feature
BREWERY
Georgia Beer Co . unveils seasonal
holiday sips
words & photography by KASMIRA SMITH
Georgia Beer Co . cofounders Chris Jones and Jack “ J . Ryce ” Martin met while attending college at Valdosta State University in the early 2000s and decided in 2014 that they wanted to take on the brewery business venture .
Georgia Beer Company is Valdosta ’ s first brewery and is the southernmost brewery in the state . Located within the historic downtown area , the brewery began as a business idea between the co-founders Chris Jones and Jack “ J . Ryce ” Martin . The men met while attending college at Valdosta State University in the early 2000s and decided in 2014 that they wanted to take on the brewery business venture .
“ It took us five years of practicing , writing business plans and fundraising . We opened at this location in January of 2019 ,” Jones , the director of business development , said .
Jones and Martin have a staff of 20 employees , including eight full time and 12 part-time . Forrest Swan is the head brewer and Oscar Humphries serves as the head cellarman .
Each year , Georgia Beer Co . transforms their taproom and Beer Garden with decorations to mark the Christmas holiday spirit . The brewery is joining an initiative with the City of Valdosta , Valdosta-Lowndes Co . Conference Center & Tourism Authority and Wild Adventures to help make Valdosta a Christmas destination . In that initiative , Georgia Beer Co . plans to place 10 wreaths around the taproom and wrap the exterior building in Christmas lights . Guests will also be able to view various garlands , decorations and a 15 foot tree placed in the corner of the taproom .
December 2023 | Valdosta Scene 35