Terrapin: I know we'll be there soon

June 13, 2009 by Joe Sixpack

Terrapin Beer Co. of Athens, Ga., one of the south’s larger craft breweries, is finally making its way north of the Mason-Dixon. Philly should be seeing supplies by August, via Shangy’s.

The brewery’s Dustin Watts told me the move was made possible by its over-doubling of capacity. “Terrapin has always wanted to creep up the coast,” Watts said. “Philadelphia is obviously a fantastic beer city. The beer culture that people have there is fantastic. I visited last January and absolutely loved hanging out with people in town. We always knew that Philadelphia was one of the key spots to have our beer.”

Terrapin is probably best known for its Rye Pale Ale and its highly rated Big Hoppy Monster, both of which will reach local shelves. And we could see some 22-ounce bombers from its well-regarded Side Project.

I forgot to ask if we’ll see the fruits of The Midnight Brewing Project, Terrapin’s collaboration with Colorado’s Left Hand Brewing. The web site says those beers are available only in the south and Colorado. We’re more likely to see Brewmaster Spike Buckowski’s efforts with Belgium’s Dirk Naudts. Watts told me Terrapin had been named as the co-brewer of 2010’s Signature Series collaboration with DeProef, which is nationally distributed.

About the brewery’s name: The brewers aren’t particularly fond of turtles. They’re Deadheads and the name is a tribute to Terrapin Station.

Welcome to Philly, y’all.

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