Metro Atlanta's local beer scene has been booming in recent years. Breweries big and small have popped up across the city.
But it's not just in the city — there are plenty of places to sip on local suds outside the Perimeter as well, from Marietta to Alpharetta.
Since 2017, when the Georgia law around breweries changed, places have opened their doors to beer lovers across town. The new law allowed breweries to sell beer directly to customers and nixed the previous rule requiring tours in order to sell from taprooms.
According to the Brewers Association, Georgia was home to 82 craft breweries in 2018. That's up from just 21 in 2011 and 53 in 2016. Nationwide, there were more than 7,000 craft breweries operating last year, which was nearly double the number open in 2014.
There are breweries large and small throughout the metro area, for beer lovers in Alpharetta, here are some places to sip on local lagers and ales.
Jekyll Brewing
Location: 2855 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta; 15 Academy Street, Alpharetta
More info: jekyllbrewing.com, 844-453-5955
Jekyll Brewing, which draws its name from the state's first ever brewery, has been a staple in Alpharetta's beer scene since 2013. They serve up a variety of beers, but some of their best-known brews include Hop Dang Diggity, Southern Juice and Vibe. They also recently opened a second location at the Exchange Building at Alpharetta City Center.
Currahee Brewing Company
Location: 25 South Main Street, Alpharetta
More info: curraheebrew.com, 770-696-2097
Currahee opened its first brewery in North Carolina in 2016 and expanded to Alpharetta in 2018. The brewery offers an IPA, German-style lager and Belgian-style golden ale all year long, with additional seasonal rotations.
Butcher and Brew
Location: 3 South Main Street, Alpharetta; 6690 Town Square, Suite 410, Alpharetta
More info: butcherandbrewshop.com, 678-585-3344 (downtown Alpharetta), 770-559-0327 (Halcyon Forsyth)
If you're more of a foodie, than a beer lover, you can check out one of Butcher and Brew's two locations in Alpharetta. While not a brewery, the gastro pub serves a variety of local beers that pair with the made-from-scratch grub.
Cherry Street Brewing Cooperative
Location: 6640 Town Square, Alpharetta
More info: cherrystreetbrewing.com, 770-696-4929
The distributing brewpub was started in a garage in Cumming. It has grown and expanded over the last several years, including a new location in Alpharetta.
From the Earth Brewing Company
Location: 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell
More info: ftebrewing.com, 770-910-9799
The Roswell brewery opened its doors in 2017. In addition to a lineup of beers, the brewery also offers a full menu of food and seasonal cocktails.
Gate City Brewing Company
Location: 43 Magnolia Street, Roswell
More info: gatecitybrewingcompany.com/brewery, 678-404-0961
Tucked in downtown Roswell, Gate City Brewing offers plenty of brews and space to hang out. It was opened Brian Borngesser and Pat Rains a couple years back and features 20 taps of beers made in-house.
Variant Brewing
Location: 66 Norcross Street, Roswell
More info: variantbrewing.com, 678-242-8189
Variant Brewing has been in business for two years in Roswell. Owned and operated by brewmaster Matthew Curling, Variant serves up varieties from lagers to stouts all year long, with rotating seasonal beers as well.
