Thursday 5th of September 2013 01:31:14 PM

link
I finally made it out to Athens to visit the Terrapin Brewery. Founded in 2002, brewers John Cochran and Brian “Spike” Buckowski knew they could make a unique contribution to the newly burgeoning craft beer scene in the South East, starting with their Rye Pal Ale which won gold at the GABF just 6 months into their endeavor. Fast forward eleven years, they are enjoying their 40,000 square foot brewing facility and are continually pumping out great beers. While it didn’t seem that there would be an actual tour of the facility the day we visited, there was plenty to see and do on the grounds.

After about a 15 minute wait, we were greeted at the door by a large hillbilly Terrapin lazily strumming his banjo. I was trying to take in the gift shop scene when I quickly realized there was a large line forming to purchase the tasting glass and proceed to the festivities. I jumped in line and grabbed their newest vessel in honor of their new canned beer, Recreation Ale ($15).

There was a large selection of beers to taste: Golden Ale, Rye Pale Ale, Treehugger, Hopsecutioner, and Maggies were on the main bars and a special table was set up for the Golden Ale infused with basil and the Hopsecutioner infused with jalapenos and habanero peppers, both were delicious! There were plenty of Recreation Ale cans on hand as well.

The weather was being temperamental with a light shower soon after opening that sent many indoors, though most were willing to wait it out and in the end enjoyed a great afternoon with fantastic Terrapin brews and outdoor activities.

This is an unusual brewery ‘tour’ to say the least. Not at all what my guest and I had expected and are accustomed to, but I can see the draw for the community as a place to come and hang out before a night out or just a way to spend your afternoon. You will experience a beach like atmosphere and it’s recommended that you bring your own lawn chair (though there are picnic tables) and games to enjoy while hanging out and there was a food vendor onsite. The shop area in front is chaotic so have a game plan in mind once you arrive so that you can get your purchases and continue on to enjoy the brewery.
I look forward to Terrapins future brews and encourage you to visit the brewery soon!

Sunday 18th of March 2012 08:16:13 PM

link
If you are going through Athens for ANY reason, stop by the Terrapin Brewery and grad some great beer! The have different beers on tap depending on the season and whatever the brewmaster has been working up. You pay a small fee (8-10 dollars I think) and you get some drink tickets and a pint glass. They usually have live band out back when the weather is nice and is always a great time.

Terrapin has become VERY popular, so be prepared to stand in line for your beers, but often this is not as awful as it seems. Get there early, get your fill and then hang out for the tunes!

Sunday 28th of December 2008 01:13:46 AM

link
Stopped by a Friday evening for a beer tour. Starts out by buying tickets and a pint glass. A ticket gets you a 4oz pour in a back room, which is just a sectioned off area from the warehouse that the brewing equipment is in.

The tour is somewhat brief, with one of the brewers talking about the beer itself along with the brewing process. While waiting for the tour there are plenty of seats to sit around and drink a sample of beer. You can also bring your beer on the tour.

There were only four taps but it's not a bar or brewpub, it's just a brewery with a small sampling area. The people behind the counter are quick to serve a beer and maybe recommend something. Inside the entrance for the tours (use the side door) there is a room full of merchandise, like t-shirts and other random items. There is even some ground coffee.

A good way to kill about an hour or so. Show up at 5:30pm and hang around for the first tour which starts at 6pm. They go every half an hour, I think the last one is at 7:30pm.

Sunday 13th of April 2008 11:45:12 PM

link
Southern Hospitality thrives at Terrapin Beer Company. We met up with Beerist and had a great time tasting and touring. Dustin, the VP of Sales & Marketing, kept the tour entertaining and somewhat educational. I was surprised to learn that the brewery had been in operation less than a year (they contracted their recipes to a brewery in MD prior to that). The tap list was a bit shorter than I had hoped for but I truly enjoyed the Rye Squared. DD had fun in the merchandise shop coming away with a large bag including some Wake N Bake coffee for the trip home. Later, we stopped by Five Points to pick up some liquid souvenirs as well. Great folks that love their beer; I look forward to visiting again.