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It was during a chance meeting at the Nashville Farmers’ Market four years ago when the teams behind Tennessee Brew Works and the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (TSPC) decided that craft beers and state parks really ought to go hand in hand.
With a mission to better the local community and share the love of craft beer, the two teams saw a collaboration in the works.
“We all convened at the brewery and began actively discussing projects and possible ways for the two organizations to optimize their synergies,” says Christian Spears, founder and president of Tennessee Brew Works. “The development of the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy was in the works—I would describe [it] as the donation center for the state parks system. The outcome of these brainstorming sessions was the State Park Blonde ale, with a mission of awareness and driving proceeds directly to the TSPC.”
The State Park Blonde ale, which was released in 2018, has raised $16,000 to date for the TSPC and is aiming for another $12,000 in 2020 alone.
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But the ale is only part of Tennessee Brew Works’ farm-to-tank philosophy. The beer, which uses 100-percent Tennessee-sourced barley from Batley Farms, represents the brewery’s “consume locally” ethos.
“Beer is perishable and, like farm-fresh food, better consumed closer to the source. Rightfully so, people are becoming more conscious about their food sources,” Spears says. “Our goal is to celebrate the Tennessee farming community whenever possible. Sometimes we are simply marketing the farms through our beers; other times, we are actually putting real money into the hands of our local farmers.”
While the State Park Blonde ale and Southern Wit both use 100-percent Tennessee-sourced grains, the brewery has also managed to incorporate several other Tennessee products into their brews. Basil from Bloomsbury Farm adds an herbal note to a saison; wildflower and sourwood honeys from Queen Bee Pollinators provide depth to a Belgian-style blonde ale; and sweet potatoes from Delvin Farms provide a rich flavor profile to a seasonal winter stout.
“A flourishing agricultural community provides direct benefits to consumers and can serve to supply Tennessee Brew Works, along with many other like-manufacturers, necessary raw materials,” Spears adds. “We want to create beer that is truly indigenous of where we live, while benefiting the local farmer and paying homage to the land, traditions, and culture of Tennessee.”
Tennessee Brew Works, 809 Ewing Ave., 615-436-0050; tnbrew.com