DRINK

DRINK Change in state law raises local brewing scene to new heights

BY GABRIELLE CHEVALIER

Many local brewers are adding new high-gravity options to their beer lineups following a change in Tennessee law that took effect this year. The tweak allows breweries to serve beers containing up to 10.1 percent alcohol by volume—up from the previous 6.3 percent ABV limit— without acquiring a separate license from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

The new law means brewers (and their patrons) can explore new styles, such as Belgian styles that typically have higher alcohol contents. However, that can create an issue for customers who are used to beer with 4.5 percent ABV. “You have to keep an eye on them,” says Chattanooga Brewing Co. General Manager Ian Asmussen.

PHOTO: EMILY CRISMAN

OddStory Brewing Company taproom server Chris Lawrence pours a beer at the M. L. King Boulevard brewery.

HERE’S A LOOK AT WHAT’S NEW ON TAP LOCALLY: SCENIC CITY STOUT

8 PERCENT ABV

In January, Chattanooga Brewing Co. began serving this high-gravity option with roasted malt and mild hop flavors that become more intense with the warming effect of this stout.

The brewery also has several small-batch brews clocking in at 7.2 percent ABV and above, including its Belgian Amber, Double IPA and a few stouts that will be on tap through spring. “We’re not trying to necessarily push the limit as far as we can go; we’re trying to make the best beer we can,” Asmussen says, adding that the goal is to find the right balance.

RAISIN CANE

10 PERCENT ABV

This recently added brew, a dark stout brewed with raisins and cane sugar, has been pretty popular at Moccasin Bend Brewing Co., says brewer Braden Morris, though Chattanooga’s second-oldest brewery (after Big River Grille) has been making high-gravity brews for awhile. An example is Moccasin Bend’s Goldenrod Belgian Strong, a Belgian-style golden ale with 10 percent ABV that sneaks up on you with its complex, easy-drinking citrus flavor.

Since January, Moccasin Bend has added several more beers above the old ABV level, such as its traditional Scotch Ale, and plans to expand its high-gravity options further in the future, Morris says.

BELGIAN QUAD

9.2 PERCENT ABV

OddStory Brewing Company, which was only subject to the previous law on its opening night this past New Year’s Eve, offers several high-gravity options, including this dark Belgian Trappist beer with flavors of sweet orange peel and vanilla beans, says owner Bryan Boyd.

Another high-gravity option is the brewery’s new Russian Imperial Stout, brewed with chocolate, caramel and roasted malts, which clocks in at 9 percent ABV.

WEE HEAVY METAL

8.7 PERCENT ABV

Down the street at Hutton & Smith, you’ll find several high-gravity beers on tap this spring. One of the top picks is this strong Scotch ale featuring a rich malt taste with hints of sweet caramel. The other is the Bivouac Black IPA, combining flavors of roasted malt, pine and citrus with 8.9 ABV.

TRIED AND TRUE While many local brewers are experimenting with high-gravity brews, Big Frog Brewing owner Carter Wexler says he’s sticking with his 10 tried-and-true ales for the time being. And Connor Choate, brewer and owner of Chattanooga’s newest brewery, Mad Knight Brewing, says he has no plans to brew high-gravity beer. He’s focusing on “sessionable” beers — those, typically with 5 percent ABV or less, that you can drink several of in one session and remain functional — as well as Belgian-style beers, saisons and pale ales.