I have to admit something to you. I set this past weekend up on purpose. My beautiful bride is an alumnus of Mercer University in Macon (Go Bears!) I chose the Mercer-ETSU game for this week’s post in a very thinly veiled attempt to have the opportunity to highlight the breweries and beer in Macon. And then the Buccaneers tore off and ruined my plans by winning a close one 21-18. And so I will keep my promises and highlight the beer scene in Johnson City, Tennessee … right after I give Macon a little love first.
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| Macon – 90x more cherry trees than DC! |
The reason I was so excited to highlight Macon is because there are three breweries right in the heart of downtown, and not too far from each other. I’ve personally been to all three of them and can vouch for the quality of beer from each. The Ocmulgee Brewpub is known every bit as much for their food as they are for their beer … and that’s a compliment to both sides of the house. Do yourself a favor and get the Float Daze Amber and Oxbow Stout. And then bring me some too. Piedmont Brewery has a pretty solid vibe going on (upstairs and down) and, just like Ocmulgee, has a stellar food menu. What’s really noteworthy about their beer is the wide variety they have. They usually have about a dozen beers on tap, and across a very wide spectrum of flavors. I would happily drive way out of my way to get back and have their Nocturne Oatmeal Stout! Delish …
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| Greatest name for a sports franchise. Ever |
And finally, a visit to Macon isn’t complete without hitting the Macon Beer Company. Nintendo 64 + cornhole tournaments + live music + fantastic beer = yes, please. With a name like Macon, the naming conventions are virtually endless:
- Macon Money. Super hoppy IPA
- Macon Progress. their flagship pale ale
- Macon Out. A blonde that’s very crisp and light
- Macon History. Coffee + chocolate + yum
- Macon Love. An homage to the city’s awesome Cherry Blossom Festival (way better than the one in DC), it’s a light and sweet rye that’s brewed with, you guessed it, cherries.
- Edgework Irish Red. SO glad to see breweries bringing this style back. It’s one of my favorites
- Henri’s Stout. Also available in nitro form, which is a giant yes for me. Silky and smooth!
- Tannery Knobs IPA. Because everyone has to have an IPA these days, right?
