SweetWater Brewing Company

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Photograph courtesy of Sweetwater Brewing Company
Photograph courtesy of SweetWater Brewing Company

SweetWater might be the only brewery in town where a possibly hungover (yet welcoming) tour guide will describe the scientific release of CO2 during fermentation as a “yeast fart.” Indeed these guys are out to have a good, chill time. Start with their signature pale ale, 420, practically Atlanta’s default brew, and winter seasonal Happy Ending, an award-winning imperial stout. India Pale Ale is a straight classic, one even the most humorless of beer snobs give due props. This crew enjoys a party, and tour time can be festive (and packed with thirsty visitors). Stay focused and don’t miss Dank Tank one-offs when available (that Belgian strong ale is an oldie we’ll miss)—once they’re gone, they don’t come back.

Good to know: Named for the state creek, Atlanta’s first brewery to make it big (115,000 square-foot brewhouse! Pouring in 15 states! Possibly going public!) has grown substantially since Colorado college buddies Freddy Bensch and Kevin McNerney first began. The duo was inspired by the 1996 Olympics and set up shop a year later.

Address: 195 Ottley Drive

Hours of Operation
Wednesday thru Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 2:00-4:30 p.m.

Website: sweetwaterbrew.com

Kids: OK, with a parent or legal guardian

Pets: OK, leashed dogs outside only

Check out our oral history of how SweetWater came to be.

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