Comments and Praise
We are always in the mood to talk beer. Email us at info@terrapinbeer.com about your experience with Terrapin, stories, compliments, or just why you like the taste. A free Terrapin T-Shirt will go to the top response each month. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number so we know where to send the T-Shirt.
Fall 2006 - Ron Tarpley- Athens, GA.
"This may not be your typical love story with Terrapin Beer. In fact, you could say Terrapin ruined my once peaceful life. Let me explain. I am happily married and have a wonderful life here in the Athens area. My in-laws were happy and they lived in South Georgia.....just the way I like it. Well, on a visit to Athens last year I decided to treat my father in-law to a tasty Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. You guessed it, he loved it. Upon arriving back home in South Georgia he searched the local stores and could not find Terrapin. His disappointment was so great that he put his house on the market and moved to Athens to retire so he could be close to your beer. HE MOVED IN ACROSS THE STREET FROM ME! So my once wonderful life has been changed forever and I blame your beer. The moral of the story: Never give your father in- law a Terrapin Beer until it is available in his hometown!"
Summer 2006 - Dan Rosen- Atlanta, GA.
"I just cannot put into words how much I am enjoying the All American Imperial Pilsner. I kind of stopped drinkin’ pilsners because they have become too light tasting for me. This beer has reminded me how much I truly enjoy a world class pilsner. Had I had access to this beer in the ‘70s, I probably would not have made it past my sophomore year of High School. I would be working a manual labor job and living in the projects.
Anyway, this and the Wake-n-Bake Stout are easily among the top 5 beers I have ever had. That says a lot. You should be very proud."
May 2006 - Dave Hagan- Atlanta, GA.
"This past weekend I had the assignment to "bring the beer" for a weekend tennis match against a rival local neighborhood. As we regard our team mostly as "a beer drinking team with a tennis problem", this assignment was of no minor importance. Taking my responsibility seriously, I headed to Greens in Atlanta to stock up. Knowing that the average tennis match is populated by a plethora of the latest super bowl ad light beers, I intended to elevate the collective pallet of our two teams. Accordingly, I headed directly for my personal favorite, Terrapin Rye Pale Ale (if I like it, every body else must also, right?). On my way, I almost stumbled over (no, I had not had any yet) a brand new display of "Rye-Squared" that I did not know was out in bottles yet. Of course, I stuck a couple 4 packs in my cart (in the interests of full disclosure, I must confess that these never actually made it to the the tennis courts - chalk it up to 'research'). I filled my cart up with about a 2 to 1 mix of six packs of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Cream Ale. Saturday morning, I filled my (overlarge) cooler with the bottled elixir and a healthy quantity of ice and headed to the courts. To my dismay, one of my team-mates had mis-read the assignment list and brought a cooler full of "silver bullets". Needless to say, at the end of the afternoon, I had an empty cooler, and he still had enough "silver bullets" to kill several packs of werewolves. All in all, I had succeeded in raising the level of performance of our team (we actually lost at tennis, but kicked their butts at beer!)."
April 2006 - Thomas Wargo- Endicott, NY .
"Visited Atlanta, Ga for a few days last month. Tried your rye pale ale and brought back a 6 pack on the plane for one of my buddies. Being the beer experts that we are cause we make our own home brew; thought your product was quite tasty!!!! Wish you were closer cause we would certainly purchase it here if we had it!!!Thanks for the tasty sample...."
March 2006 - Mike Greenlaw- Dallas, GA.
"Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all I can say. My girl friend and I started drinking the Rye Pale Ale when it first came out at Winston's in Marietta Ga. We weren't "together" then, just friends. We were offered a new beer on the market and tried it. Your beer. I knew I loved it right off. But when she tried it and loved it I knew there was going to be something good in our future. Well we are still together and we were ecstatic when you bottled it. Being a hobby brewer, I grew way past the mass produced beers a long time ago. Another brewer and freind of mine told me about the Big Hoppy Monster. I bought some. I can't believe it. This is undoubtably a great brew. Myself and my fiance (partly because of you guys) are enjoying some right now. I will be looking forward to the seasonal brews on the horizion. I love the fact that the most flavorable brew on the planet comes from the same state I live in. We are getting married this year and we may just drop by on our honeymoon. Thanks guys!"
February 2006 - Braxton Wyatt- Bluffton, SC .
"I was recently strolling through a new store here in Bluffton, SC. (World Market) looking at their astonishing assortment of beer. I saw a rye pale ale that caught my eye. It caught my eye because I am originally from Athens, Ga. and graduated from UGA in 2000. I thought I would buy a six pack and try it out. WOW! This stuff is GREAT. I will no longer buy my regular purchase of Sierra Nevada. I make a special trip to World Market once a week to purchase the Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. Great job guys. It makes me feel good every time I purchase it knowing I'm helping out some fellow DAWGS. Thanks for the wonderful creation."
January 2006 - Asher Vilensky- Atlanta, GA.
"The Miracle
As a Jew, my family celebrates Chanukah. The story of Chanukah, in short, is about how the Greeks, who occupied the land of Israel at the time, destroyed everything in the main Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle of Chanukah is that one small container of oil was enough to keep the light going in the special Menorah for 8 days. (By that time the Jews defeated the Greeks and were able to recover the light….) Well, I had my small miracle tonight. I was just about to sit for dinner and preparing to open my Big Hoppy Monster. My wife mumbled something like “isn’t it too much beer” or something like that. Like a good Jew, I immediately felt the guilt. Thus, I went to the tap to fetch some water. And then it happened – The Miracle. No water came out. The water main on our street broke. Obviously, I was now “forced” to consume a nice, cold BHM….and that was my miracle."
December 2005 - Donnie Barrett - Waleska, GA.
"hi guys...what in the world was i thinking??? i lived a mile from charlies
II in the acworth area, and i am proud to hold the honor of purchasing the
1st 6 pack of terrapin in the bottles there...as you know john, i was not a
virgin to the greatness of terrapin...been sampling it in many venues...but
i have to say, when the bottles arrived at charlies, well, my life as i knew
it changed...not a day went by that i didn't have a terrapin. it was like a
kid that had a candy store next door to his house. never again would i be
without the elixer, the turtle juice. so cold, so refreshing. if only the
bottles were bigger...
so what was i thinking?? i let my wife talk me into moving to the
country...granted, i have a beer store within a couple of miles from the
house, but their idea of a good beer is a domestic that was made last
week...and put in a can...so what's a guy to do?? well i just couldn't stand
it anymore..i took the ride to charlies, desperate to ride the turtle...it
was like santa had already come to town...before me was a BIG HOPPY MONSTER,
staring me right in the face...i called my banker and took out a loan, and
loaded my truck up with terrapin...enough to last me until i sobered up...
now i gotta tell you...this monster is absolutely the best thing that has
ever happened in a bottle...period...puts the rest to shame....now about the
t-shirt....since i spent all my money on the monster, i have no money for a
christmas gift for my wife...so i was just wondering if santa could bring
her a terrapin shirt...lol...
have a great holidays john and spike...and thank you so much for changing
the taste of beer...
November 2005 - Randolph Williams - Toccoa, GA.
He sent this email to us last year when we first released the Big Hoppy Monster. It was draft only and Randolph (poor guy) was not able to get to a bar to try the beer. So he "challenged" us to put the Big Hoppy Monster in bottles. Who's scared now, Randolph?
"Ohhh!, Ohhh!, Ohhhh!,
I'm scared! I'mm ssoooo scared I can't even llllett go of my kkkeeyyyyyybboardd!
So, where's your big hoppy monster beer Mr. Girley man? Oh no!, it's gonna bite me! I'm just soooo scared.
I tell you this. If you had a real manly beer, something that would make my very manly testicles contract and tingle with Hoppy Pleasure , then you would put this great thing out in bottles. Yes, then Real Men could enjoy this beer while admiring their manliness ! Now that would be something to see and enjoy!
That's what I say. And when you can meet my challenge I will drink your beer. And then I will fall down and pass out.
Amen."
November 2005 - Steve Kenney - Atlanta, GA.
"Terrapin Pale Ale is now my new favorite beer. And I’ve tried a few. I grew up in Athens in the 70’s, moved to Atlanta, then to No. CA for five years, and now back to Atlanta. I’d say you’re the East Coast answer to Sierra Nevada. Maybe Fat Tire compares, but the rye is great twist. I’ve brewed my own beer a few times, and hopped them up good, but never got the balance right. You guys got it!"
October 2005 - Jon Campbell - Riverview, FL.
"Searching the beer shelves,
But to no avail.
For we are in Florida,
With no Rye Pale Ale.
October is coming,
So drink but don't get sloppy.
I wish I could spend Halloween,
With a Big Monster that is Hoppy.
I would like to start the New Year,
Safe from this beer sin.
So find a Tampa distributor,
For everything Terrapin.
What is the distance measured,
Between many frowns and smiles.
From Athens to Tampa,
Is only 479 miles.
Each month I will correspond,
Until my beer mug is full.
Your thirsty friend in Tampa,
Sincerely Jon Campbell."
October 2005 - Ed Forsberg - Decatur, GA.
"Thanks for helping to make my daughter's wedding such a success!
When we decided to give welcoming baskets to each of our out-of-town
guests to introduce them to the bride and groom's homes, Atlanta and
Athens, the decision on what to include from Athens was easy - a
Terrapin pint glass and bottles of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale and Cream
Ale. We also enjoyed cold Terrapins in the Men's Grill after the
pre-reheasal-dinner golf outing and in our hospitality suite in the
hotel. Terrapin was a huge hit with everyone. Expect orders from all
over the South, Northeast and Midwest when our guests get home and ask
for their new favorite beers."
September 2005 - Michael Watson - Sugar Valley, GA.
"I first tasted the wonderful Terrapin Cream Ale on tap at the Harvest Fest music festival. Since then when I find Terrapin in the beer store I let out a whoop of joy and pick up a pack or two. Just today I was able to get a case, two six packs of Terrapin Pale Rye and a pair of Cream Ale. I was able to finally get it locally by talking to the local manager and also a call to the distributor. So tonight I’m enjoying a cold Cream Ale with the Grateful Dead’s CD, Terrapin Station on the player.
In mid August I hope to take a case or two with me to the Grateful Fest in Ohio. I’ll share it with my friends in DarkStar Orchestra. John might agree to play the music and pass a bottle or two around on stage in honor of Terrapin ...both the ale and the music."
September 2005 - Michael Gallagher - Co-owner of the Brick Store Pub in Decatur, GA .
"Hey boys - thought I would take a moment to share this with you. My girlfriend Erin and I flew to New Zealand in late May. As a token of appreciation to our beer loving host in Bleinhem, NZ we brought some of our favorite American beers. Our friend, a prominent NZ scientist in his 60's, hosted a tasting that was attended by Geof Griggs (NZ's most prominent beer expert) and a couple of wine experts as well.. I was very proud, as you should be, to learn that from the 15 or so beers from all over the U.S. that we brought they included the Rye Pale Ale from Terrapin as one of their top 2 beers. It should be noted that Sierra Nevada as well as a few other Pale ales were included in the bunch. So some 14,000 miles from here a couple a fellas were really enjoying the fruits (and hops) of your labor."
August 2005 - Susan Harper - Conyers, GA.
"Last Friday night, I was forced to attend a black tie event. It was the East Metro Medical Society's Annual Big Event - mostly doctors from Rockdale, Newton, and Walton Counties. They honor their own, give out scholarships, eat, drink, dance.
Not being one to like to wear shoes, much less dress up, I donned a black cashmere halter sweater with a skirt, and looked fairly nice, even next to my gorgeous husband in his tuxedo. Having just been to the Beer Festival in Athens the previous weekend, I had several terrapin temporary tatoos on hand (they work nicely as sex toys in the right places!). I applied one to the back of my bare left shoulder (with my husband's blessing, of course) and it caused quite a stir at the event! Many people stopped to see what I had on my shoulder and Terrapin was talked up all night long!
Thanks, Terrapin guys, for great beers and a great evening!"
August 2005 - John Campbell - Tampa, FL."Picked up a case of your Terrapin on the way to Bonnaroo in Tennessee. Shared it with my beer drinkers from California. They were used to Blue Paddle, Sunrise, Sierra Nevada, and 420 Pale Ale. It came down to some serious battling and swapping as to who would get the remaining Terrapins. Totally blew the 420 out of the water. PLEASE, PLEASE find a kind distributor in Tampa, Florida. Terrapin is the sweetest pale ale available.
P.S. The Terrapin (Grateful Dead Terrapin Station) was the eyecatching thing that brought me to this sweet elixir."
July 2005: Eric Smythe - Marietta, GA."It was a Saturday night. I was recovering from the worst Budweiser hangover I could recall since my college days. And I picked a bad night for it. The girls were in the hot tub, topless, giggling as they sipped their pinot grigio's. Us guys were on the deck, sitting quietly with cigars. All of us questioning alternatives to mass produced rice beers.
Much to the chagrin of the girls, I announced I was not going to be joining them in the hot tub. The beer was lousy, and the dark cloud in my mind was pressing me like a lead anvil. An uncomfortable dryness clutched at my throat. I decided I was going to be miserable until the guy next door showed up with some Terrapin Rye Ale. He had talked about it but I had never tried it. After one sip, I was hooked.
I felt immediately energized and the ales went down easily and allowed me to work through my hangover. Within an hour, I had joined the girls in the hot tub and had the time of my life. The best thing about it was the next day I woke up sharp and even better, I had found a new favorite beer. From now on, no more cheap beer for me!"
June 2005: Russ Manley - Atlanta, GA."My name is Russ Manley and I've loved your beer from the GETGO!! I used to manage @ Mellow Mushroom 5 points in Athens when I was a student @ UGA. We were one of the first pubs in Athens to ever taste and then sell Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. I'm somewhat of a connoisseur, a Yeastie Boy some may say, and this is still my favorite beer! I believe it was November 2002 when we received a card from you guys saying we were the best seller of Terrapin that month. I must be honest and tell you that we consumed more than we sold (and we sold a lot)!!
After six years of employment and graduating from college (GO DAWGS!!!) it was time to move on from the pizza biz last summer. However, a few buddies from 5 points and I decided to follow Phish for several shows over the summer. Well, in Alpine Valley, WI I decided to take a nap in the back of our ride when two randoms from KY woke me up to ask if I had a "paper" when suddenly a photographer passed by. We were insta-pals and the photo ended up on the web. I think you guys will appreciate the old school t-shirt I advertised.
One guy from Auburn noticed my tee at the end of the show. He said, "Man, that is Great beer, they need to bottle it." I told many people about the excellence of your fine brew, and hopefully one of these days beer lovers in the Heartland and beyond can experience what I enjoy many times more than even Fat Tire and Magic Hat!! Way to go guys and thank you so very much for this fine nectar."
May 2005: Bob Clark - Williamson, GA"I went to the Freshway Market in tiny Zebulon, Ga early this morning for a few breakfast supplies and could not believe my eyes. Terrapin's Rye Pale Ale was on the shelf. Living in the boonies has had its drawbacks, but the beer selection has been the worst.
It took a few minutes to figure out how to enjoy my inaugural Terrapin beer and then it dawned on me. I went to the back porch and looked out over the field and trees on my 15 acres. Perfect. As I sat there enjoying the first few sips, Roxy had noticed something in the air and would not leave me alone. At 11 years and 80 pounds she was not going to be denied, so I poured a little on the porch. For the first time in her life she did not sneeze after lapping it up. So from Roxy and Daddy-O we say great beer, thumbs up and good luck guys."
April 2005: Tara Daponte - Long Island, NY."When I heard of your Terrapin Rye Pale Ale I emailed you immediately to see where I could purchase it. Well, being from NY and you not selling it out of Georgia, you let me know I would have a tough time finding it. I stumbled onto a beer forum where I found someone(a saint) going to Georgia for the holidays that said he would ship me some in exchange for a local brew here in NY he could not get. Well I have to say, I have two friends that brew for a living here in NY (Blue Point Brewing Co. and Keegan Ales) and I have had my share of tasty brews, but your Rye Pale is one of the best brews that has ever touched my lips. Thanks and keep up the good work."
March 2005: Rob Norman - Fayetteville, GA."REVELATION!!! The finest beer in North America is made right here in Georgia. I fly for a large local air line here in Atlanta. Believe it or not, we maintain a list of places all over the USA, Canada, and Mexico where crews spend the night where the best in local and quality microbrews can be purchased. Obviously, I have sampled MANY fine beers. Tonight, I bought my first 6-pack of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. OK, I'll admit it, the painting on the carton is what initially caught my eye. But I'm partial to pale ales, so of course I gave it a try. TALK ABOUT PERFECTION! Smooth, with the perfect level of hoppiness. That lingering aftertaste of the hops. I will still continue to try new beers on the road, at least until you have a wider distribution. But at home, I have a new standard. Shoot, I may have to buy a kegerator so I can keep it on tap! Keep up the great work!"
February 2005: Freya Harris - Atlanta, GA."I love all of your brews! You people really rock! I recommend Terrapin Rye whenever I get an opportunity. Once, a man who tried it on my suggestion liked it so much that he walked up to me and thanked me!"
January 2005: Brad Fields - Smyrna, TN"I just wanted to thank you guys for such a great beer. I live in Nashville,TN and a friend of mine just returned from Atlanta with your Rye Pale Ale. All I've got to say is wow, never have I had such a great tasting pale ale.(I am even planing a trip to Atlanta based on the fact I can stock up on Terrapin while I'm there.) The mouth feel of this beer and the way the sweetness and the bitterness of the hops compliment each other is amazing. The only question I have is when are you guys going to distribute to Nashville?"
December 2004: Dallas Taylor- ???"Good to the last drop ladies and gentleman and I say that with the utmost scrutiny. But I just wanted everyone there at the Brewhaha in Athens to know, that the Bottled beer...after a trip to Griffin, aka "The Grizzle",GA, has a consistancy that gets better as you get to the bottom and makes even the weakest of stomachs (myself) crave the last drop (or shcwig) of the bottle. All other types of beer WILL get thrown out @ the 1/8 tank level. Thank you so much for the rapid response you've sent to my isolated podunk townand rest assured that "The Griffin Contingent" will surely support your cause. Again, thank you for your efforts."
November 2004: Rich ??? - Decatur, GA"I just had to tell you that Terrapin Rye Pale Ale has quickly become my favorite libation and I can't wait to try your new Big Hoppy Monster. Since I live in Decatur, the only question is should I walk down to the Brick Store on the square to their new specialty beer bar or maybe just down the road to Twains and shoot a rack. Or I could get a burrito at the Raging Buritto by the Decatur Marta station or maybe some wings and watch the game at Taco Macs on Ponce. Or maybe I should go for some of Melton's famous cheese puffs by the six way intersection. This could require some thought. Good thing there's the Thinking Man Tavern."
October 2004: Travis Holt - Red Lodge, MT"Last September my parents moved to Red Lodge, Montana, while I stayed in Atlanta and attended school. This summer I decided to join them in Red Lodge and work at a restaurant. I haven't recently had an experience with Terrapin which is why I am writing. Living in Athens and Atlanta, I took for granted the fact that I could visit a bar and drink a pint of Terrapin whenever I wanted. Although there is an abundance of great beers in Montana and the surrounding areas nothing compares to the Athens home brew. I look forward to going back to the south and satisfying my tastebuds with a pint of Terrapin."
September 2004: Tony Simon - Smyrna, GAA Tall True Terrapin Pale Ale Tale,
"Last Saturday afternoon, I was casually perusing the new selection of world-class beer at Green's on Ponce (or as I like to call it, Heaven). I wasn't in a particular hurry, rather, I was taking the necessary time to soak it up and really get a feel for the magnitude of the new quaffables. Admittedly, it was my first visit since HB645 had become official. I must have looked lost or confused, because an employee sauntered over and asked if he could help me find something or make a recommendation. "No, thanks. Just taking it all in," I replied. "Here, look at this," he said as he led me over to one of the coolers. "We just got these in. It's Terrapin Rye in bottles. Pretty cool, huh?" I examined the banjo wielding turtle. "Wow, that is cool. But ..." I turned around and pointed to the keg of Terrapin Rye by the door that I had reserved earlier in the week and was moments away from taking home to the kegerator for a BBQ that night. "I prefer to buy my Terrapin Rye 120 pints at a time." Realizing the inherent glory in my statement, the clerk simply smiled in approval and left me to help someone whose priorities weren't in such impeccable order."
August 2004: Bob Flanagan - Lawrenceville, GA"After finding the Terrapin Rye Pale Ale in bottles at Beverage Superstore in Suwanee, I, in a moment of unexplainable, irrational behavior, only bought one six-pack. This would have been fine, except that my wife also took an immediate liking to your fantastic beer. Even the sacrificial 12 pack of Harp that I purchased for her could not keep her away from my six pack of Terrapin. So now after checking out your web site, its off to get more (need to find a good hiding place in the 'frig where she won't look like the vegetable drawer)."
July 2004: Marc Ginsberg - Athens,GA"After enjoying your beers quite often since they hit the bar scene here in town, I was quite pleased to drop by the Red and Black package store tonight to find Terrapin 6-packs finally in stock ... and at a fairly reasonable price of $6.99, too! Even better was when I took the 6-pack box to the crapper with me and read the bottom of the box which recommended saving the box and returning them to your company for free stuff. What a wonderful idea, and what an easy way to get lazy college-town types to recycle! I've often thought that even the smallest incentive would get more students and even adults to recycle (it's common sense to me, but to others it's a major complication it seems), and kudos to your brewery for such an awesome idea."
June 2004: Wyatt Werner - Atlanta, GA"Keep up the good work, fellas. I'm from the Portland/Boise area and am used to drinking fantastic beers on a regular basis. I moved to Atlanta with my wife in August and rapidly learned that beer from the SE really, really sucks, with one exception: Terrapin. I just read "The Story of Terrapin" on your website. I'm glad expansion is in the works. It also explains why I can't find your stuff on the shelves...yet! I can't wait until that comes about. I doubt you'll be able to keep the shelves stocked, and your own brewery will a reality sooner than you think."
April/May 2004: Robert Orleman - Atlanta, GA"I moved to Atlanta from Boston this past summer. That's when I discovered your Rye Pale Ale. This beer is better then anything Harpoon ever made! When will I be able to buy it to bring home?"
January/February 2004: kp - Woodstock, GA"I got around to reading the Terrapin newsletter yesterday, and decided to check out the website for any new information. While surfing the website, I checked to see the locations where Terrapin is available. I was surprised to see a second location in Woodstock, at Decio's Pizza, a place that I had never heard of before, even though it was less than a mile from my house. I did some additional searching and found a good review of the place. A later suggested to my wife that for dinner we try out this new Italian place that's close by. I told her that I saw a good review of it (but was careful not to say anything about beer).
We pull up to the place, and she starts scanning the neon signs in the window and saying "they have Bass... and Guinness", knowing that I hate going to the places that she likes because they never have good beer, and hoping I can find a beer here that I like. As we walk into this pizza joint, a small family owned operation with about 25 tables, I glance to the right at the taps and see the turtle standing high above the crowd of about 6 taps. Internally I'm screaming "Yes!" but I play it cool as we are shown to a table. The waitress who seats us says she will be back for our drink order, unless we already know what we want to drink. My wife says she will take water, and I ask for a Terrapin (maybe a bit too quick). The look my wife gave me. "You already knew that had that here! How did you know?" She knew that she had been had, but not sure how. I tried to claim that I saw the tap on the way in (the truth), but she was not buying it. I eventually had to come clean and tell the whole story, but by then we had our food and were enjoying a wonderful meal, and how we got there was no longer important. At last we have found a place close to home where we can have a good meal and a good beer and make us both happy."
November/December 2003: David Dripps - Marietta, GA"It was a Friday night. I was returning home from a typical day: my boss was all over me about unobtainable sales objectives; customers chewed me out from bell to bell about product that we simply could not deliver, we had a server down. I had sat in traffic a full hour in 95 degree heat before sliding off at the Delk Road exit to avoid the long line up on I75. I picked up a 40 oz. Red Bull to help keep my mind off the remainder of the tormenting trek. It was gone by the next exit.
When I walked in the house it was there that I knew I immediately I had to go to the "Wild Wing" in Marietta for the latest offerings. I found a comfortable table and I ordered for the first time the Terrapin Rye Ale. When it arrived, the hoppy odor immediately filled my sinuses like a fresh morning ocean breeze. I instantly felt better about my day and my life. The cool brew splashed across my palate like rhythmic cascading waves...I felt an energetic pulse rush to my brain.......and do I dare admit this - to my groin. Visions of Alaskan Salmon successfully jumping to the top of the waterfall floated through my mind. My taste buds swelled up and before the waitress made it to the bar I signaled for another. The beer entered my stomach as perfectly as a Michael Vick pass.
They say there are only a few major events that change a man's life. Maybe it is the birth of a child. Maybe it is a new car. Maybe it is a change of careers. For some it may even be spending time in prison. For me, the milestone occurred when I had the Terrapin Rye Ale. From that point on it is now defined as the benchmark from which others will be measured against. Gentlemen, I need you to offer this beer in bottles or cans. Sometimes I just can't make it to a bar to enjoy your beer. You have truly created a winner."
October 2003: Kurt Ostensen aka "Sad Turtle" - Inverness, FL"Recently I was in Hotlanta visitng a friend, and being the beer coniseurs we are, my fiancee and I were introduced to Terrapin Rye Ale. I must say that I was blown away by the smooth character and the fireworks of hops dancing on my tongue. Being a fellow brewer, although I am a hobbyist, I seek out strange brews at every waking hour (when the workday permits). I would like to say that Terrapin Rye Ale would have to be the most inventive American Pale that has crossed my lips to date. I would even venture to say it would be my beer of choice, if I had the choice to order one. The sad part about this is the fact that we live about 5 hours from the nearest "Terrapin" establishment. Even though we cannot take as much of an active part in supporting your brew, Terrapin Beer has been discussed to newbies over many pints since over great stretches of this country. Please keep up the excellent work."
September 2003: Rick Fifer - Orange Park, FL"Greetings from the Sunshine State! Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how great your beer is. (As if you didn't already know!) I "discovered" Terrapin Rye PA in the Duluth Taco Mac last summer while in the area on business and fell in love! My job takes me all over North America so I get to try beer all over this great country. Before Terrapin, my favorite place to visit was always the west coast because of the variety of great beers out there, but now I look forward to going to Atlanta. Good thing - it seems like I'm there once or twice a month! Every trip I end up at Taco Mac with a pint (or two!) of Terrapin and a good cigar. My neighbor and I, both home brewers, had planned to make it to Denver last fall for the GABF but were thwarted by wives and budgets. I was not surprised at all that Terrapin Rye PA won gold in the Pale Ale category. It justified the praise that I had lavished upon it while describing it to my neighbor, Jay. Unfortunately, since Terrapin is only available on draft, I have never been able to bring some home for my friend to try. That's when an idea hit me - being homebrewers, Jay and I both subscribe to Brew Your Own magazine, which has a recurring column called the "Replicator". Each issue the Replicator attempts to create a clone recipe for some regional beer at a subscriber's request. Well, to make a long story short, I contacted the magazine and the current issue of Brew Your Own (July-August) contains the Replicator's version of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. My intent was certainly not to hurt your sales but to increase awareness to the beer community about a great beer and for my neighbor and I to have our own Rye Pale Ale. Don't worry, I don't expect it to be quite the same and you'll never lose me as a faithful drinker - at least when I'm in the Atlanta area. We have yet to follow the recipe but I'll certainly fill you in once we do. I'll be back at Taco Mac in a couple of weeks. Mmmmmm.....I can almost taste it already."
July 2003: Brant Huisman - Johnson City, TN"Just wanted to thank you for the great ale. I was in town from Tennessee visiting family in Atlanta last week and you guys rocked my world. We went to the Brickstore in Decatur and I had my socks knocked off. I first had my then favorite Serria Nevada Pale Ale which was great as always. But for my second pint I ordered a Terrapin Rye Pale Ale, I had never had it before, being from Tennessee and all. But let me tell you I could not stop saying " This is the best Pale Ale Ever." And now I am back home and hanker'n for my now favorite Terrapin Rye. I was pleased to find on your site that "America" agreed with me and named you the best. I cant wait till you can get it distributed. Good luck and please let me know if, when and how I can order it. Strap in, you guys have got a great thing there and I hope it fly's."
May/June 2003: Tom Civitillo - Bellmore, NY"I spent the night at the Airport Hilton in Atlanta Ga. on a stop over to Oregon this past week end. There in the hotel sports bar, I spied the Terrapin Beer coaster. I read the back and said "Will see about that" and ordered a Rye Pale Ale. I took that first sip and thought "HOLY COW! That is the best beer I've ever tasted!" I'm sad to see that I can't get it here in NY where I live. So please,don't hold a grudge against us Yankees, send up some Rye Pale Ale! Either that or I'll have to come down there and drink some more. Georgia will have a happily buzzed Yankee on it's hands. I gotta get me some more of that beer!"