Hey guys, Moving to Valdosta GA from Denver Colorado and want to see if I can get some insight on the beer scene in the area. I understand that it's not going to be anything close to what I am used to as far as Denver. I'm just trying to get a feel of what the distribution is like in the area. Am I going to be stuck with just the likes of Sierra Nevada and the occasional stone beer, or are the likes of bells and founders floating around some store shelves? Also any way that creature comforts or Westbrook makes its way into the Valdosta area? Thanks for the help. I'll be bringing a ton of Colorado beers (Casey, black project, etc) with me on the move so if anyone is local and wants to trade let me know. Thanks in advance!
Hey, man! I'm probably the only extremely active beer nerd type in our area, but I don't use BA much. Someone else actually sent me a Facebook message directing me to this thread. But we can chat for sure. I have a few friends that regularly do tastings and such. Distro is okay here. There are a few good stores that get regular stuff and lots of GA beers, and not just Sweetwater, but lots of small breweries as well. Creature Comforts does not distribute down here yet, sadly. In my experience for stores, Five Points is the best bet for package, as well as Craft on Draft (see below). Yes we get Bells, Founders, Stone, all the normal stuff, even their seasonals and some of the limited release stuff. There is an awesome growler store called Craft on Draft that goes above and beyond to get GA beers and good beers. They can also serve in limited amounts on site, so you can get flights, a small glass, etc. In my opinion they are hands down the best place in town overall. There is another growler store in town near campus but it is garbage. There are a lot of good restaurants that have good beer selections. Bleu Cafe and Blue Pub downtown do well and there are a bunch of others that do decent. Friends, Steel Magnolia, Tipsy Cow, some others. There are NO breweries but Georgia Beer Company is in the works. No word on how soon they will be open but they are great dudes. I'm president of the local homebrew club if you're into that. Best part is you're about 1.5 hours from Tallahassee and 2 hours from Jacksonville, both of which have fantastic beer scenes. Keep in touch!
@LoganStegman, welcome to the South! Valdosta itself may not be the region's beer epicenter but it's not at all like you're moving to Siberia! Others above have made some great points. I'd point out that, in addition to the trips @drowland mentioned in his post, you'll essentially be equidistant between Atlanta (the ATL) and Tampa/St Pete (with Gainesville along the way). Clearly, you won't pop into either of those after work on a random Tuesday but they're both really worthwhile long-weekend trips. (Hell, so too would Savannah and Charleston.) If you make it here to Tampa, hit me up: First beer's on me! Safe travels; cheers!
@LoganStegman Valdosta is about 3 hours away from Atlanta which I'm sure you have already researched. Just in case you didn't know, Atlanta is home to two of the best beer bars in the country in The Porter and Brick Store Pub so if you are looking to do a weekend trip to the ATL, these are two bars that should be at the top of your list. Welcome to Georgia!
This is true, but we don't get much in Valdosta. Sixers of Jai Alai and Maduro, occasionally something different like Florida Cracker or the new Tampa Lager. Bombers of Puppy's Breath and Strawberry Shortcake hit town recently, both of which are still on the shelves.
I'd say ATL is more like four hours away, but I suppose that's where you're headed in ATL and where you live in Valdosta. But, those folks are right, Valdosta is almost dead in between Atlanta and Tampa, both of which have essentially infinite breweries, bars, and beer activities. Gainesville is on the interstate on the way to Tampa to boot, which is a nice stop off. We are also close to Orlando if you have kids and/or are into Disney, Universal, and all that stuff. There are some great places in the greater Orlando area as well. So yeah, all in all, Valdosta isn't all that bad for beer, but if you get bored, lots of places close enough for a quick trip. I might also add that Savannah, GA is an amazing place to visit. Not beer heaven, but some good stuff, and the town itself is just awesome. Hit The Distillery and then roam the historic district. Heaven!
That would be awesome! So far all of the bombers we've gotten, Craft on Draft has also gotten kegs. I think they still have Shortcake and nitro Puppy's on tap right now.
I live about an hour North of Valdosta so don't have a lot of input, but I have a friend that goes to VSU and lives down there and has mentioned to me several times that Orpheus is sold in Valdosta. Get some Transmigration of Souls in you!!!!!
Thanks a ton for the responses guys. I'm actually a native Floridian, so know all about the great growing beer scene down there. Just didn't know about locally in Valdosta but it seems like I'll be able to get a long just fine. Moving out there in a few weeks, if anyone is local hit me up id love to grab a beer. Thanks again!
I am about 25 minutes north of Gainesville so about and hour from you, if you're interested in some trades I have a bunch of stuff and the beer stores in Gville are always stocked with goodies.
That is true, we get almost all of their six packs and Craft on Draft even gets some of the specialty kegs. Great stuff! Craft on Draft often gets the likes of Burnt Hickory, Wrecking Bar, Orpheus, etc. as well as Moon River, Coastal Empire, Southbound, etc. Usually plenty of decent to awesome GA beer to go around!
I'll reiterate the Craft on Draft recommendations. By far the best place in town for craft beer. Owners are great, easy to talk to. Their bottle/can selection is growing and can probably get you what you want if it is distributed, if you ask. I am in Valdosta 1-2 times per month from Gainesville, FL area and make it a mandatory stop each time I'm in the area. I love the Burnt Hickory brews, all pretty solid offerings.
