Beer Around The NFL: Atlanta Falcons
Throughout the fall we have been taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. One thing is for sure, football fans are drinking very well. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout, then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the 7-0 Atlanta Falcons.
WHAT TO DRINK
Wild Heaven "Invocation": This Decatur microbrewery's efforts are appreciated in beer halls around the greater Atlanta area. The Belgian-style strong golden ale is bready and malty with earthy, spiced notes. wildheavencraftbeers.
com
Red Brick Porter: Named for the quaint red-brick building that housed the brewery when it first opened, this dark, rich porter is full of aromatic coffee and spice character. redbrickbrewing.com
Terrapin Hop Karma IPA: It may not be strictly local, but this Athens, Ga.-based brewery gets plenty of love in Atlanta. The brewer here is no wallflower when it comes to hops, cramming this IPA with five different types and seven different malts. terrapinbeer.com
WHERE TO DRINK IT
Brick Store Pub: Immortalized in the book Love at the Pub, the neighborhood bar features a lovingly selected list of brews from around the world, including 25 taps, nearly 200 bottles, as well as a separate "Belgian Beer Bar" where eight rotating beers Belgian in either origin or style are served. Expect no TVs, Miller or Coors to distract you from the good beer. 125 East Court Square, Decatur, 404-687-0990, brickst
orepub.com
The Porter Beer Bar: Serving the neighborhood of Little Five Points, this gastropub owned by a husband-and-wife team boasts a menu of haute pub grub, 36 taps, including two hand-pumped ales, and some 700 bottles all told. The beer list is international, with a focus on domestic and Belgian beers, and includes a number of vintage offerings. 1156 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta, 404-223-0393, theport
erbeerbar.com
Leon's Full Service: Named for bygone days of full-service gas stations and the high level of personal service they offered, this Decatur bar not only serves up a thoughtful selection of domestic craft beers on tap, plus bottles and cans, it is also a pretty mean cocktail bar, specializing in classic drinks and seasonal concoctions. 131 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, 404-687-0500, leonsfu
llservice.com
WHERE TO BUY IT
Hop City: It houses more than 1,700 bottles and a "growlertown" section where you can fill your boots (and 64-ounce jugs) with one of 60 different rotating international and domestic brew. A homebrew specialist is also on hand to offer primers, help you craft a recipe or solve your biggest homebrew problems. 1000 Marietta Street, Suite 302, Atlanta, 404-350-9998, hopcity
beer.com
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