Georgia Brewery Growth

2018 saw another year of growth for Georgia craft beer. Several new breweries and brewpubs opened across the state and many more are nearing completion. The direct sales allowed by SB85 brought us a few breweries focused on selling their beer mainly at the brewery with very little distribution. 2019 already has an impressive lineup of breweries in planning and, of course, there will be more throughout the year.

As of Dec. 31, 2018 there were 58 production breweries and 30 brewpubs operating in Georgia, plus 5 cideries and 4 meaderies (Does not include contract/gypsy breweries.)

– Map of Georgia breweries, brewpubs, cideries, and meaderies

– Map of Georgia breweries, brewpubs, cideries, and meaderies 2018 | 11 new breweries and 6 new brewpubs opened in Georgia

2017 | 13 new breweries and 10 new brewpubs opened in Georgia

2016 | 7 new breweries and 3 new brewpubs opened in Georgia

About the numbers: We count any physical location when tabulating our totals. This means that a brewery with two locations (like Monday Night Midtown and Garage) will count as two. However, we do not count gypsy or contract breweries, so a brewery may offer beer here but not be included in the count.

New Georgia Breweries Planned for 2019

This list is ever-changing. Breweries will be added and moved around here as needed and we’ll update with relevant info throughout the year.

6S Brewing | Duluth, GA

Currently in the early phase of construction as of mid-December, 2019.

More Info: Facebook

Athentic Brewing Co. | Athens, GA

03/01/19: Athentic will soon begin renovations on their 10,500 sqft brewery in the Normaltown neighborhood of Athens with a goal to open early Fall 2019.

Target Opening: Early Fall 2019

More Info: Facebook

Awkward Brewing | Fayetteville, GA

The owners of Awkward Brewing are transplants from Washington state where they owned a small brewery before relocating. With craft beer in their blood, and the passage of SB85, they feel now is the perfect time to open a brewery in Georgia. They are currently on the search for a suitable location and hope to open in 2018 and foster a rich craft beer community in their area.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Website | Facebook

Back Paddle Brewing | Lincolnton, GA

Founded by Navy veteran Kyle McCloud, Back Paddle is tentatively targeting to open by July 4, 2019.

Target opening: A Facebook post from Nov. 1st says they are working through some construction and regulatory hurdles and plan to announce an opening date soon.

More info: Facebook

Big Oak Brewing | Thomasville, GA

Big Oak Brewing is launching a Kickstarter campaign in March 10th to raise funds for their brewery. They plan to launch with a 15-barrel brewhouse and distribute primarily on draft with a tasting room at the brewery.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Facebook

Down Home Brewing Co. | TBD, GA

Down Home is currently contract brewing while they search for a location. They have two beers available now, Georgia Hooch IPA and T-Pom Pomegranate Wheat. Founder and Brewer Chris Reeves tells us they have five core beers planned for when they open their location and will offer seasonal brews as well. Down Home plans to offer a variety of styles to appeal to those new to craft beer as well as seasoned craft beer fans.

Currently available via contract brewing

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Website | Facebook

Etowah Brewery | Dahlonega, GA

Etowah Brewery recently received their local production license. Owner Blair Housely is the co-owner of Etowah Meadery and is also in the process of opening Etowah Spirits as a boutique distillery.

Target opening: Late 2019

More info: Facebook

Fire Maker Brewing Co. | Atlanta, GA

New brewery coming to the West Midtown area, near Steady Hand and The Bold Monk. Targeting an opening in Fall 2019.

Target Opening: Fall 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook

Firewater Brewing Company | Kennesaw, GA

Currently available via contract brewing.

Target opening: TBD

Freight & Rail Brewing Co.| Calhoun, GA

(Formerly Coosa Valley Brewing)

Target Opening: Targeting October 2019

More Info: Calhoun Times | Marietta Daily Journal

Major Humphrey’s Brew Co. | Monroe, GA

Target Opening: 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook

Monkey Wrench Brewing | Suwanee, GA

Monkey Wrench has offered beers at various festivals and events for a few years via guest brewing with other breweries. Owner Wayne Baxter says that after many years of planning he’s getting to the final mile of opening his own brewery. A location is pending that will offer room for a 20-barrel brewhouse and “Tasting Garage” with a very outdoor friendly space. Beers that Monkey Wrench has offered in the past include a West Coast IPA, Spiced Holiday Ale, Spiced Witbier, and a Chocolate Milk Stout.

Update 08/12/18: Monkey Wrench Brewing has selected a location in Suwanee for their brewery.

Update 09/09/19: Brewing began in late August and Monkey Wrench plans to set an opening date soon.

Target opening: TBD

More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Normaltown Brewing Co. | Athens, GA

Normaltown will open on a small scale in an 800 square foot space with expansion available up to 6,000 square feet. Brewing will be done on a 2-barrel pilot system, producing 45 cases of 16 oz. cans weekly, with all revenue reinvested into a larger brewhouse. (Normaltown was previously Classic City Brewing.)

Update 02/12/19: Per a Facebook post, Normaltown is under construction and hopes to have an opening date set soon.

Update 09/09/19: In a Facebook post on 07/21/19 Normaltown said they were getting close to setting their opening date, no final date has been set as of today.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Facebook

Outrun Brewing | Stone Mountain Village, GA

Co-founder Josh Miller tells us the vibe at Outrun will be “Miami Vice meets German beer garden.” They intend to brew updated classic styles with a focus (but not fully) on sessionable beers. Both Miller and his business partner formerly brewed at Three Taverns where Miller was the Lead Brewer. Good news, there will be an Outrun game at the taproom. Get your quarters ready.

Target Opening: November 2019

Perfect Fool Brewing | Doraville / Chamblee / Brookhaven, GA

Currently on the quest for a head brewer, Perfect Fool will focus on American Ales with the planned flagships being an IPA, Blonde Ale, Milk Stout, and English Mild. They plan to add a barrel program after opening.

Target Opening: Q4 2018 or Q1 2019

Railcat Brewing | Powder Springs, GA

Owners Beth and Logan Hemphill announced on Facebook that they would be opening Railcat Brewing in downtown Powder Springs with groundbreaking set for June 2019.

Update 08/16/19: Per Facebook, Railcat has wrapped up their construction plans and stated the permitting process.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Facebook

Round Trip Brewing | Atlanta, GA (Upper Westside)

Founder Craig Mycoskie tells us he plans to open Round Trip Brewing on Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The brewery will focus on traditional German varieties “while pushing the boundaries of those styles.” We’ll update here with more info on the brewery and target opening as the project develops.

Target Opening: TBD

Sabbath Brewing | East Atlanta Village, GA

Sabbath Brewing will focus on Farmhouse Ales, Sour Ales, and IPAs and is another brewery that will take advantage of the new laws and be primarily an own-premise brewery with no distribution for the first year. In addition to beer, Sabbath will be a coffeehouse and roastery. They are targeting a Fall-Winter 2018 opening.

Update May 12, 2019: Founder Jeff Oparnica tells us they are still working with the City of Atlanta to update zoning code to allow Sabbath to open in their location and the process is taking longer than anticipated. The opening has been pushed back to July 1st at the earliest.

Update Sep. 9, 2019: Oparnica tells us he’s been in a constant loop for approvals and permits. As of now, he is (hopefully) targeting an opening in January 2020.

Target Opening: January 2020

More Info: Website | Facebook

Senoia Beer Company | Senoia, GA

Founded by four homebrewing friends, Senoia shared on Facebook they plan to begin construction in Spring 2019.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Silver Bluff Brewing | Brunswick, GA

Located in Historic Downtown Brunswick, Silver Bluff Brewing will feature beer garden, taproom, and event space.

Target Opening: TBD 2019

More Info: Facebook

Social Fox Brewing | Norcross, GA

(Formerly 400 North Brewing)

Owner Kevin Keyes tells us Social Fox Brewing. is in the early planning stages and scouting locations in Sugar Hill or Suwanee, both areas need to make changes to their ordinances to coincide with the new laws under SB85. They are targeting a 2019 opening.

Update May 5, 2019: Co-owner Mike Greene tells Beer Guys Radio they are getting close to an official announcement on their location. Social Fox has partnered with Scott Norwood, owner of Suwanee Creek Brewing. They have signed a lease on a building in Gwinnett County and are preparing to order their production equipment. David Sheets, the former owner of Ironmonger Brewing, is working with the team as a brewery consultant.

Update December 2019: The brewery is under construction and the brew house is ready to be shipped. Social Fox ultimately found a location in Norcross, GA.

Target Opening: Spring 2020

More Info: Facebook

Split Batch Brewing | Chamblee / Duluth, GA

Split Batch owners Ben Halter and Jay Young have selected a location for their brewery and are attempting to resolve some zoning issues while looking for an alternate location. They are targeting Chamblee or Duluth to call home. Both Halter and Young have been very active and successful on the homebrew competition circuit with a variety of sours, IPAs, and Barleywines. The brewery’s name is a nod to the way they brew now, and what they plan to bring to the brewery with taking a base beer and applying various treatments (yeasts, hops, adjuncts) to create several “split batches.”

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Website | Facebook

Three Taverns Imaginarium | Atlanta, GA

Decatur’s Three Taverns Craft Beers has announced their plans to build a second location at the Atlanta Dairies development. Dubbed the Imaginarium, the new brewery will be, “…equal parts laboratory, brewery, and tasting room.” Three Taverns plans to offer 4-5 of their core beers at the location along with a rotating list of 20-25 experimental beers.

Update 08/20/19: Three Taverns owner Brian Purcell tells us they started build-out on the Imaginarium in early August. Foundational work is in progress in preparation for structural steel work needed for the second level mezzanine and outdoor deck. Brewhouse and tanks have been on order since earlier this year. Target to open is now late December 2019 to early January 2020.

Target opening: Late December 2019 – early January 2020

More Info: Introducing: Three Taverns Imaginarium

In addition to the above list, there are several other brewery licenses active in Georgia with a status of “planning.” However, there’s no additional information available. If you have any info on a brewery not on our list please let us know.

Georgia Brewery Openings in 2019

NOTE: For the purpose of being “open” we are listing only breweries that have a physical location in Georgia. Some breweries may have beer available now through contract or gypsy brewing.

Anderby Brewing | Peachtree Corners, GA

Opened: Official opening July 27th, 2019 at 12:00 PM



Best End Brewing | Atlanta, GA

Opened: Grand Opening Sept. 20, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Bold Monk | Atlanta, GA

Opened: Dec. 6, 2019

More info: Website | Facebook

Cartecay River Brewing Co. | Ellijay, GA

Opened: Grand opening July 26, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook

Cherry Street Halcyon | Alpharetta, GA

Opened: Grand Opening Sept. 18, 2019

More Info: Facebook

Drowned Valley Brewing Co. | Cartersville, GA

Opened: Grand opening Dec. 13-15, 2019

More Info: Facebook

Georgia Beer Company | Valdosta, GA

Opened: Grand opening February 4, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Halfway Crooks Brewing and Blending | Atlanta

Opened: Grand opening July 6, 2019

More Info: Instagram

Hiawassee Brew | Hiawassee, GA

Opened: January 2019

More Info: Facebook

High Card Brewing / Blue Tarp Brewing | Tucker, GA

Opened: November 16, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook

Hixtown Brewing Co. | Villa Ricca, GA

Opened: May 1, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook | Times-Georgian

Hop Soul Brewing | Brunswick, GA

Opened: Opened March 26, 2019

Indio Brewing | Sugar Hill, GA

Opened: Grand opening July 20, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook

Jekyll Alpharetta City Center | Alpharetta, GA

The second location for Jekyll Brewing is slated to open in November at Alpharetta’s City Center development. Per Eater Atlanta, the spot will have an annual brewing capacity of 3,000 barrels and feature a restaurant and rooftop patio.

Opened: November 11, 2019

Leprechauno Meadery | Kennesaw, GA

Leprechauno is owned by Randall and Haley Dolan. They will begin producing their meads in early 2019 out of Dry County Brewing in Kennesaw.

Target Opening: First bottle release was Sept. 2, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook

The Lost Druid Brewing Co. | Avondale Estates, GA

Opened: Grand Opening June 21, 2019

More Info: Facebook

Macon Beer Co. Downtown | Macon, GA

This is a new location for Macon Brewing featuring a taproom and restaurant. Their original location will serve as a production facility for distribution.

Opened: October 26, 2019

More Info: Facebook

NoFo Brewing Co. | North Forsyth/Cumming, GA

Opened: Sept. 27, 2019

More info: Facebook | Twitter

Porter BBQ & Brewery | Dunwoody, GA

Opened: March 1, 2019

Reformation Brewery | Canton, GA

Reformation moved their main production brewery from Woodstock to Canton. Their Downtown Woodstock location remains open.

Sceptre Brewing Arts | Decatur/Oakhurst, GA

Opened: Officially opened to the public June 18, 2019

More Info: Argosy Owners purchase Oak Brewpub | Sceptre Brewing Arts set to open in Oakhurst (AJC) | Beer Guys preview

Schoolhouse Brewing | Marietta, GA

Opened: Grand opening May 31, 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook | Beer Guys Radio #162

Shezmu Cellars | Marietta, GA

Opened: April 10, 2019

Southern Brewing Co. Monroe | Monroe, GA

Opened: October 25, 2019

More Info: Facebook

Southern Philosophy Brewing | Bainbridge, GA

Opened: June 28, 2019

More Info: Facebook | Instagram

Steady Hand Beer Co. | Atlanta, GA

Opened: Opened early 2019 with official Grand Opening party set for March 9th.

More Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram

StillFire Brewing | Suwanee, GA

Opened: Soft open Oct. 12-13, 2019 / Grand opening Oct. 19-20, 2019



More Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Tantrum Brewing Co. | Cleveland, GA

Opened: Opened March 9th with Grand Opening party set for March 23rd

More Info: Website | Facebook

Whistle Top Brew Co. | Cornelia, GA

Opened: No idea. This one slipped past me but it looks like they may have been open in late 2018.

Wild Heaven West End | Atlanta, GA

Opened: Soft openings beginning August 3, 2019. Grand opening September 7, 2019

Georgia Breweries Planned Beyond 2019

There are a handful of breweries in the early planning stages right now that may not open this year, some of them may not see the light of day at all, it happens. Here’s a look at what we may see in the coming years.

1818 Brewing Co. | Commerce, GA

Brewpub planned for Commerce, GA

Target Opening: 2020

More Info: Facebook

Alchemist Alehouse | Cobb County

Owner Ryan Woodyer tells Beer Guys Radio he’s targeting to open in May 2019. Several locations in Cobb County are being considered with Smyrna being the frontrunner as of now. Alchemist Alehouse will feature a 10-barrel brewhouse producing a max of 2,000 barrels per year. Core styles will include an IPA, Pilsner, Bavarian-style Doppelbock, and Kolsch. For rotating and seasonal offerings, Woodyer will take a customer-centric approach and let visitors provide suggestions on the styles they’d like to see on tap.

More Info: Facebook

A-T Ale Brewery | Atlanta Area, GA

A-T Ale is currently raising capital via sales of ownership “tiers” on their website with the goal of being a community-focused and owned brewery. Follow A-T Ale on social media or their website for occasional tastings.

More Info: Website | Facebook

Armadillo Brewing Co. | Kingsland, GA

More info coming soon.

Atlantucky Brewing | Hapeville, GA

Founded by FishScales and Skinny DeVille of Nappy Roots, Atlantucky currently homebrews while doing collaborations with breweries around the US. Their future plans are to become a gypsy brewery, making beers under the Atlantucky label at other breweries, with eventual plans to open their own brewery.

Target opening: TBD

More info: Website | Instagram | Beer Guys Radio: 1, 2, 3

Barrier Island Brewing | Saint Simons, GA

Target opening: TBD

Big Kettle Brewing & Ironshield Beer | Lawrenceville, GA

Per a Facebook post, co-owner and brewmaster Glen Sprouse announced demolition had begun in early June 2019 with plans to begin construction in late July. The brewery expects to receive their brewhouse and fermentation tanks in November with plans to begin brewing in December and opening in January 2020. Big Kettle will focus on contract brewing for others in the Southeast and Ironshield will be the brewery’s own brand.

Target opening: January 2020

More info: Website | Gwinnett Daily Post

Biggerstaff Brewing Co. | O4W Atlanta, GA

Per the AJC, Clay and Sarah Davies will open Biggerstaff Brewing at 521 Edgewood Ave. in early 2020. The beer lineup will focus on IPAs with sours, coffee beers, and offerings such as a smoked Pale Ale. The brewery will also open in the mornings to serve coffee and espresso with locally-made pastries. Staplehouse chef Ryan Smith will head up the culinary program which will feature house-made charcuterie, small plates, sandwiches, salads and snacks, all designed to pair with the brewery’s beers.

Target Opening: Early 2020

More Info: AJC

Brown Man Brewing | Atlanta Area, GA

Very early planning stages but targeting late 2018 to early 2019 to open. (No update as of 03/02/19)

Candler Rail Brewery | Atlanta, GA

A new brewpub is coming to 1660 DeKalb, former location of The Mercantile. Candler Rail Brewery will be the 4th Atlanta area brewery from Allen Porter who recently opened Porter Pizza * Brewery and Porter BBQ & Brewery.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Atlanta Business Chronicle

Cochran Mill Brewing Co. | Fairburn, GA

Currently working to change city ordinance to allow breweries in their town, Cochran Mill plans to serve “traditional well-balanced craft beer.”

Update 07/15/19: The team at Cochran Mill has decided to open in Fairburn after significant challenges moving forward in Chattahoochee Hills. Per a post on their Facebook page, they will be building out the old Strawn Brewing location at 27 Word Street.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Facebook

The Copper Pot | Clarkesville, GA

Target opening: TBD

Debellation Brewing | Richmond Hill, GA

Target Opening: Jan/Feb 2020

More Info: Website | Facebook

Elsewhere Brewing | Atlanta, GA

Target Opening: Spring 2020

More Info: Facebook | Eater Atlanta

Fall Line Brewing Co. | Macon, GA

Formerly High Noon Brewing Co.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Facebook

GRITS Brewing | Chamblee, GA

GRITS Brewing is in the process of zeroing in their location and hopes to have a space by early Spring. The brewery will be dog and family-friendly and have a beer garden. GRITS intends to brew American-style craft beers and make “traditionally uncreative things imaginative, starting with our bold flavors.”

Target Opening: Before the end of 2018

More Info: Facebook | Blog | Instagram

Horned Owl Brewing | Kennesaw, GA

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Website

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant | Buckhead & Perimeter Center – Atlanta, GA

The Iron Hill group will expand into the Atlanta market with locations planned for Buckhead and Perimeter Center. here were rumors of a location at Mall of Georgia but Iron Hill tells us there are only the two locations at this time.

More Info: Website

Kettlerock Brewing | Peachtree Corners, GA

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Website | Facebook

Khonso Brewing Co. | Atlanta Area, GA

Founded by longtime friends William Teasley, Corby Hannah, and Kevin Downing from the Brothers That Brew homebrew club, Khonso Brewing’s name is inspired by the ancient Egyptian brewer to the pharaohs and gods, Khonso Im Heb. Currently offering their homebrews at tasting events while tweaking their brews, Khonso focuses on fusing styles and using unique ingredients.

Currently available via contract/gypsy brewing

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Facebook | Instagram | Beer Guys Radio – Ep. 106

MAZURT Brewing | Atlanta, GA

The unfortunate death of Dan Rosen in 2017 is still felt throughout the craft beer community. Many believed this would mean the end of MAZURT Brewing. I spoke with co-founder Hamp Covington and he said although he does not have a solid plan in place at this time, he does still want to open the brewery.

Target opening: TBD

More info: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Red Top Brewhouse | Acworth, GA

Red Top Brewhouse says their goal is to be a community-centered and family-friendly gathering place to showcase artisan-style beer, wine, and cider. The brewery will be located at 4647 and 4637 Main Street in Acworth

Target Opening: “Early 2020”

More Info: Website | Facebook

Round Trip Brewing | Upper West Side Atlanta, GA

Target Opening: TBD

Split Fin Brewing | Midway, GA

Jeremy and Kristen Boucher plan to open Split Fin in Midway in 2020. Jeremy is a retired Army Warrant Officer and Kristen is a former Army Officer. They have many years of homebrewing experience and are excited to share their passion to the local community.

Strange Duck Brewing Co. | Commerce, GA

Brewery and 18-hole putt-putt course (for real) planned for Commerce, GA.

Target Opening: TBD

Suwanee Creek Brewing / Greenway Brewing (Tentative names) | Suwanee, GA

Long-time homebrewer and engineer Scott Norwood and his wife plan to open a brewpub in the Suwanee area in the future. If they can’t find a suitable space in Suwanee they may set up shop in Buford, Johns Creek, or Duluth. Scott spent some time in the Air Force in the 1980s stationed in Germany and traveled extensively through England and Western Europe sampling their brews. His favorites include English Bitters, ESBs, Scottish Ales, IPAs, Marzens, and Pilsners. If he could set this up as his dream project he’d like to have the ability to ride his bike to work.

Taffer’s Tavern | Atlanta, GA (Five total locations planned)

The AJC reports that John Taffer (host of the show Bar Rescue) will open his first Georgia location at 33 South Main Street in Atlanta, directly across from City Hall. Taffer plans a total of five locations in the state with an Alpharetta location planned after the Atlanta opening. For the brewing side Taffer’s will use a Smart Brew system, a sort of Keurig for beer utilizing pre-made wort.

Target Opening: February 2020

Wise Owl Brewing | Marietta, GA

Recently approved by the city council, Wise Owl Brewing will be located on the Marietta Square. The location plans to utilize the basement area as their brewhouse with an event space on the 2nd floor and a rooftop patio.

UPDATE 06/12/18: Wise Owl owners were not able to reach a deal on their original location and are currently working on finding a new one.

Target Opening: First half of 2019

More Info: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Marietta Daily Journal

Georgia Brewery Closing and Cancelations

5 Seasons Prado | Sandy Springs, GA

5 Seasons Prado closed at the end of their lease on December 31, 2018.

5 Seasons Westside | Atlanta, GA

The last of the 5 Seasons brewpubs, the Westside location will close on February 28, 2019.

Blasted Barley Beer Co. | Athens, GA

Announced in early 2018 as coming to Athens, the main location of Blasted Barley closed in 2019. We can’t find anything confirming the cancellation of the Athens location however, there are articles showing another location in Ohio was scrapped and the company website goes to a parking page. The Blasted Barley Facebook was very active but has not posted an update since January 2019.

Target Opening: TBD

More Info: Website | Rebusiness Online

Blue Tarp Brewing | Decatur, GA

Blue Tarp closed their Decatur location with plans to move to Tucker. As of July 2019, Blue Tarp does not have an active brewery license in Georgia.

Update 09/09/19: Looks like Blue Tarp is active again as of 07/17/19. No other info right now but we’ll update as we find out more. (Thanks to Brian Chambers for the updated info.)

Gordon Biersch Buckhead | Atlanta, GA

Gordon Biersch Buckhead closed on Marc 22, 2019.