Whether you’re in search of a Munich-style Dunkel or an India Pale Ale, Knoxville’s got it on tap. And given our heritage as the Maker City, it’s only fitting that our city’s best options are brewed locally. From authentic German-style breweries to cheeky Old Town staples, Knoxville “Ale Trail” offers hoppy delights no matter your preferences. To help you narrow down the ever-growing choices to enjoy a cold one – or two – we’ve sipped and scouted a few favorites.

ABRIDGED BEER COMPANY

100 Lockett Rd, Knoxville, TN 37919 | @abridgedbeer | Abridged Breer Company is a unique brewpub in a former 1950s auto garage. A Bearden favorite, it serves up bites and brews in Southern pub fashion. Go for the beer, stay for the burger!

ALLIANCE BREWING COMPANY

1130 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920 | @alliancebrewing | Alliance Brewing Company is a thriving craft brewery in the Old Sevier District of South Knoxville. At the heart of Alliance Brewing Company is their community, and the taproom functions as a meeting place for everything from exploring Knoxville to giving back to it. Enjoy their prolific, active-lifestyle programming like yoga, run groups, and more. Insider Tip: Bike, walk, or run to receive Ally pricing: $1 off pints, $.50 off half pints.

BALTER BEERWORKS

100 Broadway SW, Knoxville, TN 37902 | @balterbeerworks | Balter Beerworks is a scratch brewpub with a lofty taproom and spacious backyard. Enjoy Mexican & Southern-inspired eats and draft beers in their refurbished service-station space.

THE BLACKHORSE PUB & BREWERY

Alcoa, Clarksville, & Knoxville Locations | @blackhorsebrews | With locations in Alcoa, Clarksville, and Knoxville – the first being in Clarksville – Blackhorse Brewery has been serving up handcrafted beers since 1992. Twenty years later, The Blackhorse Pub & Brewery has become a mainstay gathering place celebrating and preserving the best of East Tennessee.

EBONY & IVORY BREWING

2300 N Central St Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37917 | @ebony_ivory_brewing | Ebony & Ivory Brewing is Knoxville’s first Black-owned brewery, debuting a safe, comfortable, inclusive atmosphere where everyone can find common ground through beer.

IRON FORGE BREWING COMPANY

371 Lonesome Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862 | @ironforgebrew | Iron Forge Brewing Co. is a much-anticipated Sevierville Brewery and Tap Room that’s expected in Fall 2022.

ORANGE HAT BREWING COMPANY

10246 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932 | @orangehatbrewingco | Orange Hat Brewing Company started in the way many breweries do…With two amateur home brewers out in the garage, talking smack over a boiling pot of wort. After a six-pack or two, an idea was born. This idea soon flourished into Hardin Valley’s first Microbrewery, Orange Hat Brewing which serves up craft beer and kombucha. It’s a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy local without all the buzz!

PEACEFUL SIDE SOCIAL

7967 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN 37882 | @peacefulsidesocial | Located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Peaceful Side Social is a brewery and craft kitchen devoted to good brews and protecting the peaceful side of the Great Smoky Mountains.

PRETENTIOUS BEER CO.

131 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902 | @pretentiousbeerco | Serves up new, delicious brews in the heart of the Old City. Expect your exciting beer to come in equally exciting glassware crafted by sister-company, Pretentious Glass.

PRINTSHOP BEER CO.

1532 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920 | @printshopbeer | Printshop Beer Co. is a riverfront craft brewery in South Knox with patio + to-go offerings.

SCHULZ BRÄU BREWING COMPANY

126 Bernard Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 | @schulzbraubrewing | Boasting the title of one of the largest – and best! – German Biergartens in the South, Schulz delivers an authentic experience from their brews (locally crafted + imported) to their atmosphere. Enjoy their misting system during the summer and fire pits come winter.

TRI-HOP BREWERY

205 Court St, Maryville, TN 37804 | @trihopbrewery | Tri-Hop Brewery is a Maryville-based craft brewery offering beers brewed onsite, plus occasional guest taps and loose beers to enjoy onsite or to-go. Bring the whole family, including your pups!

XUL BEER CO.

213 E 5th Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 | @xulbeer | Take in the skyline of Marble City from their taproom, a renovated 1960s car showroom. Enjoy a casual drink during the day and more energy by night. P.S. It’s pronounced with a “z,” like Zul.

YEE-HAW BREWING CO.

Pigeon Forge & Knoxville | @yeehaw_knoxville | What began in the heart of Johnson City, you’ll now find Yee-Haw in Johnson City, Pigeon Forge, Greenville, Nashville, and Knoxville. Sample their tons of inventive brews, from the rich and complex Dunkel to the creamy, slightly hoppy Cerveza – and more.

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Did we miss your favorite local brewery? Let us know via email to nominate them for Volume 7!