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We enjoyed exploring Tennessee breweries in 2023, and our journey took us to literally every corner of it, from Memphis to Bristol and Trimble to Cooper Hill.
Trimble and Copper Hill? Yes. Those are two little towns in the state’s Northwest and Southeast corners. We assume you’ve heard of Memphis and Bristol in the Southwest and Northeast.
Many of these spots have great camping, hiking, and other recreational activities. But they have something in common: you must want to go there. None are close to other breweries (except the two virtually next door to each other, but more on that later). Each one of these takes a bit of effort to get to. They’re not just right off an interstate highway.
But each one is worth the trip. Enjoy!
Located in the Northwest Corner of TN, near beautiful Reelfoot Lake. The great 1811-1812 earthquake formed the lake that caused the Mississippi River to run backward! Reelfoot Brewery is one of the most remote breweries in TN; it’s over an hour from another brewery. In the far Northeast corner of the state, it’s closer to Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky than it is to Jackson, TN (West TN’s hub city). But it’s worth the drive to visit the beautiful Reelfoot Lake area.
Copper Hill Brewery – Copper Hill
On the opposite corner of the state from Reelfoot Brewery. Copper Hill is on the TN/GA border and only a few miles from the NC border. In fact, the TN/GA line runs through the middle of the Copper Hill taproom, signified with an Orange & Red paint line. This visit takes commitment. There is no fast way to get there, but the drives are gorgeous. Come down TN Highway 68 from Knoxville or drive through the stunning Ocoee River Valley on US Highway 64/74.
Buck Bald Brewing – Copper Hill
If you’ve made the effort to visit Copper Hill, TN, at least there are two breweries to visit. Just a block east of Copper Hill Brewery, Buck Bald had some solid hazy IPAs on tap if you’re into those. There are also several good food options and shops on the main drag. The town is vibrant with tourists on the weekend because of its proximity to Blue Ridge, GA.
Lilly Pad Hopyard Brewery – Lansing
Lilly Pad Hopyard is our favorite out-of-the-way brewery; we’ve been there a couple of times before 2023. Set in a tent campsite with showers and restrooms, this nanobrewery is a great place to enjoy a beer after a long day of climbing, paddling, or hiking. Where else can you enjoy the outdoors, camp, and drink fresh, local beer?
Ok, Dayton is not hard to get to compared to others on the list, but it’s not on an interstate route for easy access. It’s about 90 minutes from Knoxville or 45 from Chattanooga. They have a great kitchen, so come hungry. Their Czech Lager was great. Unlike the flights we shared on most of our 2023 brewery visits, I enjoyed an entire pint with my lunch. If you’re traveling between Knoxville and Chattanooga and have time to kill, don’t take I-75, instead use US Highway 27 and go through Dayton. If you don’t know, Dayton was the site of the Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925.
Twisted Copper Brewing – Mt Pleasant
It’s the only Middle Tennessee Brewery on the list. Mid TN’s brewery layout is dense, many are close to others, and most are off major interstates. Mt Pleasant is a charming town about 20 minutes southwest of Columbia, about an hour south of Nashville. You’ll find some shops and restaurants in the town square. Good beer and friendly people, it’s a good Saturday day trip.