Craft beer has become a nationwide phenomenon, with every region boasting a unique flavor and style. Pigeon Forge, located in the picturesque state of Tennessee, is no exception. The city is home to several breweries that have gained a reputation for producing some of the best beers in the area. If you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, exploring the local brewery scene is worth your time.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 breweries in Pigeon Forge. Our team of experts researched the city’s craft beer scene extensively, tasting various beers and speaking with locals to provide a comprehensive guide.
One interesting finding from our research is that the Smoky Mountains Brewery is the oldest in Pigeon Forge, dating back to 1996. This brewery has become a staple in the area and offers a variety of award-winning beers that are sure to please any palate. So, grab a pint and join us on a journey through the best breweries in Pigeon Forge, TN!
Here is a list of the top 10 breweries in Pigeon Forge:
- Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
- Smoky Mountain Brewery
- Wiseacre Brewing Co.
- Schulz Brau Brewing Company
- Yazoo Brewing Company
- Ghost River Brewing Co.
- TailGate Brewery
- Calfkiller Brewing Company
- Fat Bottom Brewing
- Naked River Brewing Company
The Top 10 Breweries In Pigeon Forge
1. Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
Johnson City’s Historic Train Station is home to a popular brewery that produces various beer varieties, ranging from classic pale ales and a Dunkel beer to more seasonal favorites such as cerveza and mango sour. Moreover, the brewery has an extensive presence across the state.
Also read: Indian Pale Lager vs Indian Pale Ale : What’s the Difference?
Yee-Haw Brewing Co., crowned the best brewery in Tennessee by Yahoo! Travel in 2015 and winner of multiple awards for its beers, is housed in the same space as White Duck Taco Shop, where you can enjoy delicious bar food alongside an amazing beer selection.
2. Smoky Mountain Brewery
The oldest craft brewery in East Tennessee or Tennessee whiskey-aged beers, with two locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this brewery offers six year-round ales and four seasonal beers. A brewmaster special is also provided for those looking for something new, which changes every few weeks.
In a relaxed brewpub setting, guests can enjoy live music, TVs, and various options from pizza to burgers, sandwiches, and wings. The atmosphere is sure to be cozy while they sample the different dishes.
The Microbrewed beer from Ole Smoky Mountain Distillery Brewery is a must-visit for locals and tourists seeking to experience the taste of the mountains. This popular destination has become a favorite among beer enthusiasts looking for fresh brews.
3. Wiseacre Brewing Co.
Memphis-based brewery, with two locations – a taproom in the South Arts District and a larger facility in Binghampton – offers plenty of refreshment options.
This brewery produces various beers, from hoppy IPAs and pilsners to stouts and porters. It also experiments with barrel-aging, souring, and fruiting to offer customers unique flavor options.
Wiseacre Brewing Co.’s distinctively colorful and imaginative branding, dedication to environmental responsibility, and meaningful impact on its local community stand apart.
Image credit: tripadvisor.com
4. Schulz Brau Brewing Company
Knoxville is home to a stunning replica of a German castle, the Knoxville Brewery. This brewery specializes in traditional German-style beers, such as lagers, hefeweizens, blocks, and doppelbock.
Experience a taste of Germany in Tennessee when you dine at Schulz Brau Brewing Company. Their menu offers classic German food like pretzels, sausages, schnitzels, and strudels. Alongside these traditional dishes, they also offer great local brews to enjoy.
5. Yazoo Brewing Company
Yeast Nashville Brewing has been around since 2003, crafting beer styles ranging from hoppy pale ales and IPAs to malty brown ales and porters. Located in Nashville, the brewery invites customers to experience a variety of house-brewed beers.
Also read: Sour Beer Nutrition Facts: Everything You Need to Know
Brewing a range of beers, including standard and specialty brews such as sours, barrel-aged beers, and smoked varieties, is the mark of a good brewery.
Yazoo Brewing Company, a highly-acclaimed brewery based in Tennessee, boasts numerous awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup winner. It is widely recognized for the success it has achieved.
6. Ghost River Brewing Co.
Memphis is home to its oldest craft brewery, which brews various beer styles, including golden ales, IPAs, amber ales, and stouts.
Parallel 49 Brewing Co. produces a variety of popular core beers, such as its Red Truck Ale, Craft Lager, and Fallen Flag IPA. Furthermore, it also offers limited-edition varieties such as Oktoberfest, Winter Warmer, and Coconut Porter.
River Protection is close to the heart of Ghost River Brewing Co. – they take sustainability and environmental stewardship very seriously. Most of their proceeds go towards preserving the Wolf River watershed, demonstrating their dedication to achieving this mission.
7. TailGate Brewery
Nashville houses three different locations of the same brewery: Music Row, West Nashville, and East Nashville.
From light lagers to imperial stouts, this brewery offers 30+ types of beer on its taps. The range of beers includes wheat beers, porters, and other options.
Also read: How to Avoid Getting a Headache from Non-Alcoholic Beer
From time to time, this local brewery concocts unconventional beers like Peanut Butter Milk Stout, Watermelon Wheat, and Pumpkin Spice Latte; thus giving patrons a unique twist in terms of flavor when they come in for a pint.
TailGate Brewery offers a wide range of food items in a casual and enjoyable atmosphere, such as pizza, burgers, salads, and wings. All of these can be enjoyed in the inviting surroundings of the brewery.
Image credit:tailgatebeer.com
8. Calfkiller Brewing Company
The Calfkiller River’s spring water is used by the family-owned and located in Sparta brewery to create small batches of handcrafted beers. This business operates locally and uses locally sourced ingredients to brew its unique brews.
Parallel 49 Brewing Company offers a selection of diverse beers, including pale ales, IPAs, brown ales, porters, and stouts. Additionally, specialty and seasonal beer varieties such as Pumpkin Ale, Scotch Ale, and Blackberry Sour can be found.
At Calfkiller Brewing Company, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and indulge in their beers in the tasting garden. Sample their array of drinks and let the serene vibes sink in.
9. Fat Bottom Brewing
Nashville’s Yazoo Brewing Company has been creating craft beers since 2012. Their signature styles range from light and crisp ales to hearty and malty stouts.
Fat Bottom Brewing, which offers limited-release beers such as pumpkin ale, coffee stout, and barrel-aged barleywine, in addition to its flagship brews, has a restaurant and event space. Patrons can enjoy their drinks along with food and entertainment at this location.
10. Naked River Brewing Company
Based in Chattanooga, the brewery has been crafting fine beers since 2018. Their selection of beverages includes a range of creations, from tart and fruity ales to hearty and bitter IPAs.
At Naked River Brewing Company, guests can enjoy a range of craft beers, including specialty options like Moon Pies Stout and Mango Habanero IPA. In addition to the beverages, they also have barbecues, tacos, salads, and desserts available in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
11. Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Nashville is home to a national chain of brewpubs, which brew various beers. Among the offerings are classic styles such as amber Ale and wheat beer and seasonal varieties like pumpkin ale and winter ale.
Also read: How to Avoid Getting a Headache from Non-Alcoholic Beer
Parody Brewing Co. offers craft beers ranging from light and refreshing to dark and hoppy. Unusual offerings are exclusive to the brewery’s local area, like the Nashville Hot Chicken IPA, Tennessee Whiskey Barrel-Aged Stout, and Peach Cobbler Ale, which can also be found.
At Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, guests can enjoy a variety of dishes like burgers, pizzas, steaks, and salads in a vibrant atmosphere. The menu also features a range of other culinary delights to satisfy your hunger.
Image credit: daytonabeach.com
Brewery Tours And Tastings In Pigeon Forge
Nashville’s #1 All-Inclusive Pub Crawl With Moonshine, Cocktails, And Craft Beer
Experience the unique atmosphere of Nashville’s bars on this guided pub crawl. The tour takes you from Broadway honky tonks to a secret gin mill in Printers Alley for an unforgettable night out.
Touring Tennessee Moonshine? Your guide will provide an entertaining 2-hour experience with stories, trivia, and tastings – craft cocktails, local brews, and samples of authentic Tennessee moonshine. All for just $84.95 a person!
Nashville Hop On Hop Off Brewery Trolley Tour
The city of Nashville has so much to offer – and what better way to explore it than a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour? Take your adventure through the flourishing brewery scene and enjoy the sights at your leisure.
Also read: Comparing Dark Ale Vs Stout: A Comprehensive Guide
The tour of Nashville’s popular breweries takes place daily from 11 am to 5 pm and offers an unbeatable price of $49 per person. Eight stops allow you to enjoy discounts, East Nashville Beer Works, Crazy Gnome Brewery, and Southern Grist Brewing Company, gift shop restaurant breweries, and specials exclusive to each brewery.
Downtown Nashville Pub Crawl Walking Tour
Soak up the craft beer culture of downtown Nashville during this walking tour! You’ll visit some of the most popular brewpubs and breweries in the area, sampling a range of lagers, ales, sours, and other seasonal specials. Enjoy tasting different varieties as you make your way through this vibrant city!
For those looking to explore Nashville, a guided tour lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes can be an enriching experience. The tour will provide insights into the city’s history and culture and showcase its world-renowned music scene. The cost of the tour is $25 per person.
Chattanooga Brew Choo Pedal Pub
Pedaling through the bustling streets of Chattanooga’s Southside district, you and your friends will experience the lively atmosphere as you bring your drinks on a pedal pub tour. Enjoy an immersive ride that takes you around the vibrant neighborhood.
You can also stop at local breweries and bars like Chattanooga Brewing Company, Naked River Brewing Company, and Terminal Brewhouse. Each provides unique experiences that will be perfect pit stops along your route. The tour lasts for 2 hours and costs $30 per person.
Conclusion
After researching and compiling a list of the top 10 breweries in Pigeon Forge, it’s clear that this Tennessee town has a lot to offer for beer enthusiasts. Visiting these breweries is a must-do activity whether you’re a local or a tourist. Each brewery has its unique atmosphere and brews that cater to different tastes. From classic ales to fruity IPAs, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, check out Pigeon River Brewing Company. For a more upscale experience, try out The Smoky Mountain Brewery. If you’re in the mood for a classic German beer, head to the Little Bear Winery and Brewery. And if you’re a sour beer fan, try out the offerings at the Forge Brew Works.
Overall, the breweries in Pigeon Forge are a testament to the town’s commitment to good beer and community. So whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun activity, check out these 10 breweries. Cheers!
