The city of Atlanta welcomed me with an array of delightful surprises when I first arrived. As a newcomer with limited knowledge about the city and the state it resides in, I find myself constantly intrigued by the prospects of new neighborhoods and events. This week, I stumbled upon a gem that quickly became a favorite discovery: Atlanta boasts a vibrant collection of local breweries!
Having moved frequently in the past, this is a refreshing discovery since I’d never had the opportunity to reside near a brewery. Therefore, as an avid beer enthusiast, I was thrilled to uncover the news of our local brewery scene. My inaugural destination was none other than Sweetwater Brewery. Having enjoyed their beer in the past, it felt fitting to start with something familiar.
Sweetwater Brewery opens its doors for tours and beer tastings on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30, as well as Saturdays from 2:30 to 4:30.
After a workday, my friend and I ventured there on a weekday, joining a line of eager visitors outside. Our entry came precisely at 5:30. Inside, the tasting room offered two choices: a petite plastic cup with six drink tickets at no cost, or a $10 option including a Sweetwater glass and six drink tickets (with the added perk of keeping the glass as a keepsake). Opting for the latter, my friend and I selected the $10 package.
While waiting for the tour to commence, we sampled a variety of Sweetwater beers. My personal standout was Sweetwater Blue, a light brew with a subtle hint of blueberry that elicited a satisfying “yum!” from both my friend and me. After about thirty minutes, the tour got underway. We congregated in the designated tour area, awaiting the start.
The tour kicked off with an engaging narrative detailing the origins of Sweetwater. The tale of two beer-loving friends unfolded as an entertaining history lesson. Additionally, the tour guide acquainted us with an upcoming event, promising a delightful time. Subsequently, we ventured into the brewing section, where we got a glimpse of the brewing process. The highlight for me was the behind-the-scenes view of the bottling area. Its industrial aesthetic matched expectations perfectly.
The tour continued upstairs to a spacious rental area. Complete with an expansive bar and ample room for mingling, the space boasted large windows that offered a panoramic view of the brewery. This versatile space caters to various occasions, from corporate gatherings to weddings, accommodating a wide range of groups and events.
After a 15-20 minute tour, we returned to the tasting room for more beer samples. The servers, consistently friendly and hospitable, ensured our experience was memorable. By the evening’s close, my friend and I unanimously agreed – a return visit was in order, especially once the weather turns warm and visitors bring their furry friends along to enjoy the tastings!
Have you had the pleasure of visiting Sweetwater Brewery? Share your experience with us – we’re eager to hear!