On Friday and Saturday nights, the streets of Athens are crowded with locals and tourists out to get a beer. But on most afternoons you can find many of the same beer lovers drinking unique brews at Terrapin Beer Company located on Newton Bridge Road.
Terrapin Beer Company was founded in 2002 by John Cochran and Spike Buckowski. The duo introduced their now classic Rye Pale Ale at the Classic City Brewfest. The beer was only available on draft around Athens until 2007 when the brewery opened.
Presently, beer lovers can visit the brewery Wednesday through Sunday at 265 Newton Bridge Rd. with hours varying throughout the week. Wednesday and Thursday tours and tastings are given from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday it is open from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Sunday it is open 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Terrapin offers two packages to guests at the brewery. The first package— the “stay & play tour”— consists of a tour of the production facility and 36 ounces of various beers for tasting on site. The price starts at $12.
The second option for visitors is the “souvenir tour” which provides patrons with 72 ounces of beer to take home and a promotional tour which starts at $10. Both packages can be combined and prices vary depending on which beers are chosen.
Terrapin offers a variety of beers onsite for tastings. Some of the unique beers include the original Rye, Hi-5, Liquid Bliss and Rise N Shine, among others. Hi-5 is a California inspired beer with a citrusy flavor. Another brew, Liquid Bliss, is peanut butter and chocolate flavored.
Terrapin Beer Co. on Twitter: “Where will you #TakeTerrapin this weekend? 📷: @crftbeerproject pic.twitter.com/81U0jjox48 / Twitter”
Where will you #TakeTerrapin this weekend? 📷: @crftbeerproject pic.twitter.com/81U0jjox48
Although Terrapin is a local Athens favorite, in 2016 the majority share of the company was sold to Tenth and Blake Beer Company, a division of MillerCoors. Tenth and Blake Beer Company bought a minority share in 2012.
The beer company has won multiple awards for its brews throughout the years. Terrapin’s original beer won the gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2002. In recent years, Terrapin has been awarded Best Georgia Brewer, Best Georgia Beer, and ranked in the top 100 brewers in the world by RateBeer.com, an independent website run by the beer loving community.