Barley + Rye: Your ‘almost summer’ drink list

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.

Barley + Rye: Into IPAs? An Atlantan looks to the West Coast

Tyler Nelson remembers the moment he decided to work in the craft beer industry. The son of a beer distributor, Nelson had sat down solo at Brick Store Pub’s Belgian bar upstairs.

Barley + Rye: At the bar with WonderRoot co-founder Alex West

Alex West is many things to a lot of people. Most Atlantans recognize him as the young and vibrant co-founder of WonderRoot, one of the city’s most inspired arts and service nonprofits, where he now chairs the board of directors. Others recall the Georgia Tech alum known for helping feed the homeless and filling potholes throughout intown streets. West is also a savvy businessman, who launched Ontologic Solutions in 2008, a software company with a host of products that automate processes for various industries.

Barley + Rye: Post-holiday imbibing

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.

Cakes & Ale’s Jordan Smelt talks (re)building a beverage program

After almost four years of working at Holeman & Finch mostly as a general manager, Jordan Smelt left Buckhead to come to Cakes & Ale in Decatur, where he took over the beverage program last June. Since his arrival, Cakes’ offerings have both expanded and become more focused, giving visitors the option of simple old world wines, craft cocktails, or specialty beers to accompany their meal.

High on the Vine: The Inside Story on Canoe’s Wine Shop

With the October departure of Carvel Grant Gould, who had helmed its kitchen for sixteen years, and with the opening of its own wine shop earlier this week, Canoe is entering a new chapter of its history. Matt Bradford, an advanced level sommelier and wine director for Canoe, is the force behind Cellar Door, which is located in the same shopping center as the restaurant. Bradford spoke with us about its opening, his selection, and how he plans to differentiate himself from other wine shops.

High on the Vine: 18 grueling hours with the Court of Master Sommeliers

It’s 8:15 on a Tuesday morning, and I’m standing among 100 or so people swirling wine in a glass and holding a microphone in my other hand. Shoulders slouched back, eyes fighting to stay open, I mutter my best guess into the mic. “This wine is clear, bright, with a brick red core and a medium concentration. Medium plus viscosity.”

Barley + Rye: At the bar with councilmember Kwanza Hall

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.

Barley + Rye: Local brewers set the stage at Atlanta Winter Beer Fest

Michael DiLonardo has got your back. As director of operations of Atlanta Beer Festivals, he decided to expand next month’s Atlanta Winter Beer Fest from one afternoon to two days.“The first three Winter Beer Fests sold out,” DiLonardo said via email. “With the extra day, I’m able to include almost twice as many beers as last year.”

Wild Heaven Brewery grand opening next Friday the 13th

After almost four years of contract brewing, Wild Heaven Brewery opens its doors to the public next Friday, June 13, offering three days of tastings and tours at its new Avondale Estates home. Planting down roots gives the brewery an opportunity to expand its lineup and distribution. Where there used to be a concrete company, Wild Heaven now sits on 9,000 square feet (including a newly added 1,000 square feet for refrigeration purposes).

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