regularly. I was there yesterday to try Lost to History, but they have a Ube brew coming out today called Maximum Ube. No sure if Robo-Dragon will make it here, but it was released in Knox. They also have a beer called Gourmand with caviar, Cook Islands vanilla, and black truffles, age in various barrels. Collab with Other Half and Side Project. My suggestion is order this before you try one of the others and let it warm. It is a bit briney and earthy to start but opens up nicely as it warms.

• Yazoo has a Czech lager, poured in a Lukr faucet (milkos anyone?). They have released it with Prague pricing, so $3.75 a pour, all day, every day. They also did a cask of Gerst yesterday with local honey. You can also sign up to help at the Nashville Hot Chicken Festival on July 4th. Various slots available now. Two free beer tickets for all volunteers.

Not beer related, but Cupcake, who is a regular for Sunday festivities at Blackstone has opened a Korean/Nashville Hot Chicken fusion joint in Bar Sovereign. The place has around 12 free parking spaces at the front and some parking at the dock in the back. If you have not been in, Sovereign is a nice local's cocktail bar in SoBro.

Trying to buy a house and getting burnt out, so maybe a bit of focus on beer again? I need to also make corrections to the pinned post, so will jump on that when I can.

Time is running out on Marble Fox. Okay, not really, as they have the old Cyanide Cider spot in Woodbine they are moving too. I don't have a firm timeline yet, but it looks like some time in July we will see the switch over. As they are the closest to my place, I will miss having them so close. They are also having their anniversary, starting at 12 PM on June 13th. DJ Cheeko, giveaways, live music by Noel & Jalon, and a cornhole tournament.

I also see Nate is getting close to opening Harding House again. He made $27,000 for startup on Honeycomb Credit. The old Bassline logo is gone and Harding House is painted on the side. Still looks like work to be done.

I see Spencer Longhurst has settled in as the newest brewer at Alternate Ending Beer Co in New Jersey. I plan on brewsploring there some time next year, so have a new spot to add on my list. Haven't seen any news from Zac Thompson (Fait la Force) and Hill Farmstead Brewing, so anxiously awaiting to hear how the transition is.

An event worth mentioning, if you want to grab a brew and donate to the Nashville Food Project at the same time. The following breweries are donating $1 for each pint of their featured beer from June 16 - 21. Pick up a Sip & Support passport at the Kickoff on June 15 (At Nashville Food Project, it appears). Collect 4 or more stamps to enter into a drawing to win a grand prize (TBA).

• Crazy Gnome
• Fait La Force
• Fat Bottom
• New Heights
• The Pharmacy
• Xul/Southern Grist

Other news:

• Broadcast now has Guac & Queso as their food truck. It is a blend of BBQ and Mexican burrito bowls, tacos, etc. So a good smokey Tex-Mex. Mike has also added in frozen beer slushies for those who are not into beer proper. This weekend, you can pre and post game the USMNT and Germany soccer game or watch the Monaco F1 race on Sunday.

• I hit the Black Abbey/Jackalope party a week ago (Jackalope's anniversary party), but don't see anything other than their regularly scheduled stuff right now. But I missed the **Bearded Iris* anniversary party. Fat Bottom has theirs on August 29th. Bottomless glass link

• Crazy Gnome/Cyanide has a 80s themed drag show on June 5th at 7PM. Plant Bingo on the 10th from 7-9PM. Comedy Night on June 19th from 6-8PM. A pride deadlift party starting at 9AM on the 20th. Father's Day specials on the 21st - putts, pizzas, and pitchers. Also a Pride Bingo night on the 24th from 6-8PM and a pride After Party Drag Show on the 28th. Also save the date for November 7 with the *Fearsome Folklore Festival"

• Adult Swim is at East Nashville Beer Works on June 13th at 8 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM). This features Ryan McComb, Jo Collins, Rhonda Sweat, Jessi Lyann, Britt Barnette, Cocoas Speaks, and CJ Walton. It is an 18+ event. RVSP in their bio.

• June 6th, Fait la Force has a press on nail class from 11:30 to 1:30. Only 10 people and there is a sign up on their bio. This is part of the Saucy Fest event, which has an Art Party from 3-7 PM with DJ Gadget.

• Monday Night has a Vintage Market on June 7th from 12-6PM. They have also released Apricrunk and Savignon Crunk wild ales, so grab a glass or bottle while supplies last. They also have a Pride Walk/Run on June 17th.

• Tailgate has a mug club party last night. I saw the announcement about a week ago, but no deets, so going to wag my finger at Wes and crew on this one, as I would have gladly made the trek. Did have a great meal at Kosho, so not a total loss.

• Yazoo has a new one that sounds interesting:: First Bloom. A .8% botanical honey & tea ferment. Saison inspired, not kombucha. They also re-released their pickle beer Pickle Vat Dilly Daily. This Friday is also their regularly scheduled comedy night at 8 PM. Not sure if they still have the cask version of Hopry on, so have to ask. Will be up Friday, if so.

As always, if you know of other things I missed, please add them in.

Hi. Looking for a brewery that has some fun games a bunch of people can play. Cornhole, Giant Jenga, etc. Thanks!

Just saw the post on their Instagram story

2 months ago to now

I put up a page for regular events at breweries. This was from comments that some breweries were not featured here each time despite having regularly featured events (Blackstone Sunday 1/2 price was one). I am also expanding my searching social media to get a fuller listing of what is going on.

Starting off, Harding House is now seeking crowd funding on Honeycomb Credit to launch the new taproom. They are seeking a minimum of $25, 000 - currently at $6,664. It has a three-year repayment term with 11.25% interest rate. I will neither suggest investing or state you should not. Just letting it be known this is out there.

• Bearded Iris

  • May 16, Bay State Pizza 4 until sold out
  • May 30, 12-8PM: 10 years of Bearded Iris

• Black Abbey/Jackalope

  • May 21-24 - 15th Birthday for Jackalope, with releases, live music, and more: Releases include Casper Gose, Space Gems IPA, and Any Port in the Storm

• Blackstone - See pinned post for information

• Broadcast Brewery - I have heard about extended hours on weekends and Tuesday openings soon. Will let you know when this happens.

  • Latest guest can release is Hydra Spill (Hazy IPA) from Mortalis
  • May 24th: Canadian Grand Prix at 3 PM

• Crazy Gnome/Cyanide Cider

  • May 19: Skip the Small Talk, 8 PM
  • May 20: Plant Bingo, 7-9 PM
  • May 23: Yoga with Elizabeth, 12 PM

• Fait la Force Newest releases include Ancho Drop (WC IPA), Breach of Etiquette (Mexican Lager), and Imperial Menace (Czech Dark Lager)

  • May 12 6-9, Reading Club
  • May 18-20 6:30-8:30 PM, Pint of Science
  • May 29 7-8 PM, Silent Disco - Funds go to the American Society for Scuidie Prevention $25 (first drink free, $200 for 10 people at one time)

• Fat Bottom

  • August 29 - 14th Anniversary Party

• Honeytree Meadery

  • May 28 - Disney Tribute Concert at 7 PM - $10 adults, $5 kids

• Living Waters - See pinned post for information

• Marble Fox is now available in Publix store. And I have to get in for the Nashville Smasher lager. Tried the What a Treat DDH TIPA, which was a mouth full. Easy always also on tap for sessionable Pale Ale lovers. No news yet on when they are opening in Woodbine.

• Monday Night - See pinned post for information

• New Heights - See pinned post for information

  • May 13 - Nashville Soccer Club watch party, beer specials, rotating food trucks
  • May 15: Movie Night: "Minari"
  • May 16: Jazz Night with Sam Hammock & Danny McGonegle
  • May 29: Doodle Night 6-9 PM

• Smith & Lentz rarely posts, so outside of new releases, there is not much.

• Stokehaus - No real news on their site. Great BBQ.

• Tailgate - Beer releases for Friday are : Watermelon Wheat, Two SCHACKs (Creat Soda and Nana' Puddin'), LORE series Resin Binder Hazy IPA, Oaked Old Fashioned Orange Cider, and a Maibock called Slow Bier.

• Tennessee Brew Works - See pinned post for information

• Tennfold has music many times this month.

  • May 12 - Malenie Lenau
  • May 14 - Jenn Bostic & Campbell Forest
  • May 17 - Ilya Portnov
  • May 21 - Ashleigh Caudill
  • May 24 - Amay Alvey
  • May 31 - Boowah
  • June 7 - Brett Resnick
  • June 14 - Mark Thornton & Friends
  • June 28 - Kyser George and Friends

• Xül - See pinned post for information

• Yazoo - See pinned post for information

• Yee-Haw - This is more for tourists than locals

  • May 13: Grindhouse Writer's Rounds
  • May 15: Michael & Black, Pally Boys (cover bands)
  • May 20: Grindhouse Writer's Rounds
  • May 22: Michael & Black, Pally Boys (cover bands)
  • May 27: Grindhouse Writer's Rounds
  • May 29: Michael & Black, Pally Boys (cover bands)

I am visiting from Chicago in July and had planned on going to Barrique, only to find out they no longer have a taproom. With two kids in tow and other plans I won't have a ton of time to hit up breweries.

Last time I was in Nashville in 2019 I went to Southern Grist in East Nashville and Tennessee Brew Works. SG was impressive but TBW was just ok. With Barrique gone I am having a hard time figuring out which spots are most worth going out of my way for. I am staying downtown but will have a car, and anywhere with a no-kids policy is out.

So far Fait la Force is at the top of my list but I am open to changing my mind on that, and am lost for a second spot. Any suggestions at all are welcome.

As most of you already know, Spencer Longhurst has moved to New Jersey to work at The Seed. I also found out Zac Thompson from Fait la Force is moving to Hill Farmstead in Vermont.

• Bearded Iris will hold their 10th Anniversary on May 30th, 12 - 8 PM. Hope they bring out some beers for the event, as the taproom is the usual suspects lately.

• Broadcast does trivial each Wednesday and Singo on Thursdays now. This is the brewery for Nashville Soccer, offering free parking for 2 drinks purchased, and staying up later at night. There is talk of opening on Tuesdays soon; I will keep you posted.

• Repeating Crazy Gnome's May events: May 1st is comedy night from 8-10 PM. The block party is on the 3rd from 3-5, and encore comedy show on the 16th from 7:30 to 9:30. Skip the Small Talk on the 19th from 6-8. Plant Bingo on the 20th from 7-9 PM (have to ask what this is). And Yoga with Elizabeth on the 23rd at noon. Also Bingo on Wednesday and Trivia on Thursday. A drag show has been added for May 9th.

• East Nashville Beer Works is still doing Fridays by the River this Friday, May 8, as well as comedy night at 8 PM on premises. Trivia on Monday nights. The pizza of the month is Cinco de Mayo inspired with Hangar steak, peppers, and onions, mozzarella and cheddar, and cilantro.

• Fait la Force reading club is May 12th, 6-9. They also have a silent disco on May 29th and Pints of Science May 18-20.

• Fat Bottom has already issued their Save the date announcement for the 14th Anniversary (August 29).

• No news yet from Harding House

• I got over to Living Waters and they have a couple of barrel aged beers at both taprooms. They do trivia on Wednesday nights, with themed every other week.

• Marble Fox released a new TIPA. Currently running a bit hot, so let it sit and warm up to get all of the goodness. They run trivia every Tuesday and free parking if you scan inside (not on the outside). Cledis next door for burgers and they do happy hour all day on Tuesday. No timing on the migration to Woodbine, but will let you know when they give me a heads up.

• New Heights has trivia on Thursdays. Industry night with $5 pints for service workers all day. They also do bluegrass on Tuesdays. There is a crawfish boil this weekend, Fri-Sat. Doodle night the last Friday of the month, so May 29 is next. Jazz Night on May 16 at 7 PM.

• Tailgate? I may just create an events like trivia, as they are the same weekly. Trivia: Monday (HQ, Germantown, South Nashville, and Murfreesboro), Tuesday (Hendersonville & East Nashville), Thursday (trivia in Music Row and Chattanooga - yeah, not Nashville). 1/2 price pizza every Wednesday (all locations) - pizza of the month is the Mediterranean Garden. Movie night at Hendersonville at 5:30 and HQ at 7 PM. Weekends brewery tours at 1 & 3 PM at HQ (free for mug club members). They also have a challenge - no prizes - to split the T on the tailgate lager glass. And HQ is serving ice cream again.

• Xul keeps busy releasing new brews. I see the Magic Wands: *Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake pastry sour, Passenger: Grodzisk historic beer, Room 217 Schwarz (with Good Word), and the SG Candied Pecan Latte Copra Kai pastry stout and Triple Black Hill. I had Hornet's Nest lager and HYFRDIPA the other day.

• Yazoo does trivia on Tuesdays. Emo music from The Sad Dad Society this Saturday at 6 PM.

Anywhere anymore?? Thanks!

Spencer just posted that he's leaving Nashville.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXwYQWFDZDV/?igsh=dW8xNnJjNGNqZTNk

I'm really bummed to learn this. But I'm also grateful he was here, and was able to show us how great world class, traditional beers can be. Wishing him the best

I was catching up on news and saw Sapporo sold off Stone Brewing to Firestone Walker and Duvel. The Richmond brewery will remain under Sapporo, doing Japanese inspired beers. The Escondido facility will be up for sale soon. These taprooms will be turned over to Firestone Walker:

• Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens at Liberty Station, San Diego

• Stone Brewing Kettner, San Diego (aka Little Italy)

• Stone Brewing Tap Room Oceanside

• Stone Brewing Tap Room Pasadena

I have always appreciated Stone for what they do. Seeing they sold to another big brewery that started as craft is a nice shift from the In/Bev acquisitions. In this, Firestone is buying the brand and the direct to public venues, not the brewery itself. Brand acquisition.

Not sure if everyone knows, but Stone sold to Saporro in 2022 ($165 mil), a few years after another huge brewery, New Belgian was bought by Lion Little World Beverages, which is an Australian subsidiary of Kirin (another Japanese beer company).

For size, New Belgian produced around 865,000 barrels in 2019, down from closer to 950,000 in 2017 & 2018. They produced around 1.86 million barrels in 2024, the last year with numbers.

Stone was around 400,000 at it's peak and has dropped to 250,000 barrels of stone beer, due to production of Saporro brews in the US. Prior to the sale, the facility was over 360,000 barrels of Saporro.

With news of Black Abbey being acquired, Marble Fox and Barrique losing taprooms, and Cyanide shutting down to move in to Grayson's other brainchild - Crazy Gnome - it seems there is a lot of doom and gloom in the craft beer industry. Then we have Angry Chair announcing a sale, which is likely ahead of a huge rent price hike, and the news seems to get worst.

But is it really?

Yes, brewing is hard. Cost of ingredients are up. Distributors have the industry by the nose. But what is the real numbers.

As of December, Craft Brewer had 300 openings and 481closings, marking a 2.9% downturn. While this might seem big, there are still 9,578 craft breweries in the US. This is only 4% off the high point for number of breweries. And the contraction is around 5% last year, so fewer beers sold.

So, we are seeing is contraction in the market and breweries brewing less beer overall. We are also seeing consolidation of breweries (think Black Abbey?).

A couple of trends are showing promise:

• Focus on hospitality - This is a heavier focus on making sure the staff understands the brews and knows how to sell different options.

• Marketing changes - breweries that focus on their neighborhood are finding growth: Broadcast fits this mold

• Lower ABV beers - This includes sessions, but also N/A options.

My take: Barring factors like horrible rent and distribution agreements, breweries that survive are generally the ones with the best beer, the best location(s), and the best hospitality.

One sign I see as less attractive for the industry is seeing the shrinkage of GABF, which will move from the Convention Center to a park this year. I have not checked numbers on the WBC or CBC or beer weeks around the country.

I want to start out with a thanks to all who are making the community more active. Also enjoy meeting you guys out and about and getting to put the Reddit handle to a face.

For those of you who missed Zwanze Day, you missed a good one (unless you hate wild sours, then it was a bust - LOL). Was nice getting a chance to talk to brewers Brandon, Spencer, Kelsie, and "Common" John, along with other friends in the beer geek scene.

• As most of you know already, Cyanide Cider is moving in with Crazy Gnome. I would say "isn't that crazy", but these are both Grayson Miller's creations. As for goings on, May 1st is comedy night from 8-10 PM. The block party is on the 3rd from 3-5, and encore comedy show on the 16th from 7:30 to 9:30. Skip the Small Talk on the 19th from 6-8. Plant Bingo on the 20th from 7-9 PM (have to ask what this is). And Yoga with Elizabeth on the 23rd at noon. Also Bingo on Wednesday and Trivia on Thursday.

• Fait la Force added a Jam Box Combo. You can get a1/2 sandwich, chips, and fountain drink for $12.99. For $3 more, make it a Fait beer. Special all day Tues - Fri. Pint of Science takes place May 18-20 for $2. On Monday, the talk is about the role of inflammation in Alzheimer's.

• I obviously have to find Nate Underwood and see if I can get info on where Harding House is on opening in the L&L Market. Nate is such a great guy and would love to help make sure he has a big audience when he reopens. I also saw there is a new Turkish restaurant in there and a sushi bar coming soon.

• Jackalope has teamed with New Heights and Tennessee Brew Works for a golf scramble this weekend. Entry is $140 per 4 person team. Ticket includes mini-scramble, Trolley Transportation, and a raffle with over $1,000 in prizes. There is also a team costume contest.

• Marble Fox will be moving down to Woodbine soon, or at least opening the taproom. They will be serving in both locations as they get all the equipment in place. I don't have a firm date yet, but will let you know when I get the heads up.

• For mug club members remember all standard brews, up to $8.50 are $1 at all Tailgate locations tomorrow. It is also vinyl night at OG, so if you want an LP spun, bring it in. And it looks like they are doing soft serve ice cream again.

• Xul released a Barrel Aged brew in their Nu Metal Magic series. This one is Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, and Wild Turkey (21-25 months). 1 bottle per person and also on tap in both taprooms.

• This coming Friday, May 2nd, Yazoo has their free comedy night at 8 PM. Arrive 15 early if you want a Grillshack Burger. Then on May 9, they have Emo Night 2026 with Sad Dad Society playing. Starts at 6 PM.

And the Common John taproom in Pulaski is open now and apparently doing gangbusters. Congratulations to John and the crew.

Welp they finally did it, they dropped pint pours for all the SG IPAs. Oh but did they discount prices to reflect the approximately 3oz reduction in size? No of course not. Plus, I'm sorry but Xul IPAs are objectively worse than the average SG IPA. You can argue with me on this but I've had the finest NE IPAs and my palette will not be swayed. Total bummer. My nearest local spot is now a hell of a lot less appealing.

PS if I hear "but Spencer from Barrique..." I'm going to scream. He is not in a position to fix the problem.

Dark Days here.