I recently made a trip to visit some friends in Atlanta and I was able to pick up some great beer from the state of Georgia. Over the next month I will be reviewing my loot, so here is week 1!

[spacer height="10px"]

Athena – Berliner Weisse

[spacer height="10px"]

Rarely does a new brewery receive as much immediate fanfare and attention as has Creature Comforts Brewing Co. in Athens, Georgia. And having been to the brewery and tasted the beers myself, I can say that the quality lives up to the hype. They cannot come close to keeping up with demand, especially of their ever popular IPA, Tropicalia. And I must admit that it is one of the better IPA’s I have had. But this past Memorial Day Weekend I was happy to have their Berliner Weisse in tow.

[spacer height="10px"]

Originally brewed as far back as the 1600’s in and around Berlin, Germany, the tart and refreshing Berliner Weisse has stood the test of time. Made to mimic acidic and effervescent wines, this style is served in the summer and warmer months. In Germany this wheat beer is actually frequently served with flavored fruit syrup added, a process that has not caught on in the States.

[spacer height="10px"]

And I am thankful there was no syrup added the Creature Comforts’ interpretation, Athena, because it is a delicious beer all on its own. It is light and carbonated, acidic, and tart like lemonade. It really is a light and clean sourness that gets better and better as you get further into the can. The beer draws you in for every sip by finishing dry, similar to dry white wine. Athena is perfect for crushing during the hot days of summer and I loved having a six pack to enjoy on the beach.

[spacer height="10px"]

Creature Comforts is maxing out their current production capabilities while continuing to make clean and creative beers. It is a true testament to the quality of a brewery when even the locals have trouble getting their hands on the beer. Despite the frustrating beer laws in Georgia things are always flowing at the brewery, where the atmosphere is as great as the beer. So hit the road and make a trip to Athens, and let me know when you do because I will use any excuse to make it back

[spacer height="10px"]

Other Accessible Berliner Weisse Interpretations