Terrapin Beer Company is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a carnival — that is, with a carnival fueled by Terrapin beer.
Terrapin started with just one beer. In the 10 years since, the brewery has grown to reach nine states and 20,000 barrels of beer a year. FILE/The Red & Black
The brewery has come a long way: in 2002, Terrapin began with one beer, the “Rye Pale Ale,” which initially could only be found in a few local bars around Athens.
Soon, the beer won a gold medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival. This gold medal sparked the founding of the Terrapin Beer Company — and before long, Terrapin reached the big 10-year landmark.
“It’s been a crazy 10 years,” said John Cochran, president and co-founder of Terrapin. “I never imagined we would be where we are now.”
For some, however, it doesn’t feel like 10 years at all.
“Wow, it seems like two years,” said Spike Buckowski, brewmaster and other co-founder. “It’s gone by so quickly. Hopefully, one day it will be 25 years, or even 50.”
Terrapin sells 20,000 barrels of beer a year throughout nine states. For its celebration, founders are expecting somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 Terrapin Beer fans to help them celebrate.
For the occasion, Terrapin will introduce its newly-inspired beer, the “Anniversary Ale,” a 10 percent Belgian golden ale with sweet and bitter orange peel, coriander, chamomile and a little rye as a tribute to its roots.
“I knew it had to be special for the 10th anniversary,” Buckowski said about his new creation, “and it came out beautifully.”
Other new brews will appear at the carnival including “Easy Rider,” “Road Warrior” and “Tree Hugger.” There will also be a few special beers that have been aged in wine and whiskey barrels.
For music, Terrapin booked Grogus, which already played for Terrapin’s grand opening celebration. A collective band self-described as “Affro-Caribbean Boogity Celebration Music,” Grogus will play throughout the night.
The afternoon will include many carnival-inspired events and games, including Terrapin’s version of the dunk-tank — filled with cold beer.
“I’m glad it’s going to be hot outside this year,” Cochran said. “Last year it was like 45 degrees.”
Terrapin also plans to finish off a few of its brews on Saturday. Cochran said they are on their last keg of “Reunion — A Beer for Hope,” “Big Daddy Vlady’s,” and “Gamma Ray,” and will definitely be finishing off “Rye Squared,” and “Hopzilla Imperial IPA.”
With carnival games and alcohol, Terrapin is prepped to celebrate with its fans — on one condition.
“As long as everybody has a good time,” Buckowski said, “and doesn’t cause a ruckus.”
TERRAPIN 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Where: Terrapin
When: Today at 4:30 p.m.
Price: TBA