Drinks

Like many other Atlantans who have made this promise, this summer I too am determined not to complain about the weather—seeing how the winter’s freakish cold and Snowpocalypse part deux hurt our feelings so badly. I have caught myself slipping a few times as we brace ourselves for more steamy days and spotty thunderstorms. What better way to segue into the hot season than a suggested list of refreshing beverages? They calm the mind, ease the spirit, and remind us that this too, shall pass. It’s helpful to know not just where to cool down, but what to drink while you’re doing it. Cheers.

Three Taverns Brewery hit a milestone this month: one year in business as Georgia’s only Belgian-themed craft brewery. To ring in the occasion, owner Brian Purcell and head brewer Joran Van Ginderachter tested out new beers during anniversary festivities last Saturday.

Taproom Coffee, Kirkwood’s latest arrival on the specialty coffee and craft beer scene, recently launched its introductory craft beer draft list. Owner Jonathan Pascual has collaborated with Dan Fontaine, co-founder of Atlanta Beer Tours, to bring a rotating menu of twelve beers to the neighborhood shop. Now pouring: A range of local brews like Three Taverns’ A Night in Brussels and fun big boys, like the Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti by Great Divide.

Orpheus Brewing is easily one of Atlanta’s most anticipated new breweries, set to open next their taproom overlooking Piedmont Park next weekend. The founders credit The Porter Beer Bar for helping bring their idea to life, so it’s no surprise that the latest member of the Orpheus family is Rebecca Royster, a familiar face to anyone who frequented The Porter over the past five-and-a-half years.

As part of Barley + Rye, the magazine’s weekly beer and cocktails column, we bring you conversations with interesting Atlanta figures over drinks. This is our first installment, featuring councilmember Kwanza Hall.

A Belgian-style brewery in East Decatur Station, Three Taverns will give its first public tours and tastings this week. Nearly one hundred Atlanta restaurants and bars—including Brick Store Pub, Farm Burger, and Ormsby’s—have already started serving Three Taverns beer, and now Atlantans can see how it’s made.

If you’re familiar with the average craft cocktail menu, you’ve certainly seen the word “bitter” in a list of ingredients. Maybe you recognize popular brands like Angostura or Peychaud’s. You might even own some, following the recipe of your favorite drink. But do you really know what a bitter is? Or that you—you!—can make your very own?

Aria’s general manager and wine director of six years, Andres Loaiza is the type of somm who puts you at ease. A gracious character with a wine-is-fun-let’s-try-this-bottle attitude, the man is an excellent guide for the uncertain. And for that reason, I sat down with Loaiza to learn a few tricks of his trade on how to choose wine with confidence.

For those who celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way, it’s likely that extended family has been in town just long enough to start the onset of cabin fever. No worries—you’ve surely been a good sport, decking the halls and being jolly. Even so, everybody needs a break from the full force of festivities, even those lacking an ounce of bah-humbug. While the below is not a comprehensive round-up of city bars that will open the day after Christmas, this short list gives a few suggestions of where to enjoy a brew or cocktail with or without the in-laws and your favorite second cousin.