The Top 30 Breweries in Tennessee Ranked

Tennessee has quickly become a strong name in the craft beer scene, with breweries spread from Nashville to Knoxville and beyond. Each taproom brings its own style, whether it’s a focus on traditional brewing methods or pushing the limits with new flavors. The state’s mix of historic roots and creative energy makes it a great place for beer lovers who want variety and quality in every pint.

This article rounds up the best breweries in Tennessee, giving you a guide to some of the top spots worth checking out. From small-town brewpubs to city-based taprooms, we’ll highlight what sets each one apart and why locals keep coming back. Whether you’re planning a brewery tour or just searching for your next go-to pint, this list offers a simple way to get started and support the brewers shaping Tennessee’s beer culture.

#30 – Marble Fox Brewing Co.

Marble Fox Brewing Co., located in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a craft beer experience with a diverse range of innovative brews. Two of their standout offerings are The Method and Pirouette IPA. The Method is a Double IPA that delivers bright citrus flavors with subtle hints of pine and cherries, finishing with a soft, balanced taste. Pirouette IPA is a New England-style IPA brewed with Cashmere, Mosaic, and Strata hops, offering tropical and citrus notes with a smooth texture from added oats. These beers showcase Marble Fox’s creativity and precision, inviting visitors to enjoy flavors that are distinct, memorable, and crafted to leave a lasting impression in Nashville’s craft beer scene.

#29 – Mill Creek Brewing

Mill Creek Brewing Co., located in Nolensville, Tennessee, is known for crafting approachable and flavorful beers that reflect the spirit of Southern hospitality. Two standout offerings are Lil Darlin’ and Del Rey. Lil Darlin’ is a citrus-infused wheat beer brewed with orange peel and coriander, resulting in a smooth, light-bodied, and refreshing profile with a pleasant citrus touch. Del Rey is a Mexican lager that embodies the essence of relaxation, offering a crisp and light taste that’s perfect for unwinding. These beers exemplify Mill Creek Brewing Co.’s commitment to quality and innovation, providing unique flavors that cater to a wide range of palates. Their family-friendly taproom in Nolensville offers a welcoming space to enjoy these and other rotating creations, making it a destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

#28 – Memphis Made Brewing Company

Memphis Made Brewing Company, based in Memphis, is known for a beer lineup that blends consistency with creativity. Fireside Amber Ale is one of their best-known offerings, delivering a malty profile with a subtle roasted finish that appeals to a wide range of drinkers. Cat Nap IPA is another favorite, standing out with tropical fruit notes like mango, pineapple, and peach balanced by a clean bitterness. Alongside these staples, the brewery rotates seasonal and small-batch releases that keep their taps interesting and give locals something new to try throughout the year. Their beers can be found across Tennessee making them accessible beyond Memphis. With a strong reputation for approachable flavors and steady quality, Memphis Made Brewing Company has become a reliable stop for both longtime fans and visitors looking to enjoy craft beer in the heart of the city.

#27 – Grind City Brewing Co.

Grind City Brewing Co., located in Memphis, has gained attention for its balanced mix of easy-drinking classics and bold flavors. Among their most popular beers is Poppy’s Pils, a crisp American pilsner that delivers a clean finish with light hop character. The Godhopper is another standout, a hazy IPA that brings tropical fruit notes with a smooth bitterness, making it approachable for a wide range of drinkers. The brewery also offers Tiger Tail, a strong malt liquor aged on oak for a fuller flavor, and seasonal options like their Oktoberfest, a traditional Marzen with malty depth. Beyond these, Grind City continues to experiment with small-batch creations that bring variety to their taproom and local market. This combination of reliable staples and rotating specialties has helped Grind City Brewing become a popular name in the Memphis craft beer scene.

#26 – Schulz Bräu Brewing

Schulz Bräu Brewing, located in Knoxville, is recognized for staying true to traditional German brewing methods while offering a wide variety of classic styles. Their Munich Dunkel is one of the most popular choices, bringing rich malt flavor with touches of caramel and nutty notes, while their German Pilsner is clean, crisp, and balanced with traditional hops. The brewery also produces a Schwarzbier that combines roasted malts with a smooth finish, and a Rauchbier that adds a touch of smoked character without being too heavy. With a lineup built on heritage and consistency, Schulz Bräu Brewing continues to be a favorite stop for beer fans in Knoxville who enjoy well-crafted German-inspired brews.

#25 – Red Silo Brewing Company

Red Silo Brewing Company in Cookeville has made its mark by offering a wide variety of approachable and experimental beers that appeal to many drinkers. Among their fan favorites are P-Nit Butta Porter, which blends rich roast with a bold peanut butter note, and You Mango Me Crazy, a fruit-beer that brings tropical sweetness and light fruity aroma. Beyond their staples, Red Silo rotates in sours, cream ales, and seasonal beers to keep the tap list fresh. Their variety is a big part of their popularity because there’s something for people who like bold flavors and something for people who prefer lighter styles. The brewery has become a local gathering spot both for tasting and seeing new releases from their ever-growing beer collection.

#24 – Crazy Gnome Brewery

Crazy Gnome Brewery, based in Nashville, is known for offering a creative mix of traditional and experimental beers that keep people coming back. Two of their popular choices include Red Hat Ale, a red Irish-style ale with a malty backbone and rye notes, and Crooked Smile Kolsch, a crisp and refreshing take on a German classic. Beyond these staples, the brewery rotates seasonal and small-batch beers that highlight different styles, from hoppy IPAs to tart sours. This variety helps the taproom maintain a strong following among locals who enjoy trying something new while still having dependable favorites on the menu. Crazy Gnome has built its reputation on consistency, friendly service, and a wide-ranging tap list that makes it a go-to spot for beer fans in the Nashville area.

#23 – Fait la Force Brewing

Fait la Force Brewing in Nashville is known for making Belgian- and European-style beers with care and creativity. One of their most praised beers is Orchestral Fanfare, a saison that shows off citrus and spice from yeast and a dry earthy finish. Another favorite is Mahogany Hall, a German-style doppelbock that blends roast, caramel, and dark malt flavors with a smooth malt sweetness. Their menu also includes European-style lagers, Belgian tripels, pale ales, and pilsners, giving drinkers many kinds of styles to choose from. Fans often point out that Fait la Force balances tradition with small twists, making each beer approachable yet interesting. Their brewery strives to keep at least one saison on tap at all times, and their beers tend to appeal to people who enjoy depth in malt, yeast character, and subtle hop work.

#22 – Meddlesome Brewing Co.

Meddlesome Brewing Co., in Cordova (Memphis area), earns praise for having beers that range from bold to easy-drinking and for experimenting with styles. One of their most loved beers is 201 Hoplar IPA, a West Coast style IPA known for pine, grapefruit, and ripe pineapple hop character. Another standout is Brass Bellows Blonde Ale, a smoother, lighter ale that works well when someone wants something less heavy but still flavorful. They also produce seasonal releases like Hotter’N Helles, which adds more malt to the warm-weather beer style, and Heavy Meddle, a Scotch-style ale that many locals enjoy for its richness and depth. Meddlesome is also well-regarded in local beer awards and often ranks among the top breweries in the Memphis area, thanks to both their core line and rotating special releases.

#21 – East Nashville Beer Works

East Nashville Beer Works, in Nashville, stands out for offering a wide range of beer styles that balance brightness with drinkability. Two of their most well-known core beers are Miro Miel, a honey blonde ale brewed with local honey, and East Bank Citra IPA, which delivers citrus aroma and hop character without overwhelming bitterness. Their year-round beer line also includes Tennessee Sipper, a golden light ale, and Sour SZN, a fruit sour with strawberry and lime that many find crisp and refreshing. Beyond the staples, they release seasonal lagers, limit IPAs, and occasional limited-edition beers that lean toward experimental flavors. Their taproom is family- and dog-friendly, with a spacious outdoor garden that draws both locals and visitors. East Nashville Beer Works has become a go-to for beer drinkers in Nashville who like core beers that are solid and rotating options that surprise.

#20 – Crafty Bastard Brewery

Crafty Bastard Brewery in Knoxville is known for offering a wide and creative beer selection that mixes bold flavors with drinkability. Two of their most popular beers are Hop Candy IPA, which brings out notes like tangerine, sweet melon, and white grape, and Tessellation IPA, a West Coast-style IPA loaded with hops and firm bitterness that hop lovers praise. Their menu also includes lighter styles like lagers and fruit-influenced beers, as well as sours and experimental seasonal brews, which keep the taps interesting. Locals particularly like that the brewery maintains consistency in its core offerings while bringing in new and seasonal beers to try. The atmosphere in their taprooms is friendly, and their rotating beer lineup has helped Crafty Bastard become a strong name in Knoxville’s craft beer scene.

#19 – Smoky Mountain Brewery

Smoky Mountain Brewery, with locations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, and Maryville, is one of East Tennessee’s veterans in craft beer. Among its most popular beers are Appalachia Pale Ale, a dry and hoppy ale with citrus-flower hop notes, and Cherokee Red Ale, a medium-bodied amber ale with malt sweetness and subtle fruity tones. Fans also often enjoy Black Bear Ale, an English-style brown ale with rich malt character and light roastiness, and Helles, a European style lager that is more mild in hops and pleasing for those looking for something easy to drink. Their beer selection includes a line of flagships, seasonal beers like Harvest Fest, and special Brewmaster editions that rotate. The brewery is appreciated by locals and travelers alike for its consistent flavor, broad variety, and ability to offer both bold beers and gentler styles.

#18 – Hampline Brewing Co.

Hampline Brewing Co., in Memphis, is known for pushing flavor boundaries especially with hop-forward styles and inventive sours. One of their standout beers is Handlebar Haze, a New England IPA with smooth texture and tropical hop aroma using Mosaic, Citra, and El Dorado hops. Another popular choice is Memphis Natch, a refreshing lager brewed with pils malt and noble hops, with a mild floral aroma that makes it easygoing and broadly appealing. Their wide beer list also includes fruited sours like Cherry Bomb, which blends cherry, almond, and lemon for a tart kick. Hampline often experiments in small batches, which helps keep their lineup interesting. Their beers tend to balance bold flavor with drinkability, making them a favorite among Memphis beer fans who want variety without overkill.

#17 – Xul Beer Company

XÜL Beer Company, based in Knoxville, has made a name for itself through a bold mix of IPAs, sours, lagers, and pastry-style beers that push boundaries while still appealing to many beer fans. Two of their most talked-about beers are Paper Crowns, a hazy IPA built with Citra and Citra Cryo hops for juicy, tropical flavors, and PB&J Mixtape, a fruited sour that brings peanut butter and berry notes together for a sweet and nostalgic profile. Their lager line is also strong, with styles such as Mexican lager and Märzen that offer lighter, easygoing alternatives when someone wants something less intense. XÜL has expanded since its start in 2020, adding a second taproom in Hardin Valley and improving their downtown space to add capacity and tap options. Beer lovers in Knoxville and surrounding areas often mention XÜL when asked about the breweries doing the most creative work.

#16 – Gatlinburg Brewing Company

Gatlinburg Brewing Company in Gatlinburg is known for having a wide selection of creative beers that appeal to many styles. Two of their most popular choices are Breakfast Juice, a New England-style IPA with tropical fruit tones and a pillowy texture, and Don’t Feed The Bears, an American brown ale praised for its rich malt flavor, chocolate and nut notes, and easy drinkability. Their lineup also includes lighter ales like Gatty Light, experimental sours like Wicked Pickle, and smoky lagers like Smoke On the Lager to offer contrast for those who want less hoppy or lighter styles. The brewery also has locations in Sevierville, giving more people access to their taps. Visitors like Gatlinburg Brewing Company for its variety, friendly vibe, and regular rotation of seasonal or specialty beers that keep things interesting without straying too far from familiar favorites.

#15 – Black Abbey Brewing Company

Black Abbey Brewing Company in Nashville is recognized for its Belgian-inspired styles and carefully crafted ales that have become local favorites. Two of their most popular beers are The Rose Blonde Ale, a Belgian Blonde with light spice and fruity yeast character, and The Forty Four Porter, a coffee porter brewed with Hawaiian and Kenyan beans that gives a smooth yet bold roasted flavor. Beyond these flagships, the brewery keeps a strong rotation of seasonal and specialty releases that showcase both classic European traditions and creative takes on modern brewing. Their mix of approachable styles and more complex offerings makes the taproom a favorite stop for Nashville beer fans looking for dependable quality paired with variety.

#14 – Hutton & Smith Brewing Company

Hutton & Smith Brewing Company, located in Chattanooga, is well-known for making IPAs and pale ales that balance juicy hop flavor with drinkability. Two of their standout beers are Igneous IPA, which offers citrus and pine aromas with a clean finish, and The Promenade, a New England-style IPA that brings out tropical fruit tones wrapped in haze but remains smooth and not overly bitter. Their core lineup also includes beers like Tectonic Session IPA and The Good Schist pale ale, which many locals turn to when they want something lighter yet flavorful. Fans appreciate how the brewery keeps these staples strong, while also releasing seasonal and small-batch beers so there’s always something new to try. With solid beers across their menu, Hutton & Smith has built a reputation for consistency, creative hop work, and being a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts in the Chattanooga area.

#13 – Barrique Brewing and Blending

Barrique Brewing and Blending in Nashville specializes in oak-aged, mixed fermentation, and wild ales that appeal to drinkers who enjoy beers with depth. One well-known beer is Festbier, a crisp malty lager with notes of bready sweetness and soft hops that balance its richness. Another standout is Wet Hop Strata, a wild ale that won a gold medal in the wood- and barrel-aged sour category at the 2023 Great American Beer Festival. This beer features fresh-picked Strata hops and Tennessee-grown peaches, offering a unique blend of flavors. Their wild beer cellar includes many barrel-aged saisons, spontaneous ales, and fruited wild blends using local Tennessee fruit like plums, blackberries, and Concord grapes. Barrique takes time with its beer making, letting oak and yeast layers develop flavor slowly. Beer fans in the Nashville area often place Barrique among the best for wild, sour, and barrel-aged beers that offer a different experience from typical IPA or stout options.

#12 – Smith & Lentz Brewing

Smith & Lentz Brewing Company in East Nashville is celebrated for its exceptional lagers and pilsners, which have garnered a dedicated following among local beer enthusiasts. Two standout offerings are Mosaic IPA, a West Coast-style IPA known for its bold hop profile featuring notes of blueberry, grapefruit, and pine, and German Pils, a traditional lager that delivers a crisp, clean finish with a pleasant hop bitterness. The brewery’s commitment to quality is evident in its diverse lineup, which includes a variety of pilsners and lagers, each crafted with precision and care. Smith & Lentz also offers a selection of ales and seasonal brews, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Their East Nashville location provides a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors to enjoy their meticulously brewed beers.

#11 – Fat Bottom Brewing Co.

Fat Bottom Brewing Co., established in Nashville, is celebrated for its approachable and flavorful beers that cater to a wide range of palates. Two standout offerings are Knockout IPA and Ruby American Red Ale. Knockout IPA is a classic American IPA brewed with Bravo, Cascade, and Pacific Jade hops, delivering a bold hop profile with notes of grapefruit and citrus, balanced by a malt backbone. Ruby American Red Ale is a malt-forward beer with a medium hop presence, featuring a dark copper hue and a balanced, malty sweetness that has made it a flagship beer since the brewery’s inception. Fat Bottom Brewing Co. also offers a diverse range of other beers, including Hazel Hazy IPA, Sandy Blonde Ale, and Teddy Loves Pilsner, ensuring there’s something for every beer enthusiast to enjoy.

#10 – New Heights Brewing Company

New Heights Brewing Company, located in Nashville, is known for its innovative and flavorful beers that cater to a wide range of palates. Two standout offerings are Coffee & Cream and Navel Gazer. Coffee & Cream is a cream ale infused with coffee from Crema Coffee, delivering a smooth and rich flavor profile with a hint of vanilla. Navel Gazer is an imperial stout brewed with elderberries, cacao nibs, and Hungarian oak, resulting in a decadent beer with notes of toasty sweet malt and a silky smooth mouthfeel. In addition to these, New Heights offers a variety of other beers, including Damguday, a hazy IPA, and Red Lasso, an American red ale, ensuring there’s something for every beer enthusiast to enjoy. Their commitment to quality and creativity has made them a beloved establishment in Nashville’s craft beer scene.

#9 – Blackstone Brewing Company

Blackstone Brewing Company, the oldest craft brewery in Nashville, is known for producing a range of excellent beers that appeal to both casual drinkers and craft enthusiasts. Two of their most popular beers are St. Charles Porter, a rich brown porter with deep malt flavors and subtle chocolate notes, and Chaser Pale Kolsch, a crisp, clean ale with light hop aroma and a refreshing finish. The brewery also rotates seasonal and limited-edition beers, offering new options while keeping quality consistent. Their TapHouse provides a welcoming space for tasting and often features food trucks, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. With decades of experience, Blackstone continues to craft beers that balance tradition with approachable flavors that attract both longtime fans and new beer drinkers.

#8 – TailGate Brewery

TailGate Brewery, an independent craft brewery based in Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its diverse and flavorful beer offerings. Among its standout selections are Peanut Butter Milk Stout and TailGate Orange Wheat. Peanut Butter Milk Stout is a medium-bodied stout that combines rich chocolate and coffee notes with a distinct peanut butter flavor, earning it multiple international awards. TailGate Orange Wheat, the brewery’s flagship beer, is an American wheat ale infused with orange, delivering a light-bodied, creamy, and zesty profile. This beer recently won a gold medal at the 2025 U.S. Beer Open Championship, highlighting its exceptional quality. TailGate Brewery operates several taprooms across Nashville and Chattanooga, offering a variety of beers and a scratch-made pizza menu, creating a welcoming environment for beer enthusiasts.

#7 – Wiseacre Brewing Co.

Wiseacre Brewing Co., based in Memphis, Tennessee, is celebrated for its creative and approachable beers. Two of their most popular beers are Ananda IPA, a wheat-infused IPA with citrus, melon, and mango notes balanced by a soft malt body, and Memphis Sands, a Helles Lager with a crisp, clean profile and subtle malt sweetness. These two beers highlight Wiseacre’s ability to combine flavor and drinkability, appealing to both casual beer drinkers and craft enthusiasts. The brewery also rotates seasonal and experimental beers, offering a range of styles for those who like to try something new. Wiseacre’s taprooms provide a welcoming environment for enjoying their beers, whether you’re visiting with friends or sampling on your own. The focus on quality, consistency, and crowd-pleasing flavors has made Wiseacre a standout brewery in Memphis.

#6 – Yee-Haw Brewing Co.

Yee-Haw Brewing Co., based in Johnson City, Tennessee, is known for its diverse and flavorful beer offerings. Two standout selections are Yee-Hazy, a New England-style IPA, and Vol Lager, a crisp American light lager. Yee-Hazy is brewed with a blend of hops that bring notes of orange julius, grapefruit candy, mango creamsicle, and pineapple sorbet, with a smooth, pillowy mouthfeel. Vol Lager is refreshing and clean, offering a balanced taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. These beers reflect Yee-Haw’s dedication to quality and creativity, providing options that appeal to a wide range of palates. The brewery operates taprooms in Johnson City, Knoxville, Nashville, and Greenville, South Carolina, giving beer enthusiasts multiple locations to enjoy their offerings in a welcoming environment.

#5 – Jackalope Brewing Company

Jackalope Brewing Company, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is renowned for its innovative and flavorful beers. Two standout offerings are Bearwalker and Thunder Ann. Bearwalker is a maple brown ale that pays homage to the brewer’s Vermont roots by incorporating 100% Vermont maple syrup, resulting in a distinctive maple flavor complemented by roasted malt notes. Thunder Ann is an American pale ale named after the legendary frontier woman Sally Ann “Thunder Ann” Whirlwind Crockett. This beer features a blend of citrusy American hops, with notes of apricot and mango, balanced by honey and biscuit malts, making it a bold yet approachable choice. Both beers exemplify Jackalope’s commitment to quality and creativity, offering unique flavors that appeal to a wide range of beer enthusiasts.

#4 – Yazoo Brewing Company

Yazoo Brewing Company is based in Madison, Tennessee, just north of Nashville. Two of their most popular beers are Dos Perros and Sly Rye Porter. Dos Perros is an American brown ale brewed with German, English, and chocolate malts, complemented by Perle and Saaz hops, producing a bready aroma and rich, malty flavor. Sly Rye Porter is an English-style porter made with floor-malted Maris Otter malts and malted rye, giving it a chocolaty taste with a subtle, spicy finish. The Madison taproom provides a spacious and welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy these beers along with seasonal and specialty offerings. Yazoo is recognized for maintaining consistent quality while balancing innovation with approachable flavors, making it a staple in the Tennessee craft beer scene.

#3 – Southern Grist Brewing

Southern Grist Brewing Co., based in Nashville, is known for its innovative approach to craft beer. Two of their most popular beers are BroCoNut, an American IPA brewed with coconut that delivers tropical and juicy flavors, and Loud Whispers, a New England-style pale ale double dry-hopped with Mosaic and Vic Secret hops, offering a bold and aromatic experience. Southern Grist produces small-batch beers that experiment with new ingredients and techniques, appealing to adventurous beer enthusiasts. Their taprooms in East Nashville and The Nations provide welcoming spaces to sample these creative offerings. The brewery has earned a reputation for combining high-quality brewing with imaginative flavors, making it a standout in the Tennessee craft beer scene.

#2 – Tennessee Brew Works

Tennessee Brew Works, located in Nashville, is known for its finely tuned craft beers that reflect the land, traditions, and culture of Tennessee. Two of their standout offerings are Walk the Lime and 1927 IPA. Walk the Lime is an American wheat beer made with Tennessee wheat, offering a crisp, tropical, and refreshing profile with fresh lime aromas and flavors of zested citrus and bitter peel, finishing with a clean wheat-driven taste. 1927 IPA is an American IPA with a balanced blend of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, making it a favorite among IPA enthusiasts. These beers showcase Tennessee Brew Works’ dedication to quality and innovation, providing unique flavors that capture the spirit of the state. The brewery’s taproom offers a welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy these craft beers alongside seasonal and experimental releases.

#1 – Bearded Iris Brewing

Bearded Iris Brewing, based in Nashville, is widely regarded as one of the top craft breweries in Tennessee. Known for its hop-forward beers, the brewery delivers consistent quality and innovation that has earned a loyal following among beer enthusiasts. Two of its standout beers are Homestyle and Double Homestyle. Homestyle is a New England-style IPA brewed exclusively with Mosaic hops, offering flavors of grapefruit, strawberry, and fruit tea with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Double Homestyle intensifies the hop profile for a richer, juicier IPA that showcases the brewery’s skill in balancing flavor. The taproom provides a welcoming space to sample these and other rotating creations, reflecting the creativity and care that make this brewery a leader in Tennessee’s craft beer scene. Its consistent excellence makes it the top choice for any craft beer enthusiast.

Tennessee’s Brewing Roots: From Historic Hops to Modern Craft

Tennessee’s brewing history stretches back over a century, with early breweries in cities like Nashville and Memphis shaping the state’s beer culture. These historic breweries were significant local hubs, producing large quantities of beer and employing many workers, which helped establish a strong brewing tradition in the region.

In recent years, Tennessee’s craft beer scene has grown considerably, with new breweries opening across the state. Many of these breweries work closely with local farmers to source fresh ingredients through programs connecting farms with brewers. This focus on local ingredients supports the community while promoting sustainable brewing practices.

FAQs About Tennessee Breweries

Do Tennessee breweries sell beer to go?

Many breweries offer takeout or packaged beer for customers to enjoy at home, though rules can vary by city and location.

Are Tennessee breweries dog-friendly?

Many breweries welcome dogs on patios and in outdoor areas as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

Can I bring my own food to a brewery in Tennessee?

Policies vary by brewery. Some allow outside food, but many do not due to health and safety regulations.

Do Tennessee breweries offer tours?

Several breweries provide tours to show visitors the brewing process and the equipment used to make craft beers.

Are there any family-friendly breweries in Tennessee?

Yes, some breweries offer family-friendly spaces with games and smoke-free environments, making them suitable for visitors of all ages.