Fuelled by the prosperity of local mega companies like Coca Cola and Holiday Inn, Atlanta has been dubbed as the “capital of the new South”. One of its lesser known industries to have flourished in recent years has been its beer brewing sector, with a huge number of microbreweries popping up across the city.
If you’re thinking of visiting Atlanta and fancy delving under the skin of its thriving beer scene, why not join an organised tour? There are several tour companies operating in the city offering a variety of brewery or beer-themed excursions. We’ve picked out three of the best.
Krog Street Market Pub Crawl
From $36 per person
Taking place in the bustling district of Kog Street in one of most historic areas of Atlanta, this tour invites visitors to sample mouth-watering food and drink in the numerous bars and eateries dotted throughout the neighbourhood. During the tour you’ll get to amble around Krog Street Market – one of the city’s most popular foodie hot-spots – stopping off at watering holes including Hop City Craft Beer & Wine, home to an impressive selection of beer, wine and growlers in the retail store, as well as a full bar with 60 beer taps. There’ll also be a chance to walk along the beltline, a former railway corridor around the core of Atlanta and one of the city’s newest outdoor spaces.
Second Self Beer Tasting
Free Entry (Pay per glass from $2-$8)
Nestled within the Logan Circle warehouse complex, Second Self Beer Company run afternoon tastings during the week and weekends, for individuals, groups small to large, and private events as well. A welcoming neighbourhood spot, visitors get the chance to sample truly unique, one-off beers, all produced on-site by the venue’s dedicated, expert staff. Beers are rotated throughout the month, meaning there’ll always be something new to try, and guests are also encouraged to ask questions about the brewing process or the distinctive characteristics of the beers they’re sampling. As well as tastings, Second Self also hosts regular events and activities including yoga, stand-up comedy, game nights, food pairing, food trucks, and sushi classes. (Photo: Annalise Kaylor)
Orpheus Brewing Tour
Free Entry
Based in the heart of Atlanta overlooking Piedmont Park and Atlanta Beltline, Orpheus Brewing host tours throughout the week, each one designed to educate guests who are interested in having a behind the scenes look at the brewing process and the science behind it. Due to recent law changes, breweries can now sell their beer directly to consumers, allowing tours to be free of charge, and Orpheus Brewing to focus on immersing guests in the world of new hops, wild fermentations, and barrel aging. The venue’s beautiful tasting room also serves as the perfect setting for imbibing some of the brewery’s distinctive beers in the company of like-minded enthusiasts.