TailGate Brewery: Where Beer Meets Big Dreams
At TailGate Brewery, beer has always been the star of the show. But if you've spent even one afternoon at one of their lively, colorful taprooms, you know the real magic is in the community they've built — brick by brick, pint by pint. Over the past decade, TailGate has transformed from a bold, one-location dream into a flourishing Tennessee staple, with a footprint that keeps expanding.
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What began as a small brewery in Nashville has grown into an eight-location powerhouse (plus a TailGate-branded outpost at the Nashville airport), and each taproom buzzes with energy and local pride. Trivia nights, live music, signature pizzas, craft seltzers, cold brew coffee — you name it, TailGate has mastered it. And while other breweries might have expanded quickly to ride a trend, TailGate has taken a different approach: building its brand deliberately, focusing on quality and community every step of the way.
Now, after 10 years of innovation and sustained growth, TailGate is entering an exciting new era: the launch of its first THC-infused sparkling water. TailGate Brewery and its offshoot, TailGate Hemp Co., weren't funded by venture capital or family wealth. Founder Wesley Keegan built the business from scratch.
'We're a production brewery first and foremost,' Wes explains. 'Everything else — from pizza to cider, cold brew to sweet tea, and now THC beverages — has been designed to complement that.'
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TailGate's growth story is worth celebrating in its own right. When Wes opened the brewery a decade ago, the goal was simple but ambitious: create a welcoming space where quality craft beer and good times could go hand in hand. It wasn't about flashy rollouts or quick wins; it was about doing things the right way and fostering real connections with their community.
Over the years, that commitment has paid off. TailGate now boasts thriving taprooms across Tennessee, including multiple spots in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Chattanooga, and more. Each location offers something a little different — a nod to local flavor and neighborhood vibes — but the core experience remains the same: high-quality beer, warm hospitality, and a space that feels like a home away from home.
So, what's next? Wes's long-term plan is to open a new location every two years, always with the same thoughtful, intentional approach that's brought them this far.
'Nothing we do is flippant,' Wes says. 'We think about where we want to be five, 10 years from now — and we work backwards from there. It's about staying true to who we are while also evolving to meet what our community wants.'
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The latest evolution is the leap into the THC space. But, true to TailGate's nature, this wasn't about jumping on a trend. It was about recognizing an opportunity that aligned with their existing offerings.
'We already had the product,' Wes says, referring to the line of crisp, fruit-flavored sparkling waters that have long been popular at his taprooms. 'Those are the 'unleaded' versions we've served for years. Once we navigated the legal requirements, adding THC was a natural next step.'
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Wes jokes that part of the product's appeal taps into that little spark of 'doing something a bit rebellious' — a throwback to carefree college nights — but with a polished, grown-up twist. 'We're really speaking to that stylish, youthful mom who maybe smoked a few times at a frat party,' he says with a smile, 'but now wants to feel that vibe with a little more control — and definitely a better playlist.'
Of course, a word of caution: even though it looks and tastes like your favorite sparkling water, it's not something to sip absentmindedly. 'It's not meant for high-volume consumption,' Wes says. 'It's designed to replace or complement alcohol, not to overdo. It's for savoring and enjoying — something you can feel good about.'
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As TailGate Brewery enters its second decade, one thing remains unchanged: its commitment to quality, creativity, and community. The current model is proof that slow, steady, intentional growth isn't just possible; it's powerful. And with plans to keep expanding thoughtfully and a focus on delivering innovative products that satisfy evolving tastes, TailGate is showing no signs of slowing down.
Depending on where you live, Tailgate Brewery might even ship to you. Check out the website for more details.
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About the Author Dallas Jackson
A resident of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Dallas is passionate about brand-building, sports, and life on 30A.
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