Knoxville Bids a Fond Farewell to Knox Brew Tours After a Decade of Craft Beer Celebrations

Farewell to Knox Brew Tours: A Day to Remember in Knoxville

Knoxville, it’s time to raise a glass and say goodbye to a beloved staple in our community. Zack Roskop, the heart and soul behind Knox Brew Hub and Knox Brew Tours, has officially closed that chapter after a successful ten-year run. With around 2,000 tours under his belt, it’s safe to say that this journey has impacted many craft beer lovers. Just a couple of years ago, my husband and I joined one of the tours, and it was such a blast! But like many good things, it got lost in the shuffle of our busy lives. So, when I learned about the final weekend tours, I knew we had to jump on the chance to relive it all one last time!

Our tour kicked off with the enthusiastic Ace leading our brew bus while Zack took charge of the second bus. Feeling adventurous, I picked a tour that included Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus. Full disclosure: I’m not a beer drinker, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sip on something I would enjoy while others popped open their brews!

First Stop: Balter Beerworks

Our first stop was at Balter Beerworks, where we cozied up in the brew room with fellow tour-goers. With two buses packed with eager participants, it made for a vibrant atmosphere. Zack took us on a trip down memory lane, sharing the origin story of Knox Brew Tours, and let me tell you, we learned Zack’s mom is quite the motivator! It’s clear Zack’s contagious energy and get-it-done attitude stem from her.

Next Stop: Hexagon Brewing

Next up was Hexagon Brewing. Now, I had heard of them, but they are definitely a hidden gem in Knoxville that you wouldn’t stumble upon by accident. One of the oddest highlights there was a smoked bacon beer. While it might sound bizarre, it was definitely a hit with several tour participants! Along with another brew that remarkably tasted like white chocolate, there was something for every palate. After this stop, Zack took a moment to hop on our bus, answering questions and sharing insights about the ever-evolving craft beer landscape in Knoxville.

Zack shared how much the craft beer scene has changed over the years. With many now opting for non-alcoholic and CBD-infused beverages, the tours had seen a drop in bookings. It made sense that he’d focus on adapting to such trends.

Third Stop: Next Level Brewing

Our third stop brought us to Next Level Brewing. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this building had a history going back over a century, having once served as an auto shop. As we kicked back and enjoyed our drinks, I had a great chat with Ace. She’s deep into marketing for the country’s first non-alcoholic craft brewery, Bravus, and is stoked for what lies ahead!

Fourth Stop: Barrelhouse

By the time we reached Barrelhouse, I finally got to indulge in one of my favorites: a pumpkin cider. The delightful mix of pumpkin, spices, and apple made it totally irresistible. Throughout the tour, it was so heartwarming to talk with fellow guests who also returned to pay tribute to their cherished Knox Brew Tours experience.

Final Stop: Zul Beer Company

Our last stop, Zul Beer Company, had everyone in high spirits as they always do! Not wanting to miss out, I tried their PB&J Mixtape beer, and surprisingly, it was fantastic! Having missed Zul since Geezer’s closed, I was excited to glimpse the progress made within the brewery. Plus, they have an exciting beer fest coming up called Kill the Lights 2024 on October 26, showcasing over seventy breweries!

A Bit Emotional

At Zul, the mood turned nostalgic. The Brew Hub has a slogan that rings true: “Love you. Mean it.” During our stops, touching stories were shared, many expressing how Zack influenced their lives and deepened their connection to the Knoxville community. Ace, who started with Zack six years back, shared her journey, highlighting how it transformed her life.

While I couldn’t make it to the farewell bash at Last Days of Autumn Brewing, the social media buzz suggested it was an unforgettable night for all. As our bus rolled back, I felt the bittersweet twinge of nostalgia. Knox Brew Tours might be wrapping up, but it’s not lost on us how much joy it brought to so many over the years.

To Zack and everyone involved with Knox Brew Tours, thank you for a glorious decade filled with cheers, laughs, and memories. While I’ll miss seeing those vibrant buses cruising around town, it’s clear that your impact will echo throughout Knoxville for years to come!