Experience the Best Breweries in Knoxville
Ever thought about why Knoxville’s breweries are so popular? It’s because this city’s craft beer scene is amazing. Whether you love classic German ales or new, creative blends, Knoxville has something for you. You’ll find a range of taprooms and breweries here, making your visit unforgettable.
In Knoxville, the love for beer is palpable. The Knoxville Ale Trail is a must-see, with places like Abridged Beer Company and Crafty Bastard Brewery. You can not only try special Knoxville craft beers but also have fun doing things like axe throwing at Craft Axe Throwing Downtown Knoxville. Places like Bearden Beer Market and Pour Taproom are waiting for you to explore.
Knoxville is big on welcoming beer lovers from far and wide. Thanks to the Ale Trail Passport, found at the Visitors Center, you can smartly check out multiple breweries. And for a really in-depth experience, consider Knox Brew Tours. These tours show you around the top local breweries and provide chances to try their beers.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a vibrant craft beer scene with top-rated Knoxville breweries.
- Explore the Knoxville Ale Trail with an Ale Trail Passport from the Visitors Center.
- Engage in unique experiences like Craft Axe Throwing while enjoying local brews.
- Join Knox Brew Tours to visit multiple breweries and enjoy varied tastings.
- Enjoy a mix of traditional German beers and innovative infused brews.
Introduction to Knoxville’s Craft Beer Scene
In the late 20th century, Knoxville’s craft beer realm started to blossom. This rise echoed a broader shift towards supporting local, small-batch beers. This change was instead of choosing mass-made ones. At places like Abridged Beer Company, you’ll find a wide array of beers. Alliance Brewing Co. also stands out with unique events like yoga classes for its fans.
The Knoxville Ale Trail is perfect for exploring great local beers. It offers a chance for guests to grab stamps from different breweries on their own. This idea promotes community sharing and lets folks discover the city’s beer culture. Bearden Brewhouse is a key stop known for its top-notch beers and warm vibes. Then there’s Crafty Bastard Brewery, with its daring beers, expanding the very limits of what beer can be.
Knoxville’s breweries are always brewing up new and interesting things. Think Japanese Dry Rice Lager or Citra hopped IPAs. These new tastes show a strong dedication to finding fresh ways to brew. Beers like the Synchronous IPA, blending both old and new hops, capture Knoxville’s dynamic spirit in beer culture.
| Brewery | Specialty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Abridged Beer Company | Wide Selection | Extensive beer menu |
| Alliance Brewing Co. | Social Events | Yoga sessions, food trucks |
| Crafty Bastard Brewery | Experimental Beers | Innovative brews |
| Bearden Brewhouse | Quality Selections | Inviting atmosphere |
| Pretentious Beer Company | 16 Craft Beers | Handmade soda and Kombucha |
Tours and guided tastings at these breweries give you a peek into the brewing process. They showcase different styles and flavors. Plus, the taproom designs, ranging from industrial to snug, suit all tastes. They are perfect for meeting up with friends or hosting events. Alliance Brewing Company’s spot in South Knoxville is proof, attracting many active visitors.
More than just about tasting beers, the Knoxville Ale Trail is an adventure. It’s where community spirit and tradition mix with every pint poured.
Knoxville Breweries Map and Ale Trail
Going on a craft beer adventure in Knoxville is now simple thanks to the Knoxville Ale Trail Passport. This passport is digital, so you can easily use it on your smartphone. It lets beer lovers check out many breweries all over the city.
Exploring the Ale Trail
The Knoxville Ale Trail shows off many breweries. You can visit places like Abridged Beer Company, Balter Beerworks, and Blackberry Farm Brewery. At any brewery that’s part of Knoxville Area Brewery Association (KABA), you can have a drink, get your passport stamped, and possibly win prizes.
Davis Cranford, President of the Knoxville Area Brewers Association, highlights the significant growth of Knoxville’s craft beer scene in recent years, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the hard work of local craft brewers.
In Knox County, there are 10 microbreweries, and Blount County has two. More breweries are expected to open, giving beer fans even more spots to visit. The Knoxville Ale Trail map is easy to use, whether you have a physical copy or access it online. It’s a great tool for exploring all the great beer places.
How to Use the Brewities Map
Exploring the Knoxville breweries map is both fun and easy. You can follow the digital Ale Trail on your device or grab a paper Ale Trail Passport at the Visitors Center. With this map, you’ll find your way to different breweries to enjoy special beers, get your passport stamped, and truly dive into the local craft beer scene.
The Ale Trail in Knoxville is thanks to teamwork between KABA and Visit Knoxville. It brings together over 20 breweries for a unique experience. The trail’s been in the works for a year and offers a fun way for anyone to enjoy great beer and collect fun memories.
Must-Visit Knoxville Breweries
Exploring Knoxville’s local breweries? Be sure to check out these top spots. Knoxville is known for its lively beer culture. It has many different flavors and cool places to hang out. Now, let’s look at three breweries you don’t want to miss.
Abridged Beer Company
Visit 100 Lockett Rd and you’ll find Abridged Beer Company, a local favorite. It’s in a spot-on 1950s auto garage. This place started in 2017 and has really taken off.
They have a bar in North Knoxville, a food truck, and a restaurant by Cedar Bluff. You can try unique beers and tasty Southern food here. Locals and tourists love it.
Balter Beerworks
Head over to 100 Broadway SW for Balter Beerworks, another must-see. It’s in a cool renovated service station.
They win hearts with their combo of Mexican and Southern food. Balter Beerworks was even awarded “Brewery of the Year” at The 2023 Great American Beer Festival. They’re known for their amazing beers.
Crafty Bastard Brewery
Since 2015, Crafty Bastard Brewery has been a key spot in Knoxville’s beer world. It’s known for its wide selection of craft beers. This place became a true community hub. In 2021, they added a West Knoxville location. Now, they liven things up by hosting food trucks daily.
| Brewery | Location | Established | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abridged Beer Company | 100 Lockett Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919 | 2017 | Converted 1950s auto garage, Southern pub cuisine |
| Balter Beerworks | 100 Broadway SW, Knoxville, TN 37902 | N/A | “Brewery of the Year” 2023, Mexican and Southern-inspired dishes |
| Crafty Bastard Brewery | West Knoxville | 2015 | Daily food trucks, diverse craft beers |
Knoxville Brewery Tours
Knoxville’s brewery tours are now a top choice for finding local beers. Knox Brew Tours leads the way, giving visitors a deep look into Knoxville’s craft beer world. Since November 28, 2014, they’ve led 1,948 tours.
These tours run on Fridays at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM. They go to four breweries. Each stop lets you taste 12 four oz. beers, so you really get to know the local scene. Tickets start at $40 for a non-tasting option, with drinking and non-alcoholic options also available.
You need to be 21 to join. If you cancel at least 72 hours ahead, you get a full refund. You can also buy cancellation protection for $5 per ticket.
At Knox Brew Tours, learning about beer from the area is key. They show you the craft behind the brews, and share the histories too. This turns tasting into a lesson that deepens your love for Knoxville’s beers.
Knoxville breweries offer a wide palette, from traditional to unique flavors. The tour explores that variety, giving a rich discovery of local brewing.
“We focus on curating an educational experience around Knoxville’s fantastic craft beer scene,” says the team at Knox Brew Tours. This journey is not just about drinking beer; it’s about understanding and appreciating the craft underlying each brew.
While Knox Brew Tours now gives fewer tours each weekend, they’re still very popular. Their aim is to hit the 2,000th tour, showing a decade of top-notch beer tourism in Knoxville.
Whether you know a lot about beer or are just getting started, the Knoxville Brewery Tours are a great way to explore local beer.
Knoxville Beer Tasting Events
Knoxville is a hot spot for those looking to explore craft beer. It hosts many tasting events, showing off its brewing scene. These events are perfect for trying local and new beers.
Popular Tastings in Knoxville
In Knoxville, beer tasting events happen all year round. On the First Friday of every month at 6:30 PM, Knox Brew Tours takes you to local breweries. You get to visit over a dozen spots, tasting six different craft beers at each. Live music makes the experience even more enjoyable. The meeting point is at the Knox Brew Hub on 421 Union Ave.
Look out for events at places like Peaceful Side Social Brewery and Crafty Bastard Brewery.
How to Participate
Joining these events is easy. Prices vary, from $25 for a non-tasting ticket to $40 for a drinking ticket. You need at least four people to book. Do know that tours can get called off if there aren’t enough bookings 24 hours before. Yet, there’s a refund policy that’s quite fair. Plus, adding Cancellation Protection for $5 per ticket is a good idea. Remember, stay respectful and don’t drink before the tour or you might get sent home. And don’t forget your guides and drivers when tipping, though it’s not required.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Beer events in Knoxville are more than just tours. The city also hosts seasonal festivals filled with fun, beer, and local music. These events highlight the best of Knoxville’s brews, like the Dogwood Arts Festival and Knoxville Brewfest. Make sure to keep up with local happenings and social media for festival updates. These festivals are a must for beer fans in Knoxville.
With 26 breweries to check out, there’s always a new beer to try in Knoxville. Immerse yourself in the city’s brewing spirit, trying out the amazing brews from its skilled brewers.
Conclusion
The breweries in Knoxville are a delight for beer fans. In the last ten years, Knoxville has become a lively spot for craft beer. It offers beers created with local ingredients that you won’t find elsewhere. This includes trying various beers, joining brewery tours, and enjoying tasting events. Every visit to Knoxville’s beer world is both fun and unforgettable.
Knoxville shines not only in brewing beer but also in its farm-to-table dining. Places like Knox Mason, Emilia, and The Plaid Apron focus on using local and sustainable food. This not only supports local farmers but also brings out the best in seasonal flavors. The dining scene includes a mix of global cuisines like Mexican, Indian, and Japanese, perfect for enjoying with a trip to local breweries.
Even with hurdles like those faced by Saw Works Brewing Company, Knoxville’s beer makers are resilient. Their dedication led to big improvements in growth and creativity. With new owners and a focus on quality, Knoxville’s brewery world is set to rise. When you visit Knoxville, you’ll find an extraordinary beer culture. It’s backed by a community that cherishes excellence and working together locally.
