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Local libations: A round of Nashville-centric craft beers

A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Nashville nod there — these craft beers found around Music City take local pride seriously.

A baby clouded leopard crawls across a tree limb licking its lips behind a can of the Howdy Cloudy.

Spotted in the wild: TailGate’s Howdy Cloudy Hazy Session IPA | Photo via Nashville Zoo

Nashville is home to 25+ independent craft breweries. Local brewers are constantly tapping their creative juices to drum up crafty collaborations, standout recipes, and fun names for their frothy masterpieces.

We’re raising a glass to seven Nashville-centric brews with names that draw inspiration from our city’s history, communities, and culture.

1897 Pilsner, Nashville Brewing Co.
This beer’s name pays tribute to local history. In 1897 — during the Tennessee Centennial Exposition held in Nashville — pilsner was Nashvillians’ beer of choice. The label features a 1897 painting of the Parthenon, which was used to advertise the exposition.

Style + flavor: This straw-colored, 5% ABV Bohemian + Czech-style pilsner is brewed with Saaz hops and has a caramel mouthfeel and crisp finish.

Pitch, Music City Brewing Co.
This is the official beer of Nashville SC. Music City Brewing Co. says it’s great for tailgating and watch parties, and “pairs well with glory.”

Style + flavor: This 4.1% ABV lager is light and refreshing — score one for game day.

Preds Beer, Jackalope Brewing Company
In celebration of the Nashville Predators’ 25th anniversary season, the taproom launched this smashable creation.

Style + flavor: This clean, 4.8% ABV Kolsch-style beer is light gold in color with a hint of sweetness and low hop bitterness.

A can of beer red and blue in coloring with the face of a man in hat on it sits on a wooden table.

Randy Hedgepath, who dedicated ~40 years to the preservation of Tennessee State Parks, is the face of the beer. | Photo via Tennessee Brew Works

State Park Blonde Ale, Tennessee Brew Works
This is the official beer of Tennessee State Parks and a portion of proceeds benefit the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy. The label features ‘37 — a nod to the year when Gov. Gordon Browning signed the legislation that created Tennessee State Parks.

Style + flavor: This light, crisp, 4.5% ABV American blonde ale is brewed with Tennessee grains. It has aromas of honeysuckle and pairs well with light appetizers, soft cheeses, and seafood like white fish, oysters, crab, and lobster.

Honey Bear Coffee Stout, Southern Grist Brewing
We love a local collaboration. Think of this sip as the boozy sibling to Elegy Coffee’s best-selling Honey Bear Cold Brew.

Style + flavor: A 7% ABV milk stout brewed with lactose, oats, local honey, Vermont maple syrup, cinnamon, and Elegy coffee beans.

East Bank, East Nashville Beer Works
This brew name drops Nashville’s developing waterfront neighborhood. Look closely at the label — there’s a little skyline on top of that slice of citrus fruit.

Style + flavor: This bright, 7% ABV Citra IPA has floral aromas and features Citra + Centennial hops for a zesty flavor profile with a bitter balance.

Howdy Cloudy Hazy Session IPA, Tailgate Brewery
This craft beer is wild. It’s a collaboration with Nashville Zoo, and a portion of proceeds benefit the zoo’s clouded leopard conservation program, hence its fun name and cute can art.

Style + flavor: This 4.5% ABV New England-style IPA features aromas of tangerine and other citrus fruits, creating a soft, cloudy body.

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