The morning sunshine spilled into Brewhaus. The patio doors were open wide, giving way to the incredible view of the Walnut Street Bridge and blue-hued Lookout Mountain looming in the distance. The staff buzzed around me as they prepared to open the pub, and music blared from the speakers overhead. A vase filled with fresh-cut lilies and colorful dogwood branches sat at the bar beside a beer-tasting guide book - which, it would appear, is getting good use.
"Hearty food goes well with beer," General Manager Michael Nolan informed me. For instance, take Brewhus' popular grilled brat served with your choice of three toppings- kraut, pimento cheese or pickled beets, to name a few.
"The grilled brat would go well with something like an IPA or a pale ale," Michael told me. "The spiciness of the pork works well with the hoppiness of an IPA," he explained. Michael suggests pairing the grilled cherry ale chicken, topped with a sweet cherry ale mustard glaze and dried cherries, with a pilsner or wheat beer. For instance, currently on tap, Brewhaus is featuring a New Belgium hefeweizen, a German wheat beer. However, there is no guarantee how long that particular selection will last.
Brewhaus' craft beer taps rotate frequently. Sometimes even daily.
For a more reliable list of libations, Brewhaus has a new signature cocktail menu crafted by bartender and resident booze expert Stephanie Lallement. New summery drinks include the Honey Snap made with Chattanooga whiskey, ginger, fresh fruit and a touch of honey. There is also the best-selling Blueberry Smash made with local whiskey or vodka and muddled blueberries.
"When I think liquor drinks I think lighter food," Michael said. For instance, he says you might pair the new passion fruit Bellini with the grilled shrimp gardener's salad, or "the boar," aka bacon bloody mary, with the chicken salad.
But what about a beverage that blends the best of both worlds? Like the Chattskew, which is a cold brew served with a shot of Chattanooga whiskey. This local take on a traditional boilermaker, I learned, is named after one of Brewhaus' most loyal customers. "He's been with us since the beginning," Michael said.
So now you know, Chattanooga - put in the time and perhaps one day Brewhaus will name a drink after you. And to find out which meal might complement Brewhaus' new Chattskew, just ask. The crew has done their homework and they know their stuff.