The Craft of Craft Beer

Let’s face it: the best cities usually offer the best craft breweries. So you know Nashville’s got some excellent spots you can tour and get some fantastic sips. I’ve got three I want to share. You can hit up one, or make an evening of visiting all three! (I suggest the latter. You don’t want to miss a single one of these.)

First stop is Black Abbey Brewing Company on Sidco Drive where they say, “We’re believers in better beer . . . [and] we’re shining a light on the ones who continue to spread the word and the wisdom that can only come from a beer that’s created and not made.”

Someone told me this spot had one of the best private brewery tours they’ve ever been on. This could have been because the normal tour guide was off, and they got a special behind-the-scenes look from one of the owners. Maybe you’ll get one of the owners as a tour guide. I will still recommend this place, even if you go a normal tour route!

And the fun isn’t just in the tour. It’s also in the flavors. My favorite is the Rose. Their website describes it as such: “A delicate amount of malted wheat and Belgian yeast bring out the banana and clove aromas. Slightly hazy, subtly spicy, and very refreshing.” Seriously, it’s incredibly light and crisp and satisfying. Perfect to drink on its own or to pair with a meal.

There’s also The Special (brewed with pilsner, aromatic and chocolate wheat malt), multiple IPAs, the Forty Four Porter (full of malty richness, coffee aroma and flavors), and more. You can taste in the taproom, or buy beer (even filling that keg) to go!

Next stop is Fat Bottom Brewery on 44th Avenue North. You can hop online to schedule a brewery tour, or just come and enjoy the full-service bar and restaurant in their taproom. If the weather’s nice, they’ve got corn hole in the beer garden and a great patio for lounging. If you find a beer you like, you can take it home in a six-pack, case, or growler.

And let’s talk about those beers. There’s Bertha (a nitro stout), Ruby (the perfectly-named American red ale), Knockout (an IPA), Sandy (a pale ale), and W.A.C. (an American pale ale brewed and named to honor the Women’s Army Corps). And that’s just the core offerings. They’ve got seasonal beers (like Jackie, the pumpkin ale, and Noel, the Spiced Christmas Ale). This place has great vibes, great food, and great brews.

My final pick of the day is Tennessee Brew Works on Ewing Avenue, the maker of the “finely tuned craft beer.” (Get it? “Finely tuned.” I just love Music City.) They try to source their raw materials from local farmers, including the grains used for three of their best-sellers: State Park Blonde, Southern Wit, and Walk the Lime (a seasonal brew). Other awesome flavors include Urban Hiker (a Tennessee Lager), River Drifter (a Hazy IPA), and Extra Easy (an Amber Ale). Plus there are tons more.

Book a tour online to see their unique brewing process and beer inspo. And hang out in the taproom for a full meal when you order a grilled cheese, the Five Beer Burger, Street Tacos, some Nashville Hot Chicken, or another one of their yum menu offerings. You’ll leave satisfied on so many levels.

Okay, there they are. Three of the many craft breweries you can tour in Nashville. Have you been to any of these? What would you add to this list? I’d love to hear!