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Owen Ogletree's
Monthly Brewtopia Brewsletter
August 1, 2026
Owen is founder/editor of Brewtopia.info, a group beer trip organizer, columnist for Southern Brew News and Beer Connoisseur Magazine, lecturer at Knoxville's Brewing & Distilling Center, founder of the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting, and a BJCP National Beer Judge.
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Follow our craft beer adventures...
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- Georgia Craft Beer News
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By Owen Ogletree
If you’re a beer fan in Georgia, you’re officially spoiled for choice. Whether you crave hop bombs, classic lagers, or something wildly experimental, Georgia’s breweries are pouring something just for you. And after the past few unpredictable years, your local taprooms need—and deserve—your support more than ever. So go ahead: make a weekend plan, rally your friends, and raise a glass to the Peach State’s impressive beer culture.
Normaltown Brewing: Athens’ Community Gem
In the heart of Athens, Normaltown Brewing is more than just a spot for a pint—it’s a neighborhood staple. Brewer and co-owner Erich Fietkau treats every batch like a labor of love, and it shows in the lineup: you’ll find everything from crisp pilsners to robust stouts, all brewed with a personal touch. Erich is also in the process of installing a cask ale engine at the taproom to showcase some special cask-conditioned brews. More on this later.
A Taste of Europe in Athens
Just a short stroll from Normaltown, the owners of Hi-Lo Lounge have unveiled their new Nové Mêsto Lagerhaus, a Czech-inspired beer bar that’s turning heads on Barber Street. Think creamy, perfectly poured lagers, European-style pilsners, and a menu of small plates that wouldn’t be out of place in Prague. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a slow-pour pilsner, nibble on mouth-watering small plates, and pretend you’ve hopped a flight across the Atlantic. Normaltown Brewing is working on a special dry-hopped lager that will be served at Nové Mêsto in the next few days.
Crafted for Action: Where Beer Meets Community
Last June, Atlanta’s Wild Heaven West End played host to the Crafted for Action conference, and attendees are still buzzing about it. This wasn’t your average beer event: it was a whirlwind of tastings, hands-on workshops, and honest, lively conversations about the future of craft beverages. The conference celebrated not just beer, but wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks, creating an inclusive space for learning and connection. Crafted for Action continues to put Georgia on the map as a place where craft, community, and culture intersect—especially for underrepresented voices in the industry.
 Wild Heaven Beer: Innovation on Tap
Speaking of Wild Heaven, the brew team there isn’t just resting on old recipes. Ever tried a Belgian Pale Lager? Wild Heaven's brewers launched one last June—a crisp, hoppy lager with a Belgian yeast twist, delivering those classic estery notes at a super-drinkable 5% ABV. It’s perfect for sipping as the weather heats up. And for IPA fans, rejoice: Altair Unfiltered IPA is back after a five-year hiatus, ready to win over a new generation. Expect more creative releases from all three Atlanta-area Wild Heaven locations as summer rolls on.
Fun Comes First
Schoolhouse Brewing in Marietta has its priorities straight. Forget the lawn. Forget the homework. There’s fresh beer on tap, pinball machines waiting to judge your skills, and a relaxed, neighborly vibe that says, “Stay awhile.” The team is always experimenting, so you’ll find quirky new beers and the perfect excuse to ditch your chores. Bring your dog, bring your friends, and maybe even bring your questionable life decisions—they’ll fit right in.
All That Jazz and Great Beer at Three Taverns’ Ponce Brew Terminal
Craving a little culture with your craft? Three Taverns’ beautiful new taproom near Ponce City Market is now hosting live jazz every Wednesday from 7-10 pm. It’s the perfect midweek escape: settle in with a pint of Neal Engleman’s latest creation and let the music take over.
Raise a Glass to Georgia
From Athens to Savannah, Marietta to Valdosta, the Georgia beer scene is buzzing with new ideas, old traditions, and plenty of passion. There’s never been a better time to be a beer lover in the Peach State—so get out there and discover what’s pouring near you.
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Owen Ogletree's
2027 GERMANY: FRANCONIA, BAVARIA & OKTOBERFEST
Group Trip
September 15-22, 2027
A fun and easy way to experience Oktoberfest and the surrounding beer region! One of our most popular trips! Enjoy Oktoberfest in ease and VIP style like a pro. This BUCKET-LIST beer experience will sell out quickly.
- Fly from the USA on September 14 or earlier to land in Munich on the morning of September 15. Trip activities begin on the afternoon of September 15. Fly home from Munich on September 22 or stay later on your own dime. Arrival day lunch and tour at Erdinger Brewery with dinner and beer this evening. Overnight at a Munich airport hotel.
- Day trip to the glorious Neuschwanstein Castle and Andechs Monastery Brewery in rural Bavaria.
- We then head to the gorgeous city of Bamberg for two days of smoked beer, taverns, brewpubs, and a VIP Schlenkerla Brewery tour and tasting. Head back to Munich after two days to check into hotel and see some amazing taverns for Bavarian food, beer and fun. VIP lunch and beer tasting at the world-renowned Weihenstephan Brewery. Ride in style on our private charter bus with a private driver.
- Experience the magnificent Marienplatz central square and the best beer halls of Munich.
- Visit Oktoberfest on TWO days with reserved seats and lunch, then hit downtown Munich taverns in the afternoons and evenings that could include Schneider, Augustiner, Hofbrau, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Andechser, Ayinger, and more! Fall in love again with classic German lagers and wheat beers.
- Includes tours, group ground transportation, private charter bus and driver, guides, information, hotel rooms and reserved VIP Oktoberfest seats with food and beer. Food and beer for group meals and group gatherings also included. Breakfasts included each day. Airfare and airport transfers are not included. Only $2595 per person (double). Add $499 for a single room.
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UP NEXT...
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Owen Ogletree and Rob Macardle travel to Glasgow, Scotland, to report from the city's best cask ale pubs and check out the annual Glasgow Real Ale Festival.
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