There’s nothing better during the holidays than exploring your local brewery scene with friends and family for a night of fun conversation and flowing spirits. We’ve compiled a Gwinnett beverage tour highlighting local breweries so you can get a taste of the flavors coming out of our county! Whether you want to do a boozy day tour to fit in multiple spots or you’re looking to expand on your brewery experience by visiting a new location during the week, we’ve got you covered.
Stop 1 – Indio Brewing
5019 W Broad St NE M145, Sugar Hill, GA 30518
This Latin-owned brewery is tucked into the heart of downtown Sugar Hill and provides a truly unique drinking experience. Their fun tagline of “Don’t be a prick” can be seen both inside the store and on their drink glasses. They offer a variety of craft beers for any palette but their Sour Patch 5% ABV sour ale is a personal favorite! This craft beer features a blend of raspberries and wild strawberries for a tart finish and is the perfect representation of this brewery’s capabilities.
Stop 2 – Sugar Hill Distillery
1166 Church St, Sugar Hill, GA 3051
Located in downtown Sugar Hill next to the historic local cemetery, this German-style brewery and distillery is best experienced outside on their patio at night. This establishment also is a full-service restaurant with seating also inside that offers a viewpoint of their brewing area. We recommend giving their Berliner Weisse a try, which is a sour wheat-style beer with one of their homemade fruit syrups such as mango or raspberry for a refreshing tasting experience. Trying a traditional German style beer while you’re here is also a must so we recommend giving their Glückspilz –Lucky Devil Kölsch a try. This style of beer originates from Cologne, Germany and has subtle fruit and hop flavors with a refreshing finish.
Stop 3 – Slow Pour Brewing Company
407 N Clayton St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
This gem located in the depot district of downtown Lawrenceville has spacious and scenic seating inside and outside to accommodate groups of any size. We recommend getting their Cotillion which is a 5.2% ABV blonde ale that’s both light and dry. This brew was one of the 1st craft beers actually brewed in Lawrenceville so you get to taste a little piece of brew history during each sip! If you want something more fruity and refreshing, give their Living is Easy a taste! This 6.5% pastry sour is made with ripe strawberries and has notes of graham cracker for a sweet dessert experience. Make sure to stop inside and take a picture in their photo booth to commemorate your craft beer experience!
Stop 4 – StillFire Brewing
343 US-23, Suwanee, GA 30024
With over 25 craft beers and seltzers on top as well as local food trucks to satisfy your cravings, this brewery in downtown Suwanee is the perfect place to drink with a group. They have a variety of unique craft beers such as their Cuban Coffee stout which is a 7.9% beer with chocolate and coffee aromas as well as a silky finish. If you plan your visit during their seasonal months, you can also try their Christmas Ale called Yule Shoot Your Ale Out which is a 7.1% English-style beer with notes of chocolate, nutmeg and cinnamon all served in a crushed peppermint rimmed glass. This beer literally tastes like Christmas is a pint!
Stop 5 – Cultivation Brewery
650 Langford Dr, Norcross, GA 30071
A true microbrewery located in Norcross, this local hotspot offers a rotating weekly menu of craft beer made in small batches. Depending on when you visit, we recommend trying their Cream Ale which is a light American beer of 5.3% ABV brewed with corn and Perle hops giving it a light flavor and a thick and creamy head. Their Master Gardener which is a Double IPA featuring notes of red berry, citrus and other tropical fruit provides a low bitterness profile but a nice hop aroma.