SweetWater Brewing
Atlanta, Georgia
SweetWater celebrates 28 years [PICS]
SweetWater celebrated their 28th Anniversary on February 22nd, with live music, food plenty of beer.
For 28 years, SweetWater has been brewing in Atlanta – and a lot has changed since the early days. Having been to almost every birthday party the brewery has thrown for the last 18 years, the obvious changes are that Tilray owns the brewery now, that Shock Top is brewed at SweetWater, and soon, Terrapin Beer (at least Hopsecutioner) will be made on Ottley Drive for the first time. Two breweries that were once friendly competition are now one after Tilray acquired Terrapin from Miller last year. The stacks of Shock Top, once owned by brewing giant Budweiser was also a weird sight.
FLASHBACK: SWEETWATER 15TH ANNIVERSARY PICS
The 28th Anniversary party featured music headliners Break Science and STS9, as well as serving as the unofficial/official launch party for the new Dive Beer Lager.
SweetWater has grown and changed over the years, but one thing remains unchanged – they still know how to throw a party. Next up is SweetWater 420 Fest in April.
Check out the party below.
SweetWater launches “Dive Beer” 4% Lager
SweetWater Dive Beer, a 4% alcohol-by-volume lager, has hit shelves to kick off 2025.
Nothing is better than hitting a seat at the local dive bar—with its weird smells and sticky floors—and grabbing a cheap beer. Your expectations are already low, so the situation always over-delivers. SweetWater Brewing Company wants a piece of this action too, with new Dive Beer.
SweetWater Dive Beer follows the emerging trend of the simple, cheap, no-frills lagers hitting shelves. It’s just 4% ABV, making it easy to “Dive into long nights and short tabs,” according to the brewery.
Dive Beer has already made its mark in blind taste tests, outpacing top competitors in drinkability, refreshment, and overall preference. Its affordable price point ensures that premium taste is within reach for everyone, from craft beer enthusiasts to casual drinkers alike.
SweetWater will feature Dive Beer at their upcoming 28th Anniversary Party on February 22nd.
Look for Dive Beer in 12/16/19.2-ounce cans year-round.
Style: Lager
Hops: Crystal, Hallertau
Malts: Pilsner
Availability: 12/16/19.2oz Cans
Debut: Late-Jan 2025
4% ABV
Image: Beer Street Journal
SweetWater 420 Fest 2024 pivots, now free
SweetWater 420 Fest, held April 20th and 21st at Pullman Yards in Atlanta now offers free general admission tickets with a donation to Waterkeeper Fund
2024 marks SweetWater Brewing’s 420 Fest’s return to a larger format music festival. When initially announced, the headlining acts included Beck, Slightly Stoopid, and Black Pumas.
Today, the brewery has announced a major change to the music lineup and pricing structure. The previously mentioned musical talent will not appear this year, and general admission tickets are now free, with a $10 donation to their non-profit partner, Waterkeeper Alliance.
The reason for the sudden pivot is explained by the brewery this way:
“We’ve thought a lot about the direction of SweetWater 420 Fest and decided to add a hefty dose of eco-awareness and grassroots energy back into this amazing party, which will be the rager it’s always been,” said Ty Gilmore, President of U.S. Beers for Tilray Brands. “SweetWater 420 Fest started as a free Earth Day bash, and that inspired us to reimagine this year’s event with a single-stage format, a lineup that taps into the festival’s jam and groove roots, and a significant charitable component to help the environment. It’s a win-win for everyone: for a modest donation, our fans get to see some of our favorite bands in a uniquely intimate setting and collectively support the Waterkeeper Alliance’s crucial work to keep our rivers and oceans clean and healthy.”
Refunds will be issued to those who already purchased tickets. The festival will still go on as planned on April 21-22, with the amended musical lineup below.
Tickets can be acquired online through the festival site, or by clicking here.
SweetWater 27th Anniversary [PICS]
SweetWater 27th Anniversary, held February 17, 2024, at the brewery in Atlanta, Georgia. Music headliners included Maddy O’Neil, EarthGang and Daniel Donatos Cosmic Country.
SweetWater acquires Green Flash & Alpine Beer
Atlanta, Georgia-based SweetWater Brewing has acquired the Mira Mesa, California-based Green Flash Brewing, and Alpine Beer brands.
SweetWater is not acquiring the facility or brewing equipment, that will apparently remain with current owners to be put up for sale or other entrepreneurship opportunities.
Green Flash and Alpine beer production will move to SweetWater’s newly opened Fort Collins, Colorado facility.
Just over a year ago, SweetWater Brewery was acquired for $300 million dollars by Aphria, a Canadian-based cannabis company. The deal in part due to the brewery’s successfully ‘420 Strain’ of beers created using cannabis terpenes (organic smell compounds).
Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
SweetWater Brewery is ranked 11th overall in annual production according to the Brewer’s Association.
Developing story. Check back for more details.
Atlanta Beer Week Opening Party 2012
Pics from the carnival-themed kickoff party for Atlanta Beer Week 2012, held at SweetWater Brewing Company on October 19, 2012.
Special sponsors- Savannah Distributing, United Distributing, Beer Street Journal, Taco Mac, Porter Beer Bar, & more.
Atlanta’s SweetWater acquires Red Truck Brewing, announces west coast brewery
Atlanta based SweetWater Brewing Company has announced a new production facility, taproom, and restaurant in Fort Collins, Colorado.
This week, SweetWater acquired Red Truck Brewing, a Canadian brewery that bought the brewery from Fort Collins Brewing back in 2017. Red Truck closed its doors in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic, and never reopened. The amount of the purchase has not been disclosed.
The 32,450 square foot space will see brewing and packaging equipment upgrades, as well as a taproom and restaurant overhaul.
Late last year, SweetWater was acquired Canadian based cannabis company, Aphria Inc., a sale highly motivated by the success of the brewery’s 420 Strain Series of beers.
Additionally, the Denver Airport will soon be home to a SweetWater airport bar location, joining Last Call Bar and Grill in Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson Airport.
SweetWater ranks 11th in overall production volume amongst craft brewers in U.S. for calendar year 2020 according to the Brewers Association, currently distributing to 34 states.
The brewery opened in 1997.
