Technology is Brewing Innovation at These Local Establishments
With the need for safe, social interactions increasing and temperatures steadily rising, we’re embarking on what we’ve dubbed “perfect patio weather season.” You know, that time of year when your allergies are in full swing, yet you still want to be outdoors 24/7. And what pairs better with the scent of flowers blooming in the air and more sunshine throughout the day (thanks daylight savings!) than a nice cold, refreshing beer? Pretty much nothing. Except, maybe pizza.
Fresh off the heels of our recent Feb-Brew-Ary Mind of a Maker event, where Master Brewer Nicholas Fowler shared an end-to-end brewing demo and insight into the art and science behind brewing great beer, it was safe to say we not only learned a ton, but still had beer on the brain.
So alas, being the beer-enthusiasts and nerds we are, we went searching for the best local breweries – but with a technology and innovation focus. Fortunately, we didn’t have to look too far, as Atlanta is home to more than 30 breweries and brewpubs.
Below are three standout breweries that made our themed list:
Photo courtesy of Beth McKibben/Eater Atlanta
Halfway Crooks Beer – Summerhill
This ten-barrel, tech-themed brewery (thanks to two of the three co-owners being electrical engineers, including one Georgia Tech alum), is complete with a two-story brewhouse and retractable roof that serves up some pretty sweet views along with their specialty beers and meat pies.
The tech ambiance speaks volumes to the owners’ personalities. According to Eater Atlanta, “the beer menu above the bar downstairs and the bank of televisions along the wall at the entrance to the brewery were created using several Raspberry Pi devices (micro computers used by tech hobbyists) to control the displays” while “display fonts resemble a VisiCalc spreadsheet with ASCII art on a green monochrome monitor.” Eventually, there are plans to continue the tech theme in other areas of the establishment, including old computers and video game consoles.
Photo courtesy of AJC
2. Pour Taproom – Atlanta Beltline's Eastside Trail
A self-service beer, cider, and wine bar that allows patrons to sample a large variety of different beverages that are currently rotating.
According to AJC, “technology is the key to the process and success of the business.” From RFID wristbands to the self-serve system, to “tablets connected to the Untappd networking service display tasting notes and ratings for each beer,” this 80-plus tap venue focuses on paying by the ounce, not the glass – and of course, oozes with technology.
Photo courtesy of Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine
3. New Realm Brewing Company – Atlanta Beltline's Eastside Trail
A fan-favorite, this 20,000 square-foot restaurant and brewery offers breathtaking views, fantastic food, and refreshing beers – all in the name of innovation.
According to Master Brewer and co-founder, Mitch Steele, “Innovation has been a hallmark of craft brewing since day one.” He continues, “Innovation takes many forms. Inspiration can come from anywhere.” Additionally, he believes the key to true innovation is to pay attention and stay curious, adding that “collaborations are a great way to get out of your comfort zone” – something we pride ourselves on here at Tech Square ATL (TSQATL) Social Club!
If this doesn’t have your mouth watering, just wait until we unveil our very-own Technology Enterprise Park (TEP) beer at our part-two Mind of a Maker event on Thursday, March 18. From 4 to 5 p.m., you can join Master Brewer Nicholas Fowler as he taps the TEP Dry Irish Stout and reveals the winning beer name the community voted for! As you have a beer (or two!) with fellow community members, test your beer knowledge and chat with Nicholas and others about the chemistry that gave the TEP Dry Irish Stout it's unique character. Voting for the name of the beer ends Monday, March 15, so be sure to cast yours now!
Have you been to any of these breweries? Let us know in the comments below.