Terrapin Beer: Tours "in tune with your taste"

The local Athens microbrewery recently opened its doors to give tours and offer a taste of their craft beer. For $7, you receive a souvenir glass and six tokens. One token is the equivalent of a half pint, and it is two tokens for the high gravity. On draft, visitors can sample the Rye Pale Ale, Golden Ale, India Brown Ale, All-American Imperial Pilsner and Rye Squared, the later two from the high gravity collection.

Each has a rich and distinct taste. A little tip from the tour guide: smell the beer before you drink it. As a beer novice, this little tidbit made a huge difference as it activates the olfactory region for an all encompassing experience. The employees are eager to answer any questions and love to suggest a beer to match your taste buds.

The tour also provides insight to the types of hops used and the overall production of the brews. Starting at the grain holder then onto the fermenting tanks, the tour ends at the bottling assembly line.

While staring at the equipment, the tour guide invites guests to come back and volunteer with bottling. While perusing the shirts and signing up to volunteer to bottle, my buddies and I met John Cochran, president and co-founder of Terrapin. Cool Guy with an even cooler story.

It’s a bit drafty, no pun intended, so be sure to wear a jacket during the winter months.

The beer is not the only thing that is “in tune with your taste.” With live music from local Athens bands, Terrapin gives you that full brewery taste. After the tour, you and your brew mates can sit, sip and listen in a designated area.

Tours are offered Monday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and the Second Saturday of each month 2-5.

Major Perks: Great Beer, Enthusiastic Employees
Minor Quirks: Cold Building