Terrapin Beer Company was founded by Brian "Spike" Buckowski and John Cochran. The two men actually wanted to develop their own brewery, in 1998, before they had their own beer. After finally developing a beer the two were contemplating names when Buckowski, a Grateful Dead fan, mentioned Terrapin. The name comes from "Terrapin Station," which is a Grateful Dead album. After three years of talking to bankers and investors to no avail, Spike and John realized the only way to start Terrapin Beer Company was to begin as a contract brewery.

It released its first beer, the Terrapin Rye Pale Ale, in Spring 2002 at the Classic City Brewfest. Six months later this beer, which was sold only in Athens, Georgia, was awarded the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival. With demand for Terrapin growing daily, the Rye Pale Ale was soon made available to beer fans in Atlanta, Georgia as well. Soon after, Terrapin was chosen by producers of "Blue Ribbon" on Turner South to be featured on a TV special about breweries in the South. The viewers of this show voted Terrapin as the Best Brewery in the Southeast by an overwhelming margin of 72%.

When a Georgia state law capping beers at 6% alcohol was overturned in 2004, Spike and John turned their attention to creating a line of seasonal beers that pushed the envelope of traditional brewing. It was this desire to challenge the palates of beer drinkers everywhere that led to the creation of the Monster Beer Tour. The seasonal brews consist of Big Hoppy Monster, Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout, Rye Squared, and All-American Imperial Pilsner.

After months of anticipation, Terrapin's new brewery in Athens, GA is now operational and open for tours. Located at 265 Newton Bridge Rd. in Athens, GA, the new brewery is 45,000 square feet. Tours are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 5:30-7:30.
 

 
Rye Pale Ale
By using an exact amount of rye, a grain seldom found in other micro brewed beers, the Rye Pale Ale acquires its signature taste. Made with five varieties of hops and a generous amount of specialty malts, it offers a complex flavor and aroma that is both aggressive and well balanced – a rare find among beers.

The Terrapin Rye Pale Ale was released in Athens, GA in April of 2002 at the Classic City Brew Fest. Six months later this beer which was sold only in Athens was awarded the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival, the most prestigious competition in North America. We hope you will agree with our peers in the brewing industry that this is truly one of the best pale ales in the country.

ABV: 5.5%
IBU’s: 35
O.G.: 13.3
Malt: 2-Row Pale, Munich, Malted Rye, Victory Malt, Honey Malt
Hops: Magnum, Fuggle, East Kent Golding, Amarillo (Dry Hop)

Awards:
Bronze Medal – 2009 Carolina Champion of Beers Best Pale Ale – 2008 Wazoo Beer Festival Silver Medal – 2008 Bramwell Oktoberfest Silver Medal/Best Pale Ale – 2007 Bramwell Oktoberfest Best Pale Ale/Best of Show – 2007 Wazoo Beer Festival Gold Medal – 2007 Carolina Beer Championships Gold Medal – 2006 Carolina Beer Championships Best of Show – 2005 GA Craft Brew Challenge 1st Place American Style Ale – 2004 GA Craft Brew Challenge 2nd Place American Style Ale – 2003 GA Craft Brew Challenge Gold Medal – 2002 Great American Beer Festival

Year-Round Beers
Rye Pale Ale
Golden Ale
India Style Brown Ale
SunRay Wheat Beer

Monster Beer Tour
Rye Squared
All-American Imperial Pilsner
Big Hoppy Monster
Wake 'N' Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout

Side Project
Volume 1 - Hop Shortage
Volume 2 - RoggenRauchBier
Volume 3 - Gamma Ray
Volume 4 - Dos Cocoas
Volume 5 - Monk's Revenge

Oak Aged Beers
Oak Aged Rye Squared
Big Hoppy Monster

Midnight Brewing Project
Terra-Rye'Zd