The Circuit Explores Beer Production, Culture In Georgia

WOODSTOCK, GA -- From the production process to the culture and the economics involved, craft beer is making a big splash in Georgia. On Monday, Oct. 23, a panel of experts gathered at Chattahoochee Technical College's The Circuit to provide insight on all aspects of the industry, including law, history, production and culture.

“I felt this was a great way to connect a lot of our different areas of study, and this location in Woodstock at The Circuit is really a sort of genesis within our service area in doing things that are important for our programs and our community," said event organizer and humanities instructor Thomas LaPorte on why he decided to host the discussion.

More than 100 were in attendance for the event titled “Beer: Where Science, Economy and Culture Collide,” which featured panelists Tim Dennis of Beer Guys Radio; Nick Downs, co-founder and master brewer of Woodstock-based Reformation Brewery; and Zach Yurchuck, manager and owner of Truck and Tap, another Woodstock venture.

Members of the panel answered questions ranging from how to start a business to the shifting tide in beer consumption and perception in Georgia. State Rep. Michael Caldwell of Woodstock also touched on Senate Bill 85, which was signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal. The legislation enabled direct sales at breweries for the first time in Georgia. This, the state legislator noted, is a game-changer for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state.

“We were behind by about 12,000 jobs in breweries in Georgia … and when you’re talking about 12,000 jobs, you’re talking about a massive economic impact,” Caldwell said. “We now have somewhere between 25 and 30 breweries in the state prior to the passage.

“After passing the law and before it took effect, we saw almost 80 applications for new breweries in the state,” Caldwell added.

For more information, visit ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Photo: Tim Dennis of Beer Guys Radio (left) and Zach Yurchuck, manager and owner of Truck and Tap and Barrel and Barley (far right) look on as Nick Downs, co-founder and master brewer of Reformation Brewery, (center) answers a question during “Beer: Where Science, Economy and Culture Collide,” held Monday, Oct. 23 at The Circuit at the Woodstock Campus.