3 Georgia Breweries Are Among The Hottest In America Right Now

When it comes to craft beer, the possibilities are endless.

The U.S. is home to thousands of breweries that come up with their own creative concoctions, so it’s time to raise a glass to them in honor of National Drink Beer Day (September 28).

Luckily, Georgians can visit some of the hottest breweries in America. That’s according to Thrillist, a travel hub known for “taking fun seriously.” Thrillist sought the 34 Hottest Breweries in America Right Now and shared its findings earlier this month. Thrillist states:

“The 34 breweries on this list range from old-school favorites making new waves to up-and-comers offering destination-worthy pours. They also reflect the innovation and adaptability that brewers have had to exercise in response to pandemic regulations. As chosen by our own boozy supergroup of beer minds, they’re the hottest breweries in America right now. Oh, and be sure to circle back soon, because this list will update as often as a tap list.”

See the full list from Thrillist here.

So which one(s) stood out in Georgia? Here are the breweries, and why make the list:

Halfway Crooks, in Atlanta

“The ears of hip-hop heads will immediately perk up at the mention of this brewery’s name, but Halfway Crooks is more than a crafty reference to the classic Mobb Deep banger ‘Shook Ones.’ Founders Shawn Bainbridge, Joran Van Ginderachter, and Tim Kilic realized their dreams of owning a brewery in July of 2019 with a clever ideology to carve out a successful niche in a steadily booming ATL beer scene: focusing on traditional European lagers and ales (especially Belgian styles, thanks to Ginderachter’s country of origin). Besides stellar brews always topped with pillowy heads to emulate the tap pours from pubs overseas, Halfway proudly geeks out by showcasing its fascination with computers from yesteryear. The taproom is adorned with old-school monitors and floppy disks, while making computer references like the ‘Ctrl-Alt-Del’ German-style altbier, ‘Decimals’ kellerbier, and “Memory” farmhouse Ale re-fermented with peaches. In celebration of weathering the pandemic storm, Halfway has gone all out to host its growing fanbase by accompanying the airy rooftop with a full beer garden in its final stages of development directly across the street.”

Monday Night, in Atlanta (among other locations)

“It’s always enjoyable telling the story of how Atlanta-based trio Jonathan Baker, Joel Iverson, and Jeff Heck started brewing and pouring their latest homebrew concoctions for close friends after their Bible study meetings on Monday nights before taking it to the next level. Besides the two locations in Georgia’s capital, Monday opened Social Club, a 10,000-square foot taproom in Birmingham in 2020, and, as a birthday gift to themselves for successfully turning 10 years old, it just gave Nashville some love with another 25-draft taproom in September called Preservation Society. With brewmaster Peter Kiley flexing his liquid mastery with award-winning sours, IPAs, lagers, and decadent stouts to name a few varietals, there’s no telling what the next move is for these enterprising gents. Just know they’re always up to something dope to make every day, including Mondays, feel like the weekend.”

Variant Brewing Company, in Roswell

“Nestled in the burgeoning city of Roswell just north of Atlanta, this brewery sparked things off in late 2017, showcasing owner and brewmaster Matthew Curling’s grasp for IPAs—especially the New England-style Cashmere—opportunely during the national emergence of the style. Now Variant’s industrial-chic taproom boasts a plethora of selections including a Biere de Garde, Pina Colada Blonde, phenomenal barrel-aged stouts like the popular Imperial Mexican PRC, and yes, a gang of gorgeous-hued sours and other self-titled “Variants” such as the Sop, Drop & Roll milkshake gose brewed with soursop. An added bonus: Roswell’s happening historic Canton Street is just steps away to keep the party going. Definitely hit them up.”