Show me the beer

[deanna]

I've lived outside Chicago for the last ten years, but I'm from the South. Owensboro, KY to be exact. I also frequent Nashville, TN.

Tell me, when I go back home where should I look for the good brews in bottles and good brewpubs?

With the help of a friend, I have hit a few brewpubs in Nashville and tried a few of the local bottles, but what do ya'll recommend? What should I look for?

Thanks. You'll make it a happier holiday!

[kpo]

Hi Deanna,

I used to play in the Owensboro Symphony... now I'm in Louisville, but now my wife plays in the Owensboro Symphony! Just follow the musician's bus after a rehearsal to be led to their favored liquor store....
The local brews that I listed in the "what you're drinking" thread were local to Louisville, and of those, only Bluegrass Brewing Company (labelled as BBC) distributes bottled product.
But if you visit Louisville look for Cumberland Brews ( 1576 Bardstown Rd.). Brownings, or Bluegrass Brewing Co. ( 3929 Shelbyville Rd). and New Albanian Brewing Co. (Just off 265 on Highway 111 in New Albany, IN).

[Jimmo]

Deanna: Maybe this Web site will help you: http://beersouth.com/. The Beer South coverage area includes Kentucky.

By the way, if you are in the Chicago area, I recommend a great beer bar (not a brew pub) called the Map Room. Some friends took me there on my last visit.

The bar's Web site has annoying frames on the "beers" page (http://www.maproom.com/beer.htm), but if you can put up with that, you'll see that the Map Room has a great selection.

Jim (also a hophead)
Atlanta (warmer than Chicago this time of year)

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[deanna]

Thanks for the URL Jimmo. It's bookmarked.

I have been to the Map Room. Unbelievable selection of craft brews on tap. Did you have the Alpha King on tap? It'll make a hophead cry.

My only complaint with the Map Room is the smoke. Too much smoke and I can no longer breath or taste my beer.

[bsardin]

Next time your in Nashville check out Boscos. You can check them out on the web at www.boscosbeer.com (http://www.boscosbeer.com)

[How]

Boscos is great. I always get the beer sampler. If you are looking for a fine selection of beers in Nashville from around the world, check out Flying Saucer, they are opening all over the place.

http://www.beerknurd.com/

[alefincig]

Deanna,

If you want a great retail store with a great atmosphere and bottled beer selection, go to a place called Woody's Smokes and Brews in Cool Springs. It is located right next to Cool Springs Wine and Spirits. We have a beer club that meets there every Friday. We are usually there around 5:00 'til whenever. They have live acoustic music that begins at 8:30. The beer selection is great, they have a walk in humidor, and a bunch of accessories in the front of the store. They have an on premis drinking permit so you just go grab a beer and a glass and head upstairs. It is a great place with fun people. The phone # is 615-778-9760.
My name is Patrick if you are ever in the neighborhood!

[Sorny]

I have frequented most of the good pubs and beer joints in Nashville but i have to say that my all time favorite is the Beer Cellar. If you know anything about Nashville downtown you should know where the Hooters is. Well the Beer Cellar is right underneath (you get to it by going just around the corner from Hooters) and the sign boasts "99 Flavors". I have to say that the 99 is in no way a lie. I think it is somewhere close to or more than 50 taps and probably another 50 bottles. Almost anything you can think of is there. If you ever get a chance check it out it is more than worth your while.

[BayouBrews]

I can vouch for both Bosco's and the Beer Cellar! But must admit that I wasn't very impressed with The Bluegrass Brewing Company's Kentucky Ale ( the only product I found in bottles)
The Alpha King you mentioned is top-notch. If you want more, cross the Illinois state line to exit one in Indiana and hit the Three Floyds brewing co. They'll give you an "unofficial" tour for $5 which includes a generous amount of samples. (We stayed there for hours!)
Great brews!

[CincoCraig]

The previous post suggested that Kentucky Ale is a product of Bluegrass Brewing of Louisville, but I don't think that is correct. Bluegrass does have bottled versions of several of their beers, but Kentucky Ale is not one of their products. Kentucky Ale is produced by Alltech's Lexington Brewing Co. (www.kentuckyale.com). I have not had it so I cannot comment on its quality. The Bluegrass brews that I have had have been of good overall quality.