The Bearden Beer Market – again, with gusto

Hello fellow beer snobs,

When we first launched KBS an astounding 6 months ago, one of our first posts was on The Bearden Beer Market and well, I’m not going to lie, it’s not our best work. This was all new, we were trying to learn this whole interwebs dealie and we did our best. However, now it’s time to give these guys a proper post (that we can poke fun at in 6 months and do over). It’s pretty hard to live in Knoxville, call yourself a lover of craft beer and not know about these guys but alas, these things happen and that’s why we’re here. For those of you who don’t know you can find the BBM at the corner of Kingston Pike and Old Kingston Pike just west of Sequoyah Hills.

It’s hard to believe that the BBM is only in it’s second year of operation. In that short time these guys have quickly become the go-to place for local beer snobs as they not only have a wide selection but their inventory changes fairly frequently, they sell kegs, growlers and they also have their on-site license so you can enjoy a pint from one of their 7 taps in the store, out on the patio or in one of their themed rooms. For instance, their projector room is almost always displaying the big sporting event of the day and their Yazoo room can be reserved with a keg for private events.

I’d say it’s also safe to say that the BBM is responsible for a lot of great brews coming into K-town that we might not have gotten otherwise. Chris Morton, owner and founder, knows his beer and not only will he tell you what you should try but also what he doesn’t like and why. A quick look around the store will quickly demonstrate that Chris certainly has an eye for good craft beer.

The BBM also has regular events based around games, holidays (Cinco de Mayo), new releases and also has a Traverse the Earth Challenge which challenges us locals to get out and get active and to collectively log 24,900 miles in 2011. Once that goal is reached then there will be a huge party at the BBM with prizes, food and discounted beer. There are often fun runs where participants can enjoy $2 pints all day and as an added bonus, anyone who walks, runs or rides to the BBM also gets $2 pints. Pretty sweet.

The Bearden Beer Market gave us hope for the craft beer market here in Knoxville when they first opened their doors and they continue to encourage and inspire us as they bring in new products and encourage us all to expand our palates and try beer we might not have otherwise. To Chris and his team, we send out a big KnoxBeerSnobs salute and thank you for your beer-vangelism.

Make sure you follow them on Twitter and ‘Like’ them on Facebook. What’s your favorite thing about the BBM? Share with us in the comments below.

Cheers!