Now Hiring | Atlanta-based Sales Rep

Three Taverns Brewery seeks Market Sales Representative for the greater Atlanta area

Who are we? Three Taverns is an award-winning brewery with two locations in Georgia’s emerging craft brewery scene. Creative and experimental, our mantra of “Surpass the Ordinary” informs everything we say and do.  Our versatility and dedication to high standards of quality, consistency, and customer experience is evidenced in everything from our broad range of highly regarded beers and our distinct branding and packaging to our beautiful tasting rooms and brewing facilities. 

We are currently recruiting a craft beer enthusiast who will help execute our aggressive growth initiatives in the greater Atlanta market. This position is responsible for developing sales strategies targeted toward new accounts and maintaining great relationships with current accounts within the industry. A high emphasis is placed on increasing the availability and visibility of products in new and existing accounts by using consultative and relational sales tactics. This position reports to the Director of Sales while maintaining an open working relationship with all levels of the Three Taverns team.

Job Responsibilities, including but not limited to:
•   100% focus on selling products and/or upgrading number of product lines in on and off premise retail accounts (bars/restaurants, liquor/grocery stores/convenient stores)
•   Identify major/strategic accounts that are not being penetrated with 3T products, and develop a plan to establish business with such accounts
•   Partner with distributors to ensure orders are placed, products are received and business is growing at accounts
•   Plan routes to ensure all accounts are regularly seen
•   Assist with promotional calendar to drive sales and distribution – performing regular on and off premise events, i.e. waitstaff/bartender educations, off premise sampling, on premise tastings, etc.
•   Participate in regular sales meetings to help create sales goals
•   Execute sales strategies as determined by management
•   Improve conditions and merchandise accounts by building displays, resetting coolers and displaying POS items to increase visibility of brand
•   Participate in festivals and evening promotional events, including tasting room tours
•   Trouble-shoot draft equipment and/or product issues for local accounts
•   Stay current with industry trends

Job Requirements: 
•   Desire to build a career in sales
•   1 – 3 years of proven results-oriented experience in outside sales (preferred)
•   A competitive spirit with an assertive, confident personality
•   Ability to build and maintain customer relationships
•   Strong sense of urgency and commitment to achieving results
•   Strong judgment and professional maturity
•   Excellent communication and effective organizational skills
•   Ability to work both independently and within a team to accomplish goals
•   Demonstrated ability to plan and manage multiple responsibilities
•   Excellent industry knowledge, including beer descriptions, styles and basic off-flavors
•   Able to work evenings and weekends when needed
•   Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Special Requirements: 
•   Valid driver's license, clean driving record (no DUIs), and ability to drive to and from accounts continuously
•   Ability to lift and move cases of beer frequently
•   Ability to climb, kneel, and stoop to arrange and display point of sale frequently

Compensation:
•   Competitive salary and bonus structure (dependent on experience)
•   Company vehicle
•   Health Insurance and 401K
•   Paid Vacation
•   Beer allotment and other perks

Send resume and cover letter to john@threetavernsbrewery.com

Three Taverns Collaborates with Pilsner Urquell

Three Taverns collaborates with Pilsner Urquell and Pivovar Proud; travels to the Czech Republic to pour at the Pilsen Liberation Festival.
 

Three Taverns Brewery recently had the great privilege to collaborate on a beer with the experimental brewery of Pilsner Urquell, Pivovar Proud, and brew a hoppy pilsner for pouring in the Czech Republic at the 2022 Pilsen Liberation festival May 5-8. We first came on the radar of Pilsner Urquell when Senior Development Petr Starý discovered we made a beer called Prince of Pilsen. Prince is our hoppy pilsner that pays tribute to the world’s most influential beer style. Our entire crew was surprised when we received an email one morning from the Pilsen brewery stating it was time for the prince to come home. Per Petr’s request, we sent cans of Prince to the Czech Republic for sampling at their brewery where they gave the Prince high praise and a good tour of the brewery grounds.

Soon after Petr and Pivovar Proud’s Brewing Director, Michal Škoda, invited us to collaborate on a beer and to bring Prince of Pilsen to the city of Pilsen and pour it with them at the Pilsen Liberation Festival in May of this year. When we asked Petr why Pilsner Urquell wanted to create a beer with Three Taverns, he replied, “It was the name of your beer. When I saw you brewed a beer called Prince of Pilsen, I knew I wanted to try the beer. After sampling the beer at our brewery, I knew I wanted to see you guys in the Czech Republic and make a beer together.”

The Pilsen Liberation festival celebrates the liberation of Pilsen from German occupation by the U.S. at the end of WWII. Also known as the Day of Lilacs, on May 6, 1945, the citizens of Pilsen welcomed the American soldiers with lilacs as they entered the city and accepted surrender from the Germans. Under Soviet rule after the war, it was only after the fall of the Soviet Union that Pilsen could recognize America as the true liberators of their city. The first Liberation Festival was celebrated in May of 1990 and now people travel to this festival from all over the world. Every year the city of Pilsen goes back in time nationally to 1945 and celebrates its American liberators with festive parades including a convoy of military vehicles, 1940’s era jazz concerts, commemorations, and reenactments that serve as a reminder to never forget the horrible period of German occupation during WWII and of Soviet oppression during the cold war. With the events in the world today, celebrating liberation and freedom has never felt so important, and the opportunity to pour our own Prince of Pilsen in Pilsen and to brew a beer called Pilsen Liberation with the original pilsner brewery is an honor unlike any other in my nine years of running Three Taverns. When I asked what his favorite part of the festival was this year, Petr was quick to say “the fact that we belong to the West, and now even stronger than before.”

Inspired by our use of Citra for dry hopping Prince of Pilsen, Michal and Lenka Straková (Brewmaster, Pivovar Proud) wanted to brew another version of a hoppy pilsner. We couldn’t have been more excited at this request, and after making plans to brew the beer in Pilsen and Atlanta, our brewmaster, Neal Engleman, worked with Lenka on the translation of the recipe and brewing techniques from one brewhouse to the other. When asked what the pilsner beer means to them, Petr replied that “Pilsner Urquell is the mother and father of all pilsners,” while Neal said, “brewing this historic style with the original pilsner brewery is what dreams are made of.” Pilsen Liberation melds the classic crisp Czech malt and Saaz hop character with the distinctly American aromatic character from the use of Citra and Cascade hops.  

After a night of drinking lots of pilsners in Prague, we arrived at Pilsner Urquell on May 7th and were greeted at the famous arches by Petr who quickly took us to the cellars to enjoy the classic, unfiltered Pilsner Urquell from the wooden lager tanks. Soon after we were met by Lenka and Michal and taken to Pivovar Proud, the experimental brewery on the Pilsner Urquell grounds, where we were given a tour of the now converted electrical plant. Of course, the best part of the tour was sampling the impressive variety of experimental styles being brewed by Lenka and her team. While touring Proud we were introduced to a special barrel of Pilsen Liberation that was slated for a ceremonial public tapping at the city square that Saturday as part of the festival activities. This turned out to be the exclamation point on this magical journey. On Saturday, we met Lenka on the brewery grounds and loaded the barrel onto the back of a 1940’s era U.S. Army truck, complete with American soldier reenactors. After joining the soldiers in the back of the truck, we rode past the waving crowds in Pilsen to the great cathedral on the city square. Neal was given the honor of tapping the barrel, and after a successful swing of the wooden mallet, we both poured Pilsen Liberation to a very happy crowd of festival goers. Neal and I agreed this surreal experience was easily one of the best beer moments ever experienced.

After a weekend filled with pub tours and tank pours of Pilsner Urquell, Neal and I returned to Atlanta and immediately started planning for the release of our brew of Pilsen Liberation on June 4th at both Three Taverns’ brewery locations. For this special celebration and beer release, we will be pouring the beer at both locations in the traditional Czech method via the newly installed Czech-made Lukr side pull taps and serving the beer in dimpled Euro-style mugs printed with our Pilsen Liberation logo. The brewery will be selling these mugs in addition to other Pilsen Liberation-themed items.

Pilsen Liberation will be available for purchase at both brewery locations in limited release 16oz 4-pack cans. The cans were designed by Metaleap Creative to reflect the historicity of this important event. Of special note regarding the cans, Pilsner Urquell was so impressed with the design that they requested samples to add to their archive collection at the brewery in Pilsen. After the celebration at Three Taverns on June 4th, limited amounts of the beer will be sent to market in both draft and 16oz. package form.

Now Hiring | Imaginarium Bartender (part-time)

Three Taverns Imaginarium | Bartender

Our taprooms are a key part of our success and we are hiring bartenders for our Imaginarium location in Atlanta. It is our chance to share our beer, our history, culture, and our brand with patrons and turn them into loyal fans. Our bartenders act as our brand ambassadors when they are working in the taproom and should be knowledgeable about craft beer and our brewery, attentive and focused on providing the best possible experience for our guests in a fast-paced environment.

You must work with other bar teammates to ensure that our guests receive prompt and seamless service. Our bartenders practice proper beer pouring, take part in cleaning, setting up and breaking down the bar, maintaining and stocking clean glassware, stocking packaged beer, changing kegs, organizing kegs, as well as taking on other duties to support the Taproom Manager and ensure that the taproom operates smoothly. 

To be a successful bartender at Three Taverns, you should have prior craft beer (bartending) experience, have a passionate for craft beer, enjoy working as part of a team, be efficient, reliable, trustworthy, and perceptive with excellent communication and time management skills.

What you'll do:

• Opening and closing duties, such restocking the to-go cooler, setting up/breaking down taps, and ensuring the bar has clean towels, glassware, etc.

• Cash handling

• POS operations

• Comping tabs / problem solving

• Staying on top of glassware, cleaning collecting, restocking

• Changing kegs 

• Checking taps and gas regulators to confirm that they are working properly, making minor repairs or changing out kegs, if needed

• Keeping the bar clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping and mopping spills, picking up trash as you go

• Learning about our beers and our brand, knowing hops and flavor profiles of our beers

• Greet and socialize with patrons

• Educate patrons on brewing and our beers

• Proper beer pouring

• Growler and crowler filling

• Occasional Tap/Beer Line trouble shooting

• Organizing kegs and taproom beers

• Work closely with the Taproom Manager and On-site management

• Other duties as assigned

What we're looking for:

• Passion for Three Taverns Brewery and the craft beer industry

• Prior experience as a bartender preferred

• General knowledge of craft beer and the brewing process

• Cicerone Certified a plus!

• Outgoing/high energy/friendly demeanor and enjoys a high level of public interaction

• Positive attitude and strong verbal communication skills

• Able to demonstrate integrity and mature judgment in handling all matters

• Ability to problem solve and work independently in a changing and multi-tasking environment

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Willing to work weekdays, weekends, and special events

• Ability to understand and work well with taproom and production staff

Physical Requirements:

• Requires moderate physical efforts; carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pulling and pushing

• Able to move around full kegs 

• Able to use a hand truck and load cases of beer

• Able to stand for long periods of time

• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator

Please send resumes and inquiries to james@threetavernsbrewery.com. Please note, this is for a part-time position.

Now Hiring | Imaginarium Bar Back (part-time)

Three Taverns Bar Back

 The Bar Back is a vital role to our taproom bar staff and we are hiring for our Imaginarium location at the Atlanta Dairies. You must work with other bar teammates to ensure that our guests receive prompt and seamless service. The Bar Back will assist in cleaning, setting up and breaking down the bar, maintaining and stocking clean glassware, stocking packaged beer, changing kegs, organizing kegs, as well as taking on other duties to support the bartenders and ensure that the taproom operates smoothly. You should be knowledgeable about craft beer and our brewery, attentive, and focused on providing the best possible service in a fast-paced environment.

To be a successful Bar Back, you should be efficient, reliable, and passionate about working as part of a team.

What you'll do:

• Assist with opening and closing duties, such restocking the to-go cooler, taking out trash, breaking down taps, and ensuring that bartenders have clean towels, glassware, etc.

• Consistently circling the taproom for dirty glasses

• Staying on top of glassware, cleaning collecting, restocking

• Changing kegs and maintaining records of changed kegs to keep inventory

• Organizing kegs 

• Cleaning beer lines

• Checking taps and gas regulators to confirm that they are working properly, making minor repairs or changing out kegs if needed.

• Keeping the bar clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping and mopping spills, picking up trash as you go.

• Learning about our beers and our brand, including hops and flavor profiles of our beers

• Greet and socialize with patrons

• Assist with taking orders, pouring beers when needed, opening tabs, taking care of merchandise orders and processing payments, especially during peak hours

• Assist in re-stocking the store

• Work with tap room and on-site management

• Other duties as assigned

What we're looking for:

• Passion for Three Taverns Craft Brewery and the craft beer industry

• Prior experience as a Bar Back or service experience is desired

• General knowledge of craft beer and the brewing process is desired

• Cicerone certified a plus!

• Outgoing/high energy, enjoys high level of public interaction

• Outgoing personality, positive attitude, and strong verbal communication skills

• Able to demonstrate integrity, mature judgment in handling all matters

• Ability to problem solve and work independently in a changing and multi-tasking environment

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Willing to work weekends, and weekday evenings/special events

• Ability to understand and work well with taproom and production staff

Physical Requirements:

• Requires moderate physical efforts: carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pulling and pushing

• Must be able to move around full kegs frequently

• Able to stand, walk for long periods of time

• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator

• Work environment is indoors within production environment and may involve noise and temperature changes

• Work with chemicals if cleaning lines

• Can get dirty and covered in beer

Please send resumes and inquiries to james@threetavernsbrewery.com. Please note, this is for a part-time position.

Now Hiring | Packaging Manager

Packaging Manager | Decatur brewery location

Who are we? Three Taverns is an award winning brewery in Georgia’s emerging craft brewery scene. Creative and experimental, our mantra of “Surpass the Ordinary” informs everything we say and do.  Our versatility and dedication to high standards of quality, consistency, and customer experience is evidenced in everything from our broad range of highly regarded beers and our distinct branding and packaging to our beautiful tasting rooms and brewing facilities. 

We believe in the power of story and are seeking an inspired and energetic Packaging Manager to join and lead our talented team. With a strong commitment to growth and currently selling at 12,000 bbls annually, we are looking for a proven manager to lead our packaging team in an environment of accelerated growth, including the continued expansion of our present location alongside our smaller, experimental brewery location (The Imaginarium). This position will report directly to our CEO.

Where are we? Three Taverns’ main facility is situated in the burgeoning beer hub of Decatur, Georgia, USA, just six miles from downtown Atlanta. Walkable, neighborly, urbane Decatur is the hub of beer culture for the surrounding area and is home to a wonderful collection of shops, amazing restaurants and beer bars, including the world-famous Brick Store Pub. Our new Imaginarium brewery and taproom is located closer to downtown just off the Atlanta Beltline in the repurposed Atlanta Dairies next to a new 2,500 seat music venue.

Job description:
The Packaging Manager reports to the CEO and Director of Brewing Operations and will be expected to oversee and lead all packaging operations both technically and from a people management standpoint.  As Packaging Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring all packaging processes are running at the highest efficiency while not sacrificing quality.  You will lead a team in achieving very ambitious but critical goals. This is an integral role and well suited for a leader who takes pride in minor details and understands their impact when considered as a collective whole in the brewery.  The job is not without challenges, including, but not limited to schedule changes, last minute packaging additions, and changes to packaging formats - day-to-day flexibility is a must.  This is a hands-on job that entails repetitive work and long hours on your feet. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Packaging product according to the brew schedule and per the Director of Operations and Production Planning Team
• Overseeing operation of a can line, bottling line, and keg line
• Training, scheduling, hiring, motivating, and developing Packaging Team members; providing leadership and taking responsibility for performance of the Packaging Team and holding team members accountable for their performance, productivity, morale, and attitude
• Balance packaging responsibilities with leadership and management duties and manage packaging staff through continuous constructive review and feedback
• Improving production efficiencies and yield
• Ensuring change overs, can reloads, and sku changes happen quickly and efficiently
• Ensuring beer quality is maintained throughout the packaging process
• Developing and maintaining SOPs for training, safety, CIP, and packing operations
• Proficient understanding of running packaging equipment and machinery, including future upgrades
• Working with Director of Brewing Operations to ensure preventative maintenance is being completed
• Working with the Director of Brewing Operations to ensure that proper cans/bottles/labels are available prior to packaging
• Proficient understanding of Dissolved Oxygen in packaged beer and how to continuously improve to limit/ eliminate it
• Understanding production systems and diagnoses sources of machine failure to make necessary repairs and adjustments
• Working closely with other brewers and planning team members to achieve desired quality and production targets
• Communicating clearly and effectively across departments to achieve company goals
• Completing tasks in accordance with company standard operating procedures and guidelines
• Following all safety procedures
• Keeping accurate daily activity records in company systems
• Assisting with identifying materials that need to be ordered, inventory oversight and awareness

Requirements:
• Three or more years’ experience in brewery and beverage production in a highly automated manufacturing
• Minimum of two years in a professional leadership/supervisory role preferred
• Experience and ability to safely operate a forklift and scissor lift
• Strong technical understanding of machinery and sanitation
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve mechanical problems
• Experience in quality control and other protocols
• Ability to work early, long hours with flexibility and the ability to work beyond normal working hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary to ensure product delivery
• You are self-motivated and able to work autonomously, with a focused and hard-working attitude
• Ability to multitask and work coolly and professionally in time sensitive situations
• Must have good communication skills with the ability to both receive feedback and offer ideas 
• Assertive and not afraid to speak your mind 
• Ability to troubleshoot issues and/or pivot plans quickly so to coordinate corrective actions needed 
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to push, pull, bend, and lift 50 lbs. or more as necessary to perform required tasks as assigned throughout the workday

Compensation:
• Competitive pay based on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance available
• 401k program
• Paid time off
• Generous beer perks

Please submit resumé and cover letter to brian@threetavernsbrewery.com

Helm's Deep Day 2021

Photo by Jordan Albertson

Three Taverns’ most anticipated annual event, Helm’s Deep Day, returns this Saturday, 12/18, when we release the 2021 editions of Helm’s Deep and German Chocolate Helm’s Deep.

Carefully brewed and barrel aged by our head brewer and wood cellar manager, Neal Engleman, this year’s HD is a blend of 4-year Buffalo Trace and 8-year Blanton’s barrels and arguably one of our best to date. The body is silky smooth and mouth coating with flavors of fudge brownie saturated with sweet vanilla and subtle spice from the bourbon oak. Neal was overly permissive in his use of coconut for the German Chocolate variant ensuring an indulgent slice of cake in your glass.

Adding pomp and circumstance to this year’s release will be a Renaissance-style faire worthy of the people of middle earth. Traditional pub music will be performed live by Marc Gunn, with food suitable for a medieval feast (smoked turkey legs, sausages, and corn on the cob) from Smoke & Honey. Our draft selection will also include a new HD variant - S’mores HD - plus our new barleywine, Witch-King.

A limited amount of HD and GCHD bottles will go on pre-sale this Wednesday 12/15 at noon via Oznr with the remainder, along with our first commemorative HD glass, available for sale at the brewery in Decatur on Saturday. We look forward to welcoming you all at the brewery this Saturday with a return to celebrating in person the 2021 edition of Helm’s Deep Day.

Now Hiring | Bar Back (Parlour)

Three Taverns Parlour | Bar Back

Job Description:
The Bar Back is a vital role to our bar staff. You must work with other bar teammates to ensure that our guests receive prompt & seamless service. The Bar Back will assist in cleaning, setting up and breaking down the bar, maintaining & stocking clean glassware, stocking packaged beer, changing kegs, organizing kegs, as well as taking on other duties to support the bartenders and ensure that the taproom operates smoothly. You should be knowledgeable about craft beer and Three Taverns Brewery, attentive, and focused on providing the best possible service in a fast-paced environment.

To be a successful Bar Back, you should be passionate about working as part of a team, efficient, reliable, and perceptive with excellent communication and time management skills.

What you'll do:

• Assisting with opening and closing duties, such restocking the to-go cooler, taking out trash, breaking down taps, and ensuring bartenders have clean towels, glassware, etc.

• Consistently circling the taproom for dirty glasses

• Staying on top of glassware: cleaning, collecting, restocking

• Changing kegs & maintaining records of changed kegs to keep inventory

• Organizing kegs

• Cleaning beer lines

• Checking taps and gas regulators to confirm that they are working properly, making minor repairs or changing out kegs, if needed.

• Keeping the bar clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping and mopping spills, and picking up trash as you go

• Learning about our beers and our brand - knowing hops and flavor profiles of our beers

• Greet and socialize with patrons

• Taking orders, pouring beers when needed, opening tabs, taking care of merchandise orders and processing payments, especially during peak hours.

• Assist in re-stocking the store

• Work with Tap Room and on-site management

• Other duties as assigned

What we're looking for:

• Passion for Three Taverns Brewery and the craft beer industry

• Prior experience as a Bar Back or service experience is desired

• General knowledge of craft beer and the brewing process is desired

• Cicerone Certified a plus!

• Outgoing/High energy, enjoys high level of public interaction

• Outgoing personality, positive attitude, and strong verbal communication skills

• Able to demonstrate integrity and mature judgment in handling all matters

• Ability to problem solve and work independently in a changing and multi-tasking environment

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Willing to work weekends, and possible weekday evenings/special events

• Ability to understand and work well with taproom and production staff

Physical Requirements:

• Requires moderate physical efforts: carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pulling and pushing

• Must be able to move around kegs quite frequently

• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time

• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator

• Work environment is indoors within production environment and may involve noise and temperature changes.

• Work with chemicals if cleaning lines

• Things can get dirty - covered in beer, pruney hands, messy spills, etc

To apply, send resume and cover letter to amy@threetavernsbrewery.com. Please note, this is for a part-time position.

Now Hiring | Bartender (Parlour)

Three Taverns Parlour | Bartender

Job Description:
Our Parlour taproom is a key part of our success. It is our chance to share our beer, our history, culture, and our brand with patrons and turn them into loyal fans. The bartenders act as our brand ambassadors when they are working in the Parlour Taproom and should be knowledgeable about craft beer and our brewery, attentive, and focused on providing the best possible experience for our guests in a fast-paced environment. 

You must work with other bar teammates to ensure that our guests receive prompt & seamless service. Examples: practice proper beer pouring, take part in cleaning, setting up and breaking down the bar, maintaining & stocking clean glassware, stocking packaged beer, changing kegs, organizing kegs, as well as taking on other duties to support the Taproom Manager and ensure that the taproom operates smoothly. 

To be a successful Bartender at Three Taverns, you should be passionate about craft beer, enjoy working as part of a team, be efficient, reliable, trustworthy, and perceptive with excellent communication and time management skills.

What you'll do:

• Opening and closing duties, such as restocking the to-go cooler, setting up/breaking down taps, and ensuring the bar has clean towels, glassware, etc.

• Cash handling and counting drawers/tips

• POS operations

• Staying on top of glassware: cleaning, collecting, and restocking

• Changing kegs

• Checking taps and gas regulators to confirm that they are working properly

• Keeping the bar clean by wiping down surfaces, sweeping and mopping spills, and picking up trash as you go

• Learning about our beers and our brand and knowing hops and flavor profiles of our beers

• Greet and socialize with patrons

• Proper beer pouring

• Growler/crowler filling

• Occasional tap/beer line trouble shooting

• Work with Tap Room and on-site management

• Other duties as assigned

What we're looking for:

• Passion for Three Taverns Brewery and the craft beer industry

• Prior experience as a bartender is desired

• General knowledge of craft beer and the brewing process is desired

• Cicerone Certified a plus!

• Outgoing/high energy, enjoys high level of public interaction

• Outgoing personality, positive attitude, and strong verbal communication skills

• Able to demonstrate integrity and mature judgment in handling all matters

• Ability to problem solve and work independently in a changing and multi-tasking environment

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Willing to work weekends and possible weekday evenings/special events

• Ability to understand and work well with taproom and production staff

Physical Requirements:

• Requires moderate physical efforts: carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pulling and pushing

• Able to move around kegs occasionally

• Able to use a hand truck and load cases of beer

• Able to stand for long periods of time

• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator

To apply, send resume and cover letter to amy@threetavernsbrewery.com.

Behind The 3 | Salina Copeland

Salina “Sal” Copeland is the Packaging Manager here at Three Taverns and joined 3T in 2017. Her responsibilities include overseeing packaging, hiring staff, and working alongside Sales and Production to help manage inventory for over 10,000 barrels of beer/year. Read more about her below in our “Behind The 3” feature, where we highlight the instrumental folks of Three Taverns:

Where did you grow up and what brought you to Georgia?
I was born in Omaha, Nebraska. But I mostly grew up in Alabama. After college I lived in Florida for a few years. I love Florida and miss living at the beach but I decided it was time to “grow up” and go to grad school. So I packed up, bought a house, and moved to Athens, GA. Never went to grad school (lol) but fell in love with breweries instead.

What keeps you busy outside of work?
Pre-covid, I played roller derby as my primary hobby. I was starting my 8th season as a skater right before the pandemic.
Since the world shut down I’m way less cool and mainly just hang out with my dogs. I bought a house during the pandemic and built a deck over the winter so we’re currently doing a lot of porch sittin’.

Favorite 3T beer? What other beers/non-beers do you drink often?
PRINCE OF PILSEN ALL DAY!! If I’m buying beer Miller High Life is my go-to but usually I’m drinking wine, bourbon, gin, and/or tequila on my off-time or mad crushing some La Croixs. Kona Big Wave is my old school fave “craft” beer. It brings me back to my younger days when I lived at the beach.

Has the beer industry changed since you first started working in it? If so, how? What changes do you hope to see in the future?
Sure, it has changed. For starters, you don't need to be an intern or know somebody to get started in the industry. My first brewery gig was an unpaid internship that I (probably) only got because the head brewer was a derby mate of mine. At that time, I applied to every brewery job opening I saw in my area and got nothing until I could finally find a "free" spot to gain some experience. Don't get me wrong, I loved my intro into the industry. It showed me what the work actually involved without having to commit to a career change but it was still a challenging process just to find opportunity.

What I've always loved about beer is that it brings people together. I have seen that reflected in the industry as well. We are here, together, as something bigger than beer. We are here for people. I saw it when countries were devastated by natural disasters and breweries started canning water to send as an aid. We have seen it most, I feel, within the last year+. Most of the industry banned together to support social issues involving inclusivity. I love to see when it's not just about making beer and it becomes about lifting up people and community; to bring us all back together.

As far as changes I hope to see, I am echoing the voice of others that yearns for more diversity. As a hiring manager in the industry, I know how few of those resumes I get. I want to see a wholeness in the industry. I hope that, as an industry, we can repair the perception so that it becomes a familiar and exciting place to work for everyone.

What’s an underrated beer style you’d like to see more representation of?
Cream ale. Hands down. So light, crisp, and ultra refreshing and yet so flavorful! If I'm ever at a brewery or bar and I see a cream ale on tap, I'm trying it!

Favorite spots to hang out in and around Atlanta?
I keep it cozy in Decatur, where it's greater!!! For real though, if I'm out I'm usually found in Oakhurst, either at the dog park or Scout, Stienbeck's, or Sceptre Brewing. I like heading over to the West End on occasion, but I usually keep my travel triangle from Decatur to Grant Park over to Little 5 and back…basically anywhere I can get to without having to deal with too much traffic.

Most memorable beer experience?
Ordering my own beer at a bar! I’m not a brewer but we have a program here that allows any member of our staff to brew a recipe of their creation. So I, with the help of the ladies of 3T and Rebecca Royster (founder of D+D Beer Fest), brewed a beer for the Dames + Dregs festival. Usually our pilot beers never make it out of The Parlour but this one was for a festival, so cool, right!? Then it got picked up by other places who were doing D+D promos around town. Like the total nerd that I am, I promptly scooted to Little 5 to order my own beer. :)

Desert island beer and food?
How hot is this island? If I'm on an island, don't give me beer, give me tequila, lime, and salt please. And crab legs with some seaweed salad and I'm set.

Now that the pandemic appears to be more in the rearview, what excites you most about things returning to normal?
TRAVEL!!! I need some beach in my life ASAP!

Best and worst thing about working for a brewery?
Best thing - FREE BEER and camaraderie.
Worst thing - wrapping pallets of finished packaged beer. I don't care how long you've been doing it, wrapping a pallet still leaves you dizzy and out of breath. It never gets easier!

Behind The 3 | Andrew Wenk

Andrew “Slammer” Wenk is a brewer at Three Taverns who has created several highly-regarded beers and embodies what it means to be a “passionate brewer”. Read more about him below in our "Behind the 3" feature, where we highlight instrumental folks of Three Taverns:

Do you remember your first craft beer experience?
I had a roommate that was into craft beer and as soon as 12:00 AM hit on my 21st birthday he took me into Sidelines Bar and Grill and ordered me a Dogfish Head 90 min. I was not a beer fan at all and it would be about 5 years till I drank another IPA.

The first packaged beer I bought was a 6 pack of Duck Rabbit Milk Stout about a week later. From there I really fell in love with Guinness and Newcastle Brown ale, drinking several at Baileys in Kennesaw on $2 Tuesdays. Ah what a life. While others complained about Guinness being too heavy, I drank them like water, conditioning myself to be the Slammer I am today.

The awakening of my love of craft beer came in 2015 at Acworth Beerfest. A friend of mine who was already buying local IPAs and talked me into buying a ticket and checking out what the young beer industry in our state had to offer. Burnt Hickory was our local brewery so we went to their tent first. Big Shanty Graham Cracker Stout blew my mind. I also became a fan of 3T that day, back when Single Intent, Night in Brussels, and White Hops were a thing! After that beer fest I would go to Total Wine and grab each of those 4-packs bottles every pay period.

When you’re not brewing beer/formulating beer recipes, what keeps you busy?
Pre Rona I was in the gym four days a week. I have a goal of lifting a full half barrel keg and throwing it like Donkey Kong. Once my 2nd vaccine is done I will be right back at it.

I love running and this past year it helped me keep my sanity.

My favorite things are day drinking with the production team on our off days and enjoying new food experiences with my wife. There is nothing like going out with the boys, enjoying some sunshine and good beers, going home and taking a nap, and then going out and having my mind blown by some exotic dish the uncultured Paulding County boy I once was would have turned his nose up to.
I’m a simple man - food, drink, the company of others, and challenging myself to be better is what keeps life from being dull.

What’s your favorite beer style and why?
So, I’m going to be broad here. IPA.

West Coast IPA is hard to beat. It was really the first IPA style I learned to love. The bitterness was an invite to challenge my pallet. The beer almost taunting me that I would never enjoy it, and I had to prove it wrong. Oh boy did I.

The New England IPAs were awe inspiring when I first had them. Sitting at Burial with my wife and drinking a Gang of Blades rocked my world. Creature's Duende. Our very own Crave!

I remember being in Tampa for Hunahpu back in 2019. It was the eve of the great beer fest and we went to the Mermaid Tavern next to 7th Sun. They had this 12% hazy from Icarus Brewing called “Flying too Close to the Sun” or something like that. The flavor and drinkability about put me out of commission for the beer fest.

Us Americans have really done wonderful things to this style, unlike what we did to the poor lager variety. Seriously, light lagers? When you can have a Helles, Vienna, Bock, Dark, Dunkel? What is wrong with us?

Of course not everything is deserving of this praise. Looking at you milkshake marshmallow IPAs. Clearly a “can we, not should we?” type of idea IMO.

Favorite 3T beer?
German Chocolate Helms Deep. It was really the first pastry stout that I ever had. So thick. The way the bourbon transforms the base beer is really special. The espresso and coconut balance everything out and really take it next level.

Brewing that beer is a good time. I love the smell of the mash as all those dark malts hit the strike water. The energy on release day at the brewery is something I miss. Hopefully we can have that back for the next one.

Favorite non-3T beer and why?
Sierra Nevada Kellerweis. When I’m drinking this beer…I am sitting at Sierra Nevada with my wife, just arrived in Asheville from our 3ish hour drive. We’re eating Pimento cheese. The sun is shining. It’s suddenly Memorial Day weekend. A beer is infinitely better when paired with a moment you never want to forget.

What’s been the most challenging beer you’ve made?
Have you had Hellbender? Cardinal Sin? Slamcracker? Euphoreo? They’ve been tasting room-only beers and the latter three were anniversary exclusives! They were done on our 1.5 barrel pilot system over 26 hours: four 3-hour boils and 8 mashes. With repeated attempts to impart the flavor of my adjuncts into the beer.

I recall the last batch well. I was hooked up to my fermenter about to transfer the wort. It was late on a Friday, maybe around 8pm. We had a tour in the warehouse and it was about a dozen people about 30 feet away watching me struggle to transfer the final 30 gallons. Turns out I had carmelized the valve closed and had to get super creative. I about lost my mind being so close to completion and having to fight so hard to empty the kettle.

What do you hope to see change about the beer industry? What do you hope never changes?
I wish breweries could serve wine and cider. The wife doesn’t always want beer! Asheville does it perfectly.

I never want the attachment to our local breweries to die. It’s one of those things you are consuming that is directly impacting a neighbor who poured their bodies and minds effort into making something the best they can. A new brewery can brighten a neighborhood in a way many other things can’t.

Favorite non-beer drink?
I really enjoy a nice tall glass of high quality H20. No carbonation please.

Favorite place to drink beer in Atlanta? (Besides 3T 😉)
So I happen to live OTP. Roswell actually. My local watering hole and place I spend the most time away from work or home is Variant Brewing.

The first time going there before I lived in Roswell, I was sitting at the bar on a Thursday night with my wife, being served some world-class brews by Michael (who is still there!). The vibe, the beer, and the experience he gave us was just awesome.

During Rona, I found their standards to be the best in my area. It was really one of the only places I was comfortable going to. Last summer I could be spotted at Variant every Saturday right as they opened sitting in my Outrun tank and hat drinking everything they had on the menu with my best friends.

If you weren’t a brewer you’d probably be a _____?
Person wishing he was a brewer. I’ve done quite a bit: construction, food, office work, and sales. I hated all of it! I am so in love with what I do I can’t imagine another life.

Maybe I’d be a chef? For me, beer is #1. Food is #2. Gotta stay true to myself!