Memphis, TN Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Essential List of Breweries and Taprooms
Memphis, Tennessee, has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with a flourishing scene that celebrates local flavors and brewing expertise. The city's breweries and taprooms offer an authentic taste of the South through their unique craft beers, each location boasting its own personality and selection. Visitors and locals alike frequent these establishments not only for the variety of beers but also for the community and culture that thrive within Memphis's craft beer landscape.
With a rich history that intertwines with music and the arts, Memphis creates an ideal backdrop for the craft beer experience, offering a symphony of flavors that appeal to a wide array of palates. Each brewery in the city contributes to the craft beer narrative with a distinct approach, ensuring that there is always something new to be explored. Whether it's enjoying a pint in a cozy taproom or sipping a flight on a sun-drenched patio, Memphis delivers an unforgettable craft beer journey.
The dedication to craft brewing in Memphis is evident not only in the quality and creativity of the beers but also in the commitment to local ingredients and brewing traditions. The community's support of these local businesses is a testament to the city's love for craft beer, reinforcing Memphis's reputation as a destination for those who appreciate the finer nuances of a well-crafted brew.
The Evolution of Memphis Craft Beer
The landscape of Memphis, TN, has been dynamically enriched by the flourishing craft beer movement. The city's breweries have become a testament to the innovation and community spirit that embody the very essence of craft beer culture.
Early Beginnings
Memphis was not always a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. However, with evolving tastes and a growing demand for quality, local breweries began to emerge, setting the stage for a vibrant craft beer scene.
Recent Developments
In the last few years, there has been a significant uptick in the number of craft breweries. Memphis has seen a variety of local establishments make their mark, each bringing unique flavors and brewing techniques to the forefront.
Crosstown Brewing Co. is celebrated for its diverse range, offering everything from the crisp Terraplane Pilsner to the rich Solstice Mint Chocolate Stout.
WISEACRE Brewing Co. has gained acclaim with its 20 BBL JV Northwest Brewhouse facility, producing quality beers that resonate with both casual drinkers and beer connoisseurs alike.
Other notable mentions like Cooper House Project have recently entered the scene, further amplifying Memphis's craft beer credentials.
Cultural Impact
Memphis breweries are more than just beer production sites; they are social hubs that reflect the city's culture, creativity, and collective push towards crafting exceptional beverages. They have undoubtedly made a mark on Memphis, attracting beer lovers from all walks of life and contributing to the city's economic and cultural growth.
Notable Breweries in Memphis
Memphis showcases a vibrant craft beer scene with an assortment of breweries that celebrate local flavors and community spirit. Each brewery brings its unique twist to brewing, offering both classic and innovative beers to locals and visitors alike.
Wiseacre Brewing Co
Wiseacre Brewing Co, known for its distinctive flavor profiles, operates with a range of beers that caters to diverse palates. Their dedication to quality is reflected in their consistent Untappd rating of 3.74. The brewery is a popular spot despite being closed on Sundays, drawing in crowds the rest of the week.
Crosstown Brewing Co
Crosstown Brewing Company, scoring a solid Untappd rating of 3.67, stands out for its seven-day operation schedule, which is inclusive of more casual hours on Mondays and Tuesdays. This brewery has the convenience of food delivery options from surrounding eateries.
High Cotton Brewing Co
It's at High Cotton Brewing Co where beer enthusiasts can discover a range of ten tap options, including favorites like the Belgian Golden Ale. This brewery prides itself on its rich flavors and welcoming taproom environment.
Memphis Made Brewing Co
Since its inception in 2013, Memphis Made Brewing Co has been deeply entrenched in the Memphis community, collaborating with local businesses. Their seasonal and year-round brews, like the well-received India Pale Ale, demonstrate their commitment to craftsmanship.
Ghost River Brewing Co
Not to be overlooked, Ghost River Brewing is dedicated to producing quality beers that embody the spirit of Memphis. They have a reputation for creating a diverse selection of year-round and seasonal beers.
Meddlesome Brewing Co
Meddlesome Brewing has quickly become a fixture in the local beer community thanks to its bold flavors and innovative brewing techniques. Their beers are a testament to their adventurous approach to brewing.
Soul & Spirits Brewery
Soul & Spirits Brewery emerges as a newer player, focusing on small batch brewing, bringing unique and soulful beers to the Memphis beer landscape. The brewery is appreciated for its commitment to quality and experimentation.
With a mix of well-established and newer breweries, the Memphis beer scene ensures that beer aficionados can always find something to suit their tastes, from traditional ales to inventive new brews. Each brewery contributes its unique character and flavors to Memphis’s growing reputation as a craft beer city.
Guide to Taprooms and Brewpubs
Memphis, renowned for its vibrant music scene and rich history, has equally compelling offerings for craft beer enthusiasts. The city's taprooms and brewpubs present a diverse range of locally brewed beverages, each with its unique ambiance and selection. The following guide explores prominent venues where the culture of love and hoppiness thrives.
Wiseacre Tap Room & Patio
Wiseacre Tap Room & Patio stands out with its two distinct locations, each providing a unique experience. Notable for its range of innovative beers, visitors can enjoy the ambiance of either a bustling downtown vibe or a cozier setting on Broad Avenue.
The Ready Room by Hook Point Brewing
As a part of Hook Point Brewing, The Ready Room offers a selection of craft beers that are as much about quality as they are about variety. This spot combines modern brewing techniques with traditional flavors to cater to all palates.
Ghost River Brewing Company
Ghost River Brewing Company is known for its commitment to quality and consistency. They focus on a range of beers, from light ales to rich stouts, providing a taste for every preference in a welcoming taproom setting.
Crosstown Brewing Company
Crosstown Brewing Company is nestled in the Crosstown Concourse area and has rapidly become a local favorite. Their taps flow with a selection of core brews and seasonal specials that capture the spirit of Memphis.
Hammer & Ale
Hammer & Ale's down-to-earth atmosphere is matched by its passion for local brews. It serves as both a taproom and a gastropub, focusing on curating a lineup of Memphis-made beers accompanied by delicious gastropub fare.
Boscos Squared
Boscos Squared is a fixture in the Memphis brewpub scene. They pair their hand-crafted beers with hearty, innovative pub food that complements their drink selections to provide a full-sensory dining experience.
Lucchesi's Beer Garden: Deli, Package & Parlor
Blending the traditional beer garden with a contemporary twist, Lucchesi's offers both a deli and parlor experience. Patrons can enjoy an assortment of beverages alongside quality deli offerings in a convivial outdoor setting.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium boasts a bewildering array of draft and bottled beers. With its extraterrestrial theme and an immense beer menu, this pub ensures a galactic adventure for beer lovers.
The Casual Pint
At The Casual Pint, the name says it all. It's a place where beer novices and aficionados alike can unwind with a pint from their extensive collection in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. With a rotating selection of drafts and a knowledgeable staff, finding a new favorite beer is always on tap.
Craft Beer Varieties and Styles
In Memphis, the craft beer scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a range of styles to suit any palate. From the experimental brews at Cooper House Project to the iconic porters and IPAs, enthusiasts can explore a world of flavors.
Wiseacre Brewing Company, a mainstay of the Memphis craft beer community, is well-known for their Gotta Get Up to Get Down, a coffee milk stout that embodies a rich, bready character with a crisp finish. They also offer an array of beers on tap, highlighting various hops and malts that deliver everything from bitterness to fruity citrus notes.
On Tap Selections:
IPAs: Renowned for their hoppy bitterness and notes of citrus and pine.
Porters: Dark, robust beers with flavors reminiscent of chocolate and coffee.
Wheat Beer: Light and refreshing, often with hints of oats and spice.
Local breweries often experiment with unique ingredients to create experimental brews. These can range from the addition of local honey to various fruits and even hot peppers, showcasing the creativity of Memphis brewers.
The use of oats in brewing contributes to a smooth mouthfeel, as seen in the oatmeal stouts and pale ales that feature a silky texture, while a careful selection of hops can imbue a beer with specific flavor profiles, from floral to bitter.
With each brewery bringing their own interpretation to classic styles, Memphis offers a craft beer journey that is rich in variety and quality, ensuring that every visitor will find a brew that resonates with their taste buds.
Events and Community Engagement
Memphis local craft beer scene thrives on a robust calendar of events, connecting beer enthusiasts through shared experiences over a pint of the finest local brews. Event highlights often circulate via social media and brewery newsletters, keeping the community informed and engaged.
Social Media Buzz: Breweries actively post about upcoming events on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, offering a glimpse into the excitement with captivating visuals. Followers can expect detailed announcements and timely updates in their feeds.
Event Calendars: Monthly event schedules are shared on brewery websites, featuring everything from beer hall celebrations to intimate tastings. These events are often enhanced by the presence of local food trucks, adding gastronomic delight to the hoppy experience.
Love & Hoppiness: Special gatherings are designed to exude an immersive experience, where the love for beer and camaraderie is palpable. These events include beer releases, anniversary parties, or themed nights centered around beer appreciation.
For Map Lovers:
Curated Collection: Some events are tailored for specific audiences, such as map lovers who delight in finding hidden gems. Breweries may offer a curated collection of beers that are linked to local history or geography, creating a unique narrative for each tasting.
Reviews and Feedback:
Reviews: After events, participants often leave reviews, contributing their voice to the narrative of the local beer community. This feedback helps to continually refine the event offerings.
Brewery Newsletters:
Stay Informed: For those who wish to have insider information, subscribing to brewery newsletters is recommended. These publications provide a curated list of upcoming events and occasionally, exclusive invitations.
In conclusion, Memphis local breweries foster a sense of community through an engaging calendar of events, inviting both new and seasoned beer lovers to explore the rich tapestry of local craft beer.
Craft Beer Experience Enhancements
Enhancing the craft beer experience in Memphis goes beyond the beer itself. It involves curated food pairings, engaging beer tasting tours, and visits to local breweries that offer a deeper dive into the city's beer culture.
Food Pairings
Memphis breweries often feature food trucks or onsite eateries offering specialized menus crafted to complement their beer selection. For instance, Lucchesi's Beer Garden pairs its varied beer offerings with gourmet sandwiches and Italian cuisine, heightening the tasting experience. Patrons can enjoy this synergistic combination in both indoor seating and outdoor seating areas, creating an ambiance that suits their preference.
Beer Tasting Tours
Beer Tasting Tours in Memphis can significantly elevate one's understanding and appreciation of craft brews. Venues like The Ready Room tie in the social aspect of beer with educational experiences. They may schedule tours that include tasting sessions, allowing patrons to sample a diverse range of styles and flavors. Growlers are also available at many locations for those wishing to take a piece of the Memphis beer scene home with them.
Local Brewery Tours
Breweries such as Wiseacre Brewing Company HQ offer comprehensive tours, providing insights into the brewing process and the stories behind their beers. Visitors can plan their visit according to the brewery's schedule, often featuring a behind-the-scenes look on weekends. Additional stops like Beale Street Tap Room and Board to Beers focus on showcasing local brews in a relaxed, sociable setting.
Supporting Local Businesses
Memphis thrives on the spirit of community and the support for local businesses. The city's burgeoning craft beer scene offers a prime opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy locally made beverages while simultaneously bolstering the economic vitality of the area.
Local breweries offer a unique taste of Memphis, with each establishment presenting its distinct flavor profiles and brewing techniques. When patrons visit a taproom, not only do they savor the craft of Memphis brewers, but they also contribute directly to the local economy. These contributions help maintain jobs, foster community growth, and encourage the spread of Memphis culture through its artisanal beer.
Highlighted Local Breweries:
Crosstown Brewing Company: Emphasizes a commitment to community and craftsmanship, providing a range of beers in their taproom.
High Cotton Brewing Co.: Known for their Belgian Golden Ale, Porter, and Hefeweizen, High Cotton is a fixture in the Memphis craft beer community.
Memphis Made Brewing Company: With their diverse selection, they are another proud representative of the Memphis craft beer movement.
Visiting Hours:
Thursdays and Fridays are common times for taprooms to open, generally from the afternoon into the evening.
Weekends typically offer longer hours, with most breweries opening early afternoon and serving until late evening.
By supporting Memphis breweries, patrons enjoy high-quality, crafted beers that reflect the heart and soul of the city. Each visit, each pint, and each conversation in the local taproom reinforce the fabric that holds the Memphis community together.
