Ellijay

Breweries & Beer, Eat & Drink

Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than a good, cold beer on your day off. The Georgia Mountains have a handful of options to try local flavors from their craft beer breweries.

Start off with some research about one of the world’s oldest drinks to make sure you’ll get the most out of opportunities to tour local breweries and talk to brewmasters. A couple of quick reads will help you understand what goes into the unique brews and appreciate more than the ABV (Alcohol By Volume) and the IBU (International Bitterness Units) of each brew.

Regardless of how much beer knowledge you have, it’s easy to know what beer you like and enjoy. Keep track of your local beer adventures with an online app or old school journal or logbook.

Local Breweries and Beer in the GA Mountains

There are local microbreweries to be found in a few places across the North Georgia mountains. Be sure to check them out for the chance to sample local flavors and support local businesses while enjoying tasty beer in relaxing envirnoments.

This interactive map can help you find the closest locations of craft breweries near you.

Craft Breweries in Blue Ridge, GA

Fannin Brewing Company 

Enjoy a flight, a pint, or a growler to-go at the Fannin Brewing Company in Blue Ridge, GA. Featuring live music on select dates (see Facebook page for calendar).

Fannin Brewing Company in the Georgia Mountains
Fannin Brewing Company in the Georgia Mountains
COST
  • Flights $10 (4 x 5 oz pours)
  • Glasses $5 – $6
  • Growlers $8 (32 oz) or $15 (64 oz)
  • Tasting room admission (exclusive beers): $15 Thur/Fri, $17 Sat ($1 Glass Refund)
Fannin Brewing Company in Blue Ridge, GA
Fannin Brewing Company in Blue Ridge, GA
HOURS
  • Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday – Thursday: CLOSED
  • Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
EVENTS
CONTACT and VISIT
REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA
  • FACEBOOK: @FanninBrewingCompany Rated 4.7 (132 Facebook reviews), 4700+ Likes
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 4.5 (50+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • TWITTER: @fanninbrewing 1190 Followers
  • YELP: Rated 4.5 (38 YELP reviews)
  • UNTAPPD: Rated 3.53 (6900+ reviews). 430+ Likes.

 

Grumpy Old Men Brewing 

Delicious beer in a dog friendly setting in Blue Ridge, GA. Rotating beers and fun monthly events (check Facebook page for calendar).

BEERS
Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Georgia Mountains
Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Georgia Mountains
  • Aska Pale Ale – 5.8%
  • Choco Blanco Wheat Ale – 5.8%
  • Devils’ Den IPA – 7.0%
  • Hell’s Holler Porter – 7.2%
  • ​Moon Over Blue Ridge – 5.5%
  • Grasshoppa IMP IPA – 8.0%
  • Scentsation Double IPA – 8%
  • Cyclone Larry IPA – 6%
  • ​Tootla Creek Blonde Ale – 4.0%
EVENTS
HOURS

Hours may be subject to change / seasonality. Call in advance to confirm hours.

  • Monday – Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
CONTACT and VISIT
REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA
  • FACEBOOK: @GrumpyOldMenBrewing Rated 4.9 (450+ Facebook reviews), 7650+ Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @grumpyoldmenbrewing 1830+ Followers
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (150+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • TWITTER: @GOMBienation 300+ Followers
  • YELP: Rated 5 (73 YELP reviews)
  • UNTAPPD: Rated 3.69 (11000+ reviews). 630+ Likes.

Craft Breweries in Cleveland, GA

Tantrum Brewing Company

Tantrum Brewing Company is Georgia’s first production “agritourism” brewery and located in Cleveland, GA. Hops grown on site are used to make the specialty and limited release brews. Free tours may be available, depending on production schedule. Dog and family friendly. Events include concerts and axe throwing (check Facebook page for calendar).

Tantrum Brewing Company in Georgia Mountains
Tantrum Brewing Company in Georgia Mountains

Food trucks are available on weekends and select nights, but when they are not parked outside, you are welcome to bring in your own food or have local food delivered to the brewery. Picnic tables and a large lawn provide space for frisbee, a game of catch, corn hole, or other games that are available for your enjoyment.

EVENTS
Tantrum Brewing Company in Cleveland GA
Tantrum Brewing Company in Cleveland GA
HOURS
  • Monday – Tuesday: CLOSED
  • Wednesday: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
CONTACT and VISIT
REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA
  • FACEBOOK: @tantrumbeer 3600+ Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @tantrumbeer 3700+ Followers
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 4.5 (10+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • YELP: Rated 4 (20+ YELP reviews)
  • UNTAPPD: Rated 3.74 (2950+ reviews). 30+ Likes.

Craft Breweries in Ellijay, GA

Cartecay River Brewing Co

Menu of 16 craft beers that is constantly changing. Pet-friendly and kid-friendly environment. Waterfront outdoor covered deck located on the Coosawattee River in Ellijay.

Stop in for a flight, a pint, or to take home a fresh growler. Be sure to take a couple of growlers with you to have filled with your favorites during your visit!

BEERS (check website for updated list)
  • 3 Rivers Brown Brown Ale – Other (5.2% ABV 19 IBU)
  • Afterglow – Belgian Tripel (8.5% ABV 31 IBU)
  • Black Bear Porter – Porter – American (6.2% ABV 39 IBU)
  • Blood Orange IPA – IPA – New England (6.9% ABV)
  • GM’s Danger Zone – Blood Orange Guava IPA – IPA – New England (6.9% ABV 47 IBU)
  • Mango Caliente DIPA – IPA – Imperial / Double (8.4% ABV 84 IBU)
  • Raptor DIPA – IPA – Imperial / Double (8.4% ABV 84 IBU)
  • Sly Fox NEIPA – IPA – New England (6.9% ABV 47 IBU)
  • Snapping Turtle Amber Red Ale – American Amber / Red (4.5% ABV 41 IBU)
  • Sour Fox IPA – Sour (6.5% ABV 30 IBU)
  • Wake Me Up When September Ends – Märzen (4.9% ABV 21 IBU)
  • Whitetail Kolsch – Kölsch (5% ABV 23 IBU)
Cartecay-River-Brewing-Co-Ellijay-GA
Cartecay River Brewing Co in Ellijay GA
HOURS
  • Monday and Tuesday: CLOSED
  • Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
CONTACT and VISIT
REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA
  • FACEBOOK: @cartrcaybrewing Rated 5 (48 Facebook reviews), 1087 Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @cartecayriverbrewingco 4901 Followers
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (4 reviews)
  • UNTAPPD: Rated 4.09 (897 reviews). 35 Likes.

 

Craft Breweries in Hiawassee, GA

Hiawassee Brew

Local brewery and taco truck, Hiawassee Brew is a full service brewhouse and restaurant in Hiawasee, GA. All craft beers are made in house. In addition to the house brews, there are rotating guest taps from other local breweries, plus a variety of wines from Crane Creek and Hightower Creek Vineyards!

Hiawassee Brew in the Georgia Mountains
Hiawassee Brew in the Georgia Mountains

Games are available on site and kids are welcome.

EVENTS
HOURS

Hours may be subject to change / depend on season (call in advance for updates).

  • Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm
  • Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
  • Monday: CLOSED
CONTACT and VISIT
  • Call: +1 (706) 896-2739
  • Address: 616 S Main St, Hiawassee, GA
  • Website: Hiawassee-Brew.com
REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA
  • FACEBOOK: Rated 5 (60+ Facebook reviews), 1840+ Likes
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 4 (15 TripAdvisor reviews)
  • YELP: Rated 4 (20+ YELP reviews)
  • UNTAPPD: Rated 3.57 (320+ reviews).

Craft Breweries in McCaysville, GA / Copperhill, TN

Buck Bald Brewing

Although this brewery is technically in Tennessee, it’s only a short walk from the Georgia state line and it’s sister city of McCaysville, GA.

Buck Bald Brewing in Copperhill TN
Buck Bald Brewing in Copperhill TN
HOURS
  • Monday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday – Wednesday: CLOSED
  • Thursday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
CONTACT and VISIT
REVIEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA
  • FACEBOOK: @buckbaldbrewing Rated 5 (45+ Facebook reviews), 1450+ Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @buckbaldbrewing 690+ Followers
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (25+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • TWITTER: @buckbaldbrewing 40+ Followers
  • UNTAPPD: Rated 3.85 (850+ reviews). 35+ Likes.

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Former Brewery Locations

Note that these locations have been PERMANENTLY CLOSED, but are included here to help anyone that may be looking for their old favorites.

Blue Ridge Brewery in Blue Ridge

While the brewery website says that it is only “closed for remodeling”, the management posted more details to Facebook that look like any reopening is unlikely. From a July 12, 2019 Facebook post:

It is with mixed emotions that we announce effective July 31st, our team will no longer be managing the Blue Ridge Brewery, or pursuing the purchase of the restaurant and building.

Despite significant investments of time, money and sweat equity, we have been unable to successfully clear unforeseen and inherited land title disputes and various other misrepresented operational issues.

Our entire team is proud of how much progress has been made at the BRB. I am extremely disappointed that this did not work, but am forced to make a swift decision and do what’s best for my family, myself, The Black Sheep and my investment partners.

Sincerely, Brandon Lofton

Formerly located in the heart of downtown Blue Ridge, the Blue Ridge Brewery was housed in a renovated historic brick building on Depot Street and was the first brewery to open in downtown Blue Ridge. Full menu and live music complemented the craft beer selection.

Formerly located at:

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Once you have your favorite local craft beers at home in a growler, be sure to have an ice cold frosty mug ready for you and your guests to enjoy them!

Consider hosting your own tasting event with your favorite local Georgia mountain craft beers. These supplies can help organize a great way to sample a variety of local flavors.

Keep the fun going with beer-themed games that add the element of fun competition to your beer tasting.

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Bottoms up! Please save and share this map (scroll to top for the interactive version of this map).

Map of North Georgia Breweries / Local Craft Beer
Map of North Georgia Breweries / Local Craft Beer
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Gift certificates to steakhouses in the Georgia Mountains

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Eat & Drink, Ellijay, Vineyards & Wine, Wedding Venues

Engelheim Vineyards

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