The office goes to Sweetwater
My company took us to Sweetwater Brewery for a VIP drinking session and tour yesterday (a mandatory monthly social). Obviously I was as giddy as a schoolgirl. Unfortunately, all of my pent up expectations were soon dashed against the rocks. Perhaps that’s a little harsh.
I’d never had the highest opinion of Sweetwater, but after asking for their heaviest beer and being served a decent IPA, it plummeted. Seriously? A 6.5% ABV IPA? Don’t get me wrong, it was a pretty tasty IPA. But it was the only beer I had there that I would actually pay money for, and I tried 4-5 brews. I can’t remember exactly…
Sweetwater had a band playing outside on the patio, which was overrun by college students. There were also a few dogs, one of which captured my sentiments of Sweetwater exactly. Just check out this pooch, taking a drag on a cigarette as if to say “Eh.” Atlanta could definitely use a new microbrewery. If only someone would step up to the plate…
UPDATE:
I was going through the archives and stumbled upon this bad boy of a post. It sounds pretty derogatory towards Sweetwater, which was definitely not my intention. In truth, I love their 420 and IPA and they put out some pretty dern good seasonals too. Sweetwater has done more than any other brewery for beer in Georgia – and for that I applaud them. I think my biggest gripe isn’t so much a gripe with them but with the beer market in Atlanta in general. There are precious few native beer choices for the non-Southern frat boy. Something we’re hoping to correct, since many Atlantans are transplants.
Jonathan, Joel & Jeff
May 18th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Jonathan, I echo your sentiments. My company went there for an “outing” only to notice that the place was overrun by “college” students, and the only thing I learned that day was that the Sweetwater IPA doesn’t hold a candle to the Base Jumper Double…
May 18th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Thems fightin words. Well, mediocre competition is pretty good motivation for you guys to Be All That You Can Be.
I’m kind of confused by their website. Lip Smakin’ Brews? What’s the verb, smake? And why do they call their pale ale 420? Does that have a different meaning out there?
Also, great guess on the beer riddle. Let’s see if anyone else can get more specific.
May 18th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
No, 420 has the same meaning out here. As does “hummer” and “happy ending,” 2 other beer names that they tout. Pretty sweet. Wait. Not sweet. It’s lame.
May 18th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Jonathan, while I hear you, I must say that I do enjoy an occasional Sweetwater on a hot summer day. While 420 isn’t the most flavorful beer, it’s a nice alternative to Bud Light if you’re looking for a something that won’t get you hammered after 2 beers and make you feel like you just ate a 32 oz porterhouse.