News Nearby: Release Party Thursday for New Decatur Brewery

Decatur's reputation as a beer Mecca strengthens with the opening of two new breweries--Three Taverns Brewing, and Blue Tarp Brewing Company.

Blue Tarp will celebrate its opening at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at the Brick Store Pub. A keg of Blue Tarp's first beer will be tapped. Three Taverns is expected to open in the spring.

The website Atlanta Cuisine talked to Blue Tarp founder Dave Stahl and Three Tavern founder Brian Purcell about their new businesses. Stahl said,

My wife and I spent a lot of time at the Brick Store Pub and my father had been a builder in Decatur, so I knew the area well. We moved here in 2008 and finally found our current location in 2011 in the City of Decatur (which has been very accommodating)....

Our plans are use kegs exclusively the first six months and then add on a canning line. We will focus our distribution around the Decatur area and spread out as we expand production. Serving the local community is our first and foremost goal.

Wild Heaven Craft Beers has operated here for a couple of years. (Twain's brews its own beers but doesn't sell outside the restaurant.) 

What's your favorite place to lift a pint? And who's the best microbrewer in metro Atlanta? Tell us what you think in the comments area below.