As I stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Brooklyn’s Georgian Coffee House, my senses are immediately captivated by the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation. But it’s the promise of something truly extraordinary that has drawn me here today – the chance to embark on a journey through the rich and storied world of ancient Georgian brewing.
Stumbling Upon a Forgotten Legacy
My odyssey began, as many remarkable tales do, with a simple twist of fate. It was a balmy summer day in the mid-90s when my friends and I set out on a whirlwind European road trip, rattling around the continent in an old Peugeot we affectionately dubbed “Hotel Le Car.” As fate would have it, our improvised itinerary led us to Belgium on the night of the Brussels Ommegang festival, where I would have my first encounter with the wonders of Trappist-brewed beer.
The moment I took that first sip, I was utterly transfixed. It was as if a dormant part of my soul had been awakened, a deep-rooted connection to something ancient and profound. Little did I know, that chance encounter would set in motion a journey of rediscovery that would shape the rest of my life.
Chasing a Distant Dream
Over the years, that initial spark of wonder would be reignited by serendipitous moments – an unexpected stop at Decatur’s Brick Store Pub, a glass of Le Trappe beer that stirred long-buried memories, and a visit to Portland, Oregon where I marveled at the vibrant craft beer culture and the homebrewed offerings of a dear friend.
It was in that moment, as I stood amidst the rich tapestry of Portland’s brewing heritage, that the conviction took root – this was not just a hobby, but a calling. The desire to uncover the secrets of ancient brewing techniques and to share that experience with others became an all-consuming obsession.
Forging a New Path
Years of homebrewing, planning, and a fateful return trip to Belgium culminated in the birth of Three Taverns Craft Brewery, a celebration of the rich legacy of the original Three Taverns, a travelers’ rest that once stood on the Appian Way, just outside of Rome.
As I pour the first official beer to a welcoming public on July 19, 2013, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of connection to the past. For, like the ancient Three Taverns, our modern-day establishment is a place of hospitality, community, and the shared joy of food and drink.
Uncovering the Secrets of Georgian Brewing
But our journey doesn’t end there. As I delve deeper into the history of Georgian brewing, I find myself captivated by the rich, untold stories that lie within. From the tales of colonial Americans and their love affair with a diverse array of alcoholic beverages, to the intricate silver vessels that bore witness to the celebrations of bygone eras, the past seems to beckon me ever closer.
It’s in these hidden corners of history that I uncover the true essence of Georgian brewing – a tradition rooted in the simple pleasures of community, conviviality, and a reverence for the art of fermentation. I’m struck by the parallels between the taverns of colonial America and the ancient Georgian drinking houses, where weary travelers would find respite and solace in the company of friends, old and new.
Bridging the Gap Between Past and Present
As I pore over the wealth of historical information surrounding the development of alcoholic beverages in the New World, I’m filled with a sense of awe and determination. These were not merely vessels for inebriation, but vessels for the very fabric of human connection – a means of bringing people together, of forging bonds, and of celebrating the richness of life.
And so, with this newfound understanding, I set out to reawaken the ancient brewing traditions of Georgia, blending the timeless wisdom of the past with the innovative spirit of the present. In our Georgian Coffee House, we strive to create beers that are not just compatible with the culture of the table, but that actively elevate it – vessels for the shared experience of community, conversation, and the joy of being human.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
As I raise a glass of our latest Georgian-inspired creation, I can’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the generations that have come before us.
And so, with every batch we brew, with every conversation shared over a pint, we honor the legacy of those who have come before us, while forging a bold new path towards a future where the ancient and the modern coexist in perfect harmony. For in the end, the true essence of Georgian brewing is not found in any single recipe or technique, but in the timeless power of community, hospitality, and the universal human need to connect, to celebrate, and to find joy in the most fundamental of shared experiences.
