By Focus staff | graphic by Brian Goins
If you search for breweries in Middle Tennessee, you will get a listing of over 15-20 to choose from in the area. We have started a list, a “Middle Tennessee Trail of Ale” if you will, to give you a jumping point to drink your way through Middle Tennessee breweries.
1 Mill Creek Brewing Company
2008 B Johnson Industrial, Nolensville, TN 37135
millcreekbrewingco.com
Mill Creek Brewing was established in 2014. Since that time it has expanded to include the production facility and Taproom in Nolensville, a Taproom at 2905 12th Ave S in Nashville, and a second production facility and third Taproom in Franklin at 216 Noah Drive. In 2018, Mill Creek announced it was partnering with the newly formed Nashville Soccer Club and began producing the team’s official craft beer – Goalden Ale.
Focus recommends: Lil Darlin. It is smooth with a touch of citrus.
2 Mayday Brewery
521 Old Salem Rd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129
maydaybrewery.com
Mayday Brewery opened in November 2012 in an old abandoned blanket factory. Live music, singer-songwriter nights, drag brunches, and beer yoga are all events held at Mayday. Looking for a keg? They have you covered. Want to hang out for the day but don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home? No problem! Dogs are welcome at Mayday.
Focus recommends: Unithorn Blackberry Sour. A nice break from the norm with a little pucker.
3 Yazoo Brewing Company
900 River Bluff Dr, Madison, TN 37115
yazoobrew.com
Around since 2003, Yazoo Brewery was Nashville’s first production brewery since Prohibition ended. They have grown by leaps and bounds over the years and because of this growth, they recently moved the Taproom and Brewery to a brand new 6.5-acre campus in Madison. They have always been welcoming stating specifically that they welcome all ages, genders, countries of origin, sexual orientations, etc. Per their website, Yazoo continues to be an independently owned and operated brewery – Linus and Lila Hall maintain 100% ownership and direction of the brewery.
Focus recommends: Hop Perfect. An IPA with the ideal blend of hops. It has a light citrus taste.
4 Jackalope Brewing Company
701 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Jackalopebrew.com
A friendship formed in Scotland led to the establishment of Jackalope Brewing Company by Bailey Spaulding and Robyn Virball in 2009. Jackalope opened the brewery doors on May 21, 2011, and in 2013, Jackalope became the first Nashville craft brewery to can its beer. They opened their second taproom and brewery in August 2018 and it’s located at 429B Houston St. in Nashville. Both locations are dog-friendly on their patios.
Focus recommends: Sarka. Crisp, light and refreshing. A great choice to drink on the patio.
5 Diskin Cider
1235 Martin St., Nashville, TN 37203
diskincider.com
Middle Tennessee’s first craft cidery, Diskin Cider opened the doors of its Wedgewood-Houston location in May 2018. They wanted to bridge the gap between wine and beer and bring something refreshing to the area. Their mission is “We do f**king cool sh*t” and they do! Diskin proudly supports the LGBT+ community and donates a portion of the proceeds of the Daydream cider to the Nashville LGBT Chamber Foundation.
Focus recommends: The Daydream of course to support the LGBT+ community. We also love Lil’ Blondie. It’s the perfect cider for a beer lover.
6 Fat Bottom Brewing Company
800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209
Fatbottombrewing.com
In August 2010, Ben Bredesen turned his home-based brewing into the large-scale Fat Bottom Brewery. East Nashville’s first brewery was a quick hit. With time, though, he began to outgrow his East Nashville set-up. In early 2017 he made the move from the old 5000 square foot brewery to the new, state of the art, 33,000 square foot facility in the Nations.
Focus recommends: Ruby American Red Ale. Rich but balanced, it’s sure to please.
7 Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
132 Franklin St., Clarksville, TN 37040
Blackhorsebrews.com
Clarksville is home to many people who serve our country. Blackhorse Brewery is the brainchild of one of these dedicated service members. In 1992, Jeff Robinson and his wife Sherri opened a pub in Clarksville. But they had a greater vision. The Blackhorse Pub and Brewery opened in 1995 making it one of the earliest Southeastern craft brewhouses of the ’90s. The story doesn’t end there. After being established in Clarksville for two decades, they decided it was time to expand and chose Knoxville as home for their second location which opened in July 2013.
Focus recommends: Coffee Milk Stout. I like a good brew but I love coffee. This is the perfect blend!
8 Hix Farm Brewery
54 S Cedar Ave., Cookeville, TN 38501
facebook.com/hixfarmbrewery
Opened in May 2017, Hix Farm Brewery is a nano-brewery specializing in higher gravity beers and beers made from locally grown and sourced ingredients. They have a constantly rotating selection of beer on tap so you might want to get a flight before committing to one brew for the evening.
Focus recommends: Floatin’. A reliably clean brew with a kick at the end.
