We’ve been kicking around the idea of hosting our own sort of “Best of Nashville” awards for quite some time now. Y’know, just giving the nod to our own Music City favorites in categories that relate to the SoBros Network brand – Nashville, sports, beer, booze, food, fun, etc. etc.. The implementation is still in its infancy, and I’m sure some sort of “best craft beers in Nashville” or “best local brewery” category will be on the ballot once all the dust settles.
But, when I saw a conversation gain some traction on the Nashville sub-Reddit about the best craft beers in town, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to weigh in with my own choices. After all, I’ve visited a lot of breweries and drank a lot of Nashville beer in my day. I’ve also put together a list of my favorite spots in Nashville, so why not?
First up, there’s a lot of really good beer/breweries in Nashville. It’s really emerging as a great beer city, and it’s hard to be disappointed. From the more established Yazoo and Fat Bottom to sensations like Jackalope and Black Abbey, and to the dark horses like Southern Grist and Smith & Lentz, the beer scene in Nashville is phenomenal when compared to where it was a few years ago. So, let’s get right down to it.
Honorable mention: Diskin Cider’s Tiki Tonik is a phenomenal pineapple cider. While a lot of other area breweries are focusing on traditional beers, the folks at Diskin are cooking up the area’s best cider. Definitely wanted to give this a shout out.
Big Natural’s Three Best Craft Beers in Nashville
3. Jackalope Bearwalker – It’s a maple brown ale, so it’s loaded with maple and chocolate hints. It’s the perfect brew to sit and watch a game with in the Fall. Definitely not something you’re going to want to pound. But, if you’re in it for the experience, this is the perfect beer to relax with. It is ripe with flavor.
2. Little Harpeth Chicken Scratch – Usually my go-to when introducing friends from out of town to the Nashville beer scene. It’s pretty safe in that regard – refreshing, nothing too outlandish, and complements a meal incredibly well. Like any pilsner, it’s brewed with hops and malted barley, but they add in some corn that gives it a tinge of sweetness and makes it stand out from other craft pilsners.
1. Yazoo Gerst – Lots of love for Dos Perros, and Yazoo’s Hefeweizen, but not enough mentioning this beautifully rich amber ale. It’s sort of become my utility ale. When in doubt, go Gerst. Named after Nashville’s first brewery, Gerst, and long-time staple of Nashville cuisine, The Gerst Haus (that has sadly since closed), this brew is as rich in Nashville history as it is in flavor. It really polishes off a hearty meal.
So, what do you got, Nashville? Let me know what your favorite local craft brew is in the comments.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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