The craft beer scene in LaGrange, Georgia has been thriving since it’s inception in 2017, with the opening of Wild Leap. Beacon Brewing Co. was not far behind, with their Belgian and Bavarian-inspired ales and lagers. Each of the breweries in LaGrange offers a unique approach to brewing and the tap room environment. Visit each of them to get the true experience of this emerging craft beer market!
Wild Leap
The Wild Leap co-founders chose to found their brewery in LaGrange after hosting a craft beer festival in the area in 2015. The event drew a huge crowd and convinced the Wild Leap team that LaGrange was ready to support a brewery of it’s own. They found a building from the early 20th century, the former Westbrook Service and Tire Co., for their brewery and tap room. Wild Leap sits just south of downtown LaGrange, effectively expanding the downtown area beyond the original square. An outer glass wall allows customers to view the brewing and canning facilities. Inside, a large bar showcases their beautiful taps. The building is spacious and designed to accommodate crowds for celebrations, weddings, and corporate events.
Since Wild Leap opened in a town that was relatively new to the craft beer scene, they focused on approachable, easy-drinking beers. Their strategy is clearly working, as they were voted USA Today’s Reader’s Choice for best new brewery in the U.S. in 2019! One of their signature beers, “Local Gold”, is a tribute to LaGrange residents and is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. They have consistently launched new beers to add to their tap list and have several staples as well as seasonal and rotating brews.
Wider distribution of Wild Leap beers was always part of the plan, and their distribution continues to grow. You can take home a six pack of your favorite beer from their tap room or from stores in an ever-expanding territory. The Wild Leap team has even expanded with a new brewery, just steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Even a craft beer novice will enjoy their easy-drinking brews, and the knowledgeable staff will help you choose a beer that fits your tastes! Check out some of our favorites, and give them a try during your next visit!
Local Gold Blonde Ale
A hybrid style that blends elements of a German Kolsch, English Bitter and American Blonde Ale to create a dry, crisp and refreshing ale that is enjoyable year-round.
Chance IPA
Chance is an “easy-drinking” IPA similar to Northeastern or East Coast styles in malt balance, haze and hop aromas. The juicy hop blend creates grapefruit, melon, strawberry and passion fruit aromas to give the beer a soft bitterness.
LMN ADE
LMN ADE is a sour ale with Meyer Lemon, vanilla bean and milk sugar. This local favorite was rated a 94 by Beer Connoisseur, one of the leading craft beer publications.
Beacon Brewing Co.
Beacon Brewing Co. is LaGrange’s first brewpub, featuring distinctive beers and a fusion of Asian and Southern cuisine.
The founders of Beacon were inspired by history, that of the Hillside area and of their own family. Hillside was once the heart of the booming textile industry established by magnate Fuller E. Callaway, an ancestor of Beacon’s founder! Several of the local mills were owned by the Callaway family, and each month they distributed an employee newsletter; The Beacon. Beacon Brewing aims to revive a once-thriving area of LaGrange, and bring attention back to a storied area of the city.
Beacon focuses on extraordinary, experimental beers with distinct flavors, drawing inspiration from traditional Belgian and Bavarian style beers. Most of their beer names have historical significance in the area. Brewer Liv Lawnick draws inspiration from her background in chemistry and her German-Polish heritage. She’s a first generation American and granddaughter of immigrant mill workers.
Their beers are brewed with distinctive and surprising flavors, so it’s fun to get a flight and taste everything. You can get a growler of any beer on tap, and many of their craft beers can be purchased in cans. Check out some of their most popular brews!
Harper Hill Oatmeal Stout
Hillside IPA
Sweetland Light
More than just beer, Beacon also features an impression Southern-Asian-Fusion menu, full of delicious surprises. The entire brewpub is dog-friendly, and the outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy dinner and a beer in warmer months. There’s a small-town, friendly relationship between guests and the staff, hanging out at Beacon will make you feel like like a LaGrange local!
Grabbing Beers Around Town
There are plenty of other great spots to grab an ice cold beer in LaGrange! Many local attractions feature Wild Leap and Beacon beers, alongside a wide variety of other national and regional favorites. If you’re planning a guy’s night out, a restaurant serving your new favorite LaGrange lager, or are looking for a fun attraction that also includes delicious beer, look no further!
Mare Sol
Owned by the same group as Beacon Brewing, Mare Sol is well known for their delicious blend of Southern and Mediterranean cuisines. You’ll find Beacon beers on the menu here, alongside an impressive wine and spirit list.
Sweetland Amphitheatre
What’s a concert without cold beer? Many of Sweetland’s performances allow for alcohol to be purchased by adult patrons! Wild Leap and Beacon are both served here. Don’t miss the Beacon special, Sweetland Light.
Chop House
One of LaGrange’s newest attractions, Chop House Axe Throwing is a great way to blow off some steam after a long week. Pair this fun activity, steps from LaFayette Square, with an ice cold beer and unwind with friends and family.
Pure Life
No beer is served here, but Pure Life House of Music is well known for its BYOB policy! Bring your favorite LaGrange brew to your next show, but be sure to be respectful of fellow patrons in this storied space.
Main Street Pub
For the classic bar experience, look no further than the Main Street Pub. Their bar is well stocked with local and national beers, and you’re likely to find good music, good conversation, or both!
Drive Bar
Located in neighboring Hogansville, Drive Bar is a high-tech driving range with an equally high-tech bar! There are many craft favorites available from Drive Bar’s state of the art tap system.
In each LaGrange brewery, you’ll feel that you’re part of something new and exciting. With the increasing distribution of Wild Leap and Beacon, it’s easy to see how quickly LaGrange, Georgia is placing itself on the nationwide craft beer map.
