HOP ON THIS: Clarksville's Growing Craft Beer Scene

By Taylor Lieberstein

Over the last decade, the craft beer industry has seen unparalleled growth. Today, most Americans live within 10 miles of a brewery, unheard of a few years ago. According to Brewer’s Association there are around 99 craft breweries in Tennessee, each one trying to distinguish themselves from other brewers trying to distinguish themselves. For that reason, it is becoming increasingly easy to find a high-quality and flavorful craft beer in Clarksville.

These independent brewers are equally as passionate about enhancing the Clarksville community as the beers they are brewing. As beer drinkers we are looking for new, unique approaches to the flavors. Local breweries are meeting these demands by continuously innovating with different varieties of flavors, hops and fruits such as Star Spangled Brewing’s orange peel and coriander infused brown Cousin Eddie.

Strawberry Alley Ale Works- From the masterminds who brought you Old Glory Distilling Co. this fullservice restaurant is one of the best places to go to for a beer. They were recently voted Clarksville’s favorite place to go with friends by the Leaf Chronicle and for good reason. It truly is a gathering place for locals as well as anyone passing through. Not only do they have an amazing lunch, dinner and brunch menu but they also have a full bar and brew some of the best beer in town. DRINK THIS: Joe B’s Brown Ale, the perfect balance of malt and hops.

Kings Bluff Brewery– This new craft brewery is where good vibes and good times meet up with great beer. Named after one of Clarksville’s best kept secrets, Queen’s Bluff Park, this taproom really plays on the culture and spirit of our city. This hometown brewery even has an Austin Peaylsner, a fresh take on a classic Czech pilsner. Check their event calendar for beer themed events such as Pints and Poses, trivia and movie nights and always receive $1 off pints on Gov’s Thirsty Thursdays. Additionally, dogs are always welcome to stop by for a puppy pilsner. DRINK THIS: Bun N’ Cream Stout, named after the signature dessert at Johnny’s Burger. This creamy, dark and sweet stout is a favorite among Clarksville natives.

Evill Nash Brewing Co.- This small batch brewery’s motto is “we like all kinds of beer, so we brew all kinds of beer” and their rotating taps attest to that. They offer a menu of small plates, sandwiches and weekly specials that are all house made to order. In addition, they offer flights so you can taste a variety of their beers. Everything you see from the bar and booths in the brewhouse owner James Miller designed and made. It’s a really cool brand and story with really great beer. DRINK THIS: Cumberland Common, a Cali style steam beer.

Star Spangled Brewing Co.- This patriotic and veteran owned brewery always has something going on whether it be a food truck or live band. Their family- friendly atmosphere is the perfect place to relax and share a space with other people who love this country and great craft beer. This entire brand is not just aesthetically pleasing it is also a quality product, one taste and you’ll be a fan. “Lack Fear Not Beer,” is printed on their canned beers and that is their outlook on beer in four words. DRINK THIS: Winchester, their flagship beer. This American Bourbon Ale is aged on oak staves resulting in an oak and vanilla tasting ale.

Tennessee Valley Brew- The namesake comes from the historical Tennessee Valley Authority, started back in the depression area which brought power to the region. They built a brewery based on that legacy along with a love for great tasting beer. Their taproom is always hosting something including trivia with Joe Padula every Tuesday. They also hold a yoga and beer class that is worth checking out. DRINK THIS: Mango Double IPA, they started with their popular Pachyderm Punch and added fresh mango. The Pachyderm punch is named for the B Co 6-101st "The Pachyderms" from the Combat Aviation Battalion 101st Airborne Division out of Ft Campbell, KY. As a nod to the Chinook helicopter pilots, and crew members they used all Chinook hops during the brewing of this beer.

Gladiator Brewing Co.- Another veteran owned brewery that aims to create the perfect batch of beer every time they brew one. Each of their beers tells a story about the gladiator it was named after such as Brutus. The beer itself is a strong, malty lager appropriately named after a strong gladiator from Roman times. If you appreciate carefully crafted beer and/or history this brewery is for you. They frequently host special events such as the team style competition Gladiator Games and the dog friendly Barks and Brews event (my sister Lauren and her dog Sammie are super excited about this one.) DRINK THIS: HERMES, a golden, complex, effervescent, strong Belgian-style ale.

Blackhorse Brewery- If you don’t know now you know. Blackhorse was way ahead of the game when they opened their brewery in 1995, they were one of the earliest craft brews houses in the Southeast. Fast forward to today and they have a second brewery in Knoxville and they even sell their beers in cans. Staple beers such as the Barnstormer Red Ale have been on the menu from early on while new beers such as their collaboration with Legacy Parks, Trail Ale Hazy IPA, are constantly being created. DRINK THIS: Vanilla Cream Ale, one of the original recipes, is still one of the best. This light American style cream ale is brewed with natural vanilla beans.

Each of these breweries hold exciting events weekly from pop-up food trucks and happy hours to beer pairing dinners and watch parties. Check any of their social media pages for updates and events as well as locations and hours. Cheers!