If Autumn has you craving a good ale, you are not alone. There is actually a history behind the desire for hops and barley tastes in the fall, traditionally the harvest season. The closer brewing is to harvest in late summer and early fall, the better the beer tastes. Do not argue with science. Instead, enjoy a sip of your favorite when you feel the first chill.
When visiting Tybee Island, you have your pick of patios and decks to kick back with a cold one.
At A-J’s Dockside Restaurant order a Compass Rose from Service Brewing Co. of Savannah. The IPA will go great with boiled shrimp while watching the sunset. Another favorite at A-J's is the Goin’ Coastal from Sweet Water Brewing Co., brewed in Atlanta.
Bottled beers served at Pier 16 Seafood Restaurant include the Mountain Jam Bound from Southern Brewing Co. in Savannah, Island Coastal Lager made in Charleston, and the Terrapin Hopsecutioner IPA brewed in Athens, Ga.
The Rock House Original Bar & Grill has on draft both Tybee Blonde from the Coastal Empire Beer Co. of Savannah and Land Shark, made across the state line in Jacksonville, Fla. Either one makes an Island-style choice for flavor.
Salt Island Fish & Beer offers one of the most robust selections of craft beers. Try Monday Night Brewing Co.'s Astronomical Arugula, brewed in Atlanta; Wild Heaven’s Sunburst and Emergency Drinking Beer, brewed in Avondale, Ga.; a slew of IPAs from Southern Brewing Co.; and many, many more.
The Deck Beachbar & Kitchen also serves an eclectic array of brewskies. Try the Tropicalia IPA, brewed by Creature Comforts Brewing Co. in Athens and the Scattered Sun Belgian Wit from Savannah’s Southbound Brewing Co. On tap, The Deck offers Service Brewing Co.’s Rally Point Pilsner; Southbound’s Mountain Jam Lager; and Coastal Empire Beer Co.’s Tybee Island Blonde Kolsch. For non-beer drinks, try the Treehorn Cider, made in Marietta, Ga.
Enjoy half-price drinks during Happy Hour at Zunzibar, a festive watering hole that serves brews from Coastal Empire, Creature Comforts and Southbound brewing companies. In addition, Zunzibar's menu includes Rapturous, a raspberry sour ale from Three Taverns Brewery in Decatur, Ga.
That craft beer itinerary should get you off to a great start. There is no shortage of flavor (or imagination) in these selections of regional craft beers. And we did not even mention pumpkin-flavored brews. Discover your new favorite on your next Tybee Island vacation.