What beer or brewery represents your state?

Georgia: SweetWater Brewing Company, SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale.

With a company motto of “Don’t Float the Mainstream” expect the unusual from Georgia’s SweetWater Brewing Company. Founded by two former college roommates, this Georgia brewery blends the outdoorsman qualities with a drinkable beer. The company’s name is derived from the Sweetwater Creek, a place popular with kayakers.

Over the years, SweetWater Brewing Company received many awards. The most prestigious being the Small Brewery of the Year in 2002 by the Great American Beer Festival. The Georgia based company is considered one of the top 50 breweries in the United States.

SweetWater Brewing Company is committed to environmental issues and giving back to the community. From repurposing spent grain to reclaimed water, the company looks to better the world around it. Also, the brewery’s CEO is a woman, which isn’t quite common in the beer industry.

The most popular beer from this brewery is the SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale. The beer gets its name from the brewery’s founding date, April 20. Some other people have speculated a different reason for the name.

The SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale is considered a West Coast style pale ale. The beer has some citrus notes and other fruity flavors. The overall hoppy quality isn’t too overbearing. The malty color and flavor balance out the hoppy notes. The beer is quite drinkable on its own or is delightful when paired with fish. Given the large fish on the label, the pairing is quite expected.

SweetWater Brewing Company beers are often found in cans. The company’s website offers a retail finder.

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