Best Brewery Tours In Atlanta

If you've even been curious to see how beer is and made and distributed, you don't have to go to Milwaukee or Golden, Colorado to see how it all happens. There are a handful of local breweries in and around Atlanta where you can see the whole process and even sample some of the product. You have to be over 21 and have a valid ID to take most of these tours and sample the beer, but many think of it as a fun weekend activity or night out. At some of the tours you will walk away with a souvenir cup or a T-shirt, but if you pay attention, you will leave with a better understanding of the beer making process. A new Georgia law allows tour participants to take home up to 72 oz. of their favorite beer.

Red Brick Brewing Co.
2323 Defoor Hills Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 355-5558
www.redbrickbrewing.com

The oldest local brewery in the state of Georgia is a great place to start with when looking at breweries to tour in the Peach State. Tours at Red Brick run Wednesday through Sunday and they always throw in extras like live music and trivia questions to enjoy when you are taking your tour. To take the tour, you must be 21 and bring your driver's license. Tour guests will visit the tasting room, the warehouse, and you can even sit and enjoy up to 32 oz. in the lounge. Red Brick offers a number of varieties, but make sure you try a "Hoplanta." Red Brick also has space that can handle your next meeting, birthday or wedding reception.

Second Self Beer Company
1311 Logan Circle, N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30318
(678) 916-8035
www.secondselfbeer.com

Second Self Beer might be one of the best kept secrets in Atlanta. This small brewery produces beers with big taste. Tours run Thursday through Saturday with some Mondays deemed "Comedy Night." While on the guided tour, you will get a souvenir glass and a chance to sample some of Second Self's great brews. Make sure you bring your ID. The tours generally last for about 15 minutes, but you can stay for around two hours to socialize and enjoy your beer.

Red Hare Brewing
1998 Delk Industrial Blvd.
Marietta, GA 30067
(678) 401-0600
www.redharebrewing.com

Red Hare Brewing is craft beer right in Marietta. Tours run Wednesday through Saturday and visitors have a choice when it comes to the type of tour they can take. Each tour comes with a different amount of Red Hare brew to enjoy on the spot and even take home. This is a walking tour and guides will take groups through the brewing process. Make sure you try their great tasting Rabbit Reserve series.

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Sweetwater Brewing Company
195 Ottley Drive
Atlanta, GA 30324
(404) 691-2537
www.sweetwaterbrew.com

Sample beer and see what has made Sweetwater the largest brewery in Atlanta. Ticket prices for tours range from $10 - 28 depending on how many samples you want to try and what type of glass you want to take home. Tours are held Wednesday through Sundays, but it's best to check the Sweetwater website to get the exact times. These tours are laid back and fun, so get ready to enjoy all that Sweetwater offers when it comes to great tasting beer.

Bluetarp Brewing
731 E. College Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 669-6740
www.bluetarpbrew.com

Bluetarp is a small local brewery that offers different tours that range in cost from $12-32. Tours are given on Saturday afternoon, so this is a great way to start your Saturday night. Bluetarp offers delicious IPAs, stouts and Weisse Ales that will make you want to keep coming back. Bluetarp is a charming brewery in the vibrant community of Decatur.

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Rick Limpert is a freelance writer/photographer in Atlanta and he loves covering anything sports and tech-related. His work can be found at Examiner.com.