Holiday spirits…? I’m not talking about the ghosts of holidays past.
While we may prefer the traditional holiday festivities to which we are accustomed, 2020 has given us all a unique perspective. So it’s in the spirit of not taking things for granted that I’d like to propose a toast to a hard year and encourage you to take the opportunity to reflect on the things we’re thankful for — alcohol included.
Whether you are looking for something to do with your close group of family and friends, or a gift for those important people that love local craft brews, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorites:
A list of Nashville Breweries and Holiday Spirits
Bearded Iris Brewing Co.
Do you like IPAs and DIPAs? This is the brewery for you. I wasn’t much of an IPA drinker until I stumbled upon BIBCO. Easy to drink, floral and fruit notes, and a lot of tender-loving care go into their beers.
I guarantee everyone can find something easy to drink here. The taproom is kid-friendly, and you can bring your own food. Looking to get out but want to socially distance? They have an outdoor seating area if the weather is nice. BONUS… it’s pet-friendly! They also sell growlers and beer to go.
New Heights Brewing Co.
This is one of my FAVORITE breweries to get those thick, inky, wintery dark beers. But that’s not all they do well! Their offerings include Ales, Sours, IPAs, Tripels, Porters, Stouts… even a Barleywine! If you’re a lover of barrel-aged options, they currently have a Winter Spiced Barrel-Aged Navel Gazer Imperial/Double, the Leiper’s Fork Whiskey Barrel-Aged Navel Gazer with Rum Oak Staves Imperial/Double, and the George Dickel Barrel Aged Gobsmacked finished with Cabernet Oak Staves Barleywine.
New Heights also offers curbside pick-up. Order on their website and pick up some exciting brews to gift the brew connoisseurs on your list. Don’t forget a gift for yourself, too.
Southern Grist
How do I love thee, Southern Grist? Let me count the ways! Creativity is on tap at this local brewery with an ever-changing tap list. Sours? They’ve got ‘em – including Marshmallow Apricot Blackberry Hill, Vanilla Double-Fruited Strawberry Hill, and an Imperial Sour Ale brewed with lactose, blue raspberry gummy rings and gummy sharks called Imperial Rings and Fins Hill.
Looking for dark beers? They have those too — including Pity Mints (a chocolate mint sweet stout), Cinnamon Banana Copra Kai, and a spicy stout made with cinnamon, vanilla beans, cacao nibs, and dried chili peppers called Canela Oscuro.
Looking to support a cause? Southern Grist also has a New England IPA called People Power, brewed in collaboration with People Power Beer to benefit the ACLU.
Southern Grist has two convenient locations — one in East Nashville and one in The Nations — with a slight variation on what’s available at both, so be sure to check out both online! Currently, they are open for carry-out, curbside, and delivery only, Monday through Saturday.
Crazy Gnome
This local brewery is fairly new on the scene. Shortly after opening, the tornado ripped through Main Street in East Nashville, causing quite a bit of damage to their location. They are back up and running full speed ahead now, so you have no excuses not to visit them or pick up some of their delicious beer.
The husband and I recently visited and took home a growler of their Belgian Brioche. We also sampled many others, including a Black Rye Porter and a Black IPA. Another one of my faves there is Chaotic Dreams, an Imperial Black Saison with sweet honey, spice, and everything nice.
They have a socially-distanced inside space, along with a patio outside that is dog-friendly, along with offering growlers to go. Rumor has it that they’ve got a Tripel in the making…and you better believe I’m stalking them so I know the minute it’s available.
Honeytree Meadery
Not much of a beer drinker? Craving something new to try? Stop by Honeytree Meadery. These guys produce amazing mead while using environmentally sustainable processes. You can even see the beehive they get their honey from by clicking ‘Apiary’ on their website nav.
Recommendations from yours truly include the Lil Batch and Wedding Toss – delicious entry points into the wonderful world of mead IMO. Stop by to grab a gift for a family or friend, or stop in for a socially distanced experience on their heated patio.
Chopper
Looking for something festive yet tropical? Maybe it would be cool if robots were involved? I’ve got just the thing for you: take part in an Island X-Mas at Chopper Tiki Lounge.
They have plenty of festive decorations, holiday robots, and yes – holiday tunes. They are also featuring some holiday-themed cocktails. Every Sunday they will screen a holiday classic with drink specials and souvenir mugs, along with Sunday brunch from noon to 4.
Bobby Hotel
Maybe you want something a little different and more cozy, so you can be out of the house, yet still tucked away from everyone else around you. The Bobby Hotel is your ticket. With heated igloos and cabins, you can take your small group up to the rooftop for fire pits, holiday trees and decor, blankets, rugs, and a festive menu to help set the tone. Igloos are available for up to 5 people, the cabin can accommodate 10, and for an extra special experience, book a private dinner in their 1956 Scenicruiser bus. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.
The Bobby Hotel is following all social distancing guidelines, and offers space rental if you’re looking for something extra-safe. They also offer online ordering and delivery. Want a little ‘extra’ to add to your mead gifting? Pick up some local honey there as well!
Have a happy holiday, friends!
Disclaimer: While many of the locations mentioned in this article are open for in-person business, you should follow all local guidelines as presented in the Nashville Covid Guidelines.
For more brewery recommendations, follow me at @thefoxxen on Instagram.
