Looking around at what other breweries in the SE were doing, Spike and John felt they could make a contribution. Realizing that anyone could make just another pale ale, brown ale or stout, Spike and John set their sights on crafting beers unlike any that were currently available in the SE. Terrapin introduced its first beer, the Rye Pale Ale in April of 2002. Six months later while only available
on draft in Athens, Terrapin’s sole offering won the American Pale Ale Gold Medal at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival. Since they were going to be making unique beers, Spike and John knew from the beginning that Terrapin Beer Company should be located in a city as distinctive as their brews. What better place than Athens, GA? Both Athens and Terrapin have a great love of music, are committed to the environment, and practice living life to the fullest. History rolls forward and so too has Terrapin. These days John and Spike are enjoying Terrapins new 40,000 square foot brewing facilities and taking advantage of the space to brew new innovative and exciting beers. The year round line up now includes the Rye Pale Ale, Golden Ale, Hop Karma Brown IPA, Sunray Wheat Beer and the Hopsecutioner. Terrapin has also released many other beers and garnered several awards both in the U.S.A and internationally. For a complete list of beers see THE BEERS and for an updated to date list of awards see AWARDS.