Ever wondered about the phoenix rising from the ashes? Red Brick Brewing Company’s story is just that.
Red Brick Brewing Company isn’t just a brewery it’s a testament to Atlanta’s resilience. Founded in 1993 as Atlanta Brewing Company it’s Georgia’s oldest operating craft brewery. Its original home a converted red brick warehouse was almost lost to a highway expansion.
The brewery’s founder Greg Kelly a former Guinness executive imported equipment from England even a red malt mill found abandoned in a meadow. The brewery initially produced 4000 barrels of beer a year. They brewed once or twice a day to meet demand. Early beers included Peachtree Pale Ale and Kelly’s Light.
Challenges arose. The threatened location forced a move in 2006 to its current spot. Greg Kelly stepped down. Bob Budd took over. The brewery also rebranded itself as Red Brick Brewing Company in 2010. The name Red Brick Ale their flagship beer supposedly came from a post-Civil War mayoral speech about rebuilding the city brick by brick.
Red Brick Brewing Company forged ahead. They established a noteworthy partnership with the Vortex Bar and Grill. Their Laughing Skull beer became a favorite. It began as a Bohemian Pilsner then transformed into a well-balanced amber ale. The brewery also developed a series of limited-release beers the Brick Mason series.
Today Red Brick Brewing Company thrives. Brewers Garett Lockhart and Steve Anderson experiment with bold flavors. Hoplanta IPA and Divine Bovine Chai Milk Stout are among their popular brews. The brewery has a lively tasting room offering fresh beer on tap and often live music. It continues to thrive as a symbol of Atlanta’s enduring spirit. Red Brick Brewing Company a phoenix that rose from the ashes. Now that’s a story worth raising a glass to.