In the rolling hills of Euharlee, Georgia, where the Etowah River whispers secrets of a bygone era, a new kind of magic brews. The Outpost by Drowned Valley Brewing Co. isn’t just a taproom—it’s a sanctuary, a place where the past and present collide over pints of craft beer and the hum of community. Tucked into a sun-dappled clearing, the low-slung building with its weathered brick and sprawling outdoor yard feels like a secret uncovered, a hidden gem for those who seek it.
The story of The Outpost begins with JD and Dean, two dreamers bound by their love for beer and the history of their hometown, Cartersville. They brought Drowned Valley Brewing Co. to life in 2019, naming it after the lost town of Etowah, swallowed by fire during Sherman’s March and later submerged beneath Lake Allatoona. The brewery’s original location, a renovated mechanic’s shop in downtown Cartersville, becomes a beacon for locals and travelers alike. But JD and Dean envision something more—a place where the community can stretch out, play, and connect under open skies. In 2023, they found it: a plot in Euharlee, just a stone’s throw from the river, perfect for their second chapter.
They call it The Outpost, a nod to its role as a gathering place on the edge of town, where the bustle of city life fades into the rhythm of nature. The taproom is modest but warm, with wooden beams and a bar lined with 16 taps pouring Drowned Valley’s finest. Outside, the yard sprawls like an invitation, dotted with picnic tables, a playground for kids, and a disc golf course that winds through the trees. Food trucks roll in from Thursday to Sunday, their aromas of grilled cheese and smoked brisket mingling with the scent of pine and freshly poured beer.
Descriptions of some of the beers
Museum City Honeysuckle Blonde: A refreshing blonde ale with subtle honeysuckle sweetness, light body, and a crisp finish, perfect for casual sipping. It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for warm days at The Outpost’s outdoor yard.
Fighter Fluid: A session IPA with citrusy hop notes and moderate bitterness, brewed to honor a friend lost to breast cancer, with proceeds supporting research. Its balanced, approachable profile makes it a meaningful and popular choice.
Wine Barrel Aged Imperial Stout: A robust, full-bodied stout aged in wine barrels, blending rich chocolate and coffee flavors with oak, cherry, and tannic notes. It’s a complex, sipping beer for stout enthusiasts.
Mango Sour: A vibrant sour ale bursting with tart mango flavors, offering a puckering acidity balanced by tropical sweetness. It’s a refreshing, fruit-forward option that shines in The Outpost’s laid-back setting.
El Dorado Delight: A juicy IPA showcasing El Dorado hops with tropical pineapple and mango notes, delivering a moderate bitterness and bright finish. It’s a go-to for hop lovers enjoying the taproom’s lively atmosphere.
OS Express: A creamy oatmeal stout with roasted coffee and chocolate aromas, featuring a velvety texture and a strong, bitter finish. It’s a smooth, robust choice for darker beer fans.
Bartow Brown: An award-winning brown ale with a smoky, burnt malt flavor and rustic aroma, offering a rich, slightly bitter profile. It’s a bold, distinctive pour for those seeking depth.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Sour: A tart, dessert-inspired sour ale with sweet strawberry and rhubarb flavors, evoking a nostalgic pie-like experience. Its gold medal-winning recipe is a standout for sour fans.
Coffee Blonde: A light blonde ale infused with local Noble & Main coffee, blending roasted coffee notes with a smooth, approachable base. It’s Drowned Valley’s most requested beer, perfect for coffee and beer lovers alike.
Long Gone Blonde: A clear, golden blonde ale with creamy texture, subtle lemon tartness, and minimal bitterness, designed for easy drinking. It’s a refreshing pick for outdoor adventures near The Outpost.
ITABA IPA: A classic American IPA with balanced citrus and pine hop flavors, offering moderate bitterness and a versatile profile. It’s a reliable choice for IPA enthusiasts in Georgia’s heat.
See You On the Other Side: A bold IPA with juicy, tropical hop notes, popular for its flavorful profile and vibrant finish. It’s a fan favorite, frequently enjoyed at The Outpost’s events.
Sour IPA: A hybrid brew combining tart sour ale acidity with hoppy IPA bitterness, delivering bright citrus and a puckering finish. It’s a unique, refreshing option for adventurous drinkers.
Brut IPA: A crisp, champagne-like IPA with a dry finish, light body, and bright hop flavors, offering a refreshing twist. It’s ideal for sipping by the Euharlee Covered Bridge.
Cold IPA: A clean, crisp IPA brewed with lager yeast, featuring prominent hop flavors and a light, refreshing finish. It bridges IPA and lager styles for easy drinking outdoors.
Sunny Day Siesta Mexican Lager: A light, crisp lager with subtle malt sweetness and high drinkability, perfect for warm days. It’s a laid-back choice for casual Outpost gatherings.
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