Thirteen years ago, on October 31, 2013, we opened the doors of what was then the smallest brewery in Georgia. Halloween to most people. Reformation Day to a couple of church history geeks who thought it was the perfect day to start something.
But the truth is it started earlier than that. It started with brew night every third Friday on ten acres out near Waleska. A few friends, a few homebrew kegs, and a lot of conversation. Then somebody brought a guitar. Somebody else brought a firepit. Before long we had a hundred people showing up and folks from far and near in Nick’s backyard. We never really planned any of it. People kept coming, so we kept making room.
I think about those nights every October.
A few years back I wrote that many of us had lost our cadence. The world had knocked us out of rhythm, and the loudest voice in the room was driving the narrative. I’d love to tell you that’s all behind us now. It isn’t. Most of us are still running on the treadmill, still performing for somebody, still a little too tired to just sit down with a friend or neighbor and enjoy the afternoon.
That’s why Cadence Fair matters to me more every year. It’s one weekend where nobody has to perform. You don’t have to be anything other than here.
And here is a lot this year. October 23rd through the 25th, free, across Reformation’s backyard and the Woodstock Arts Green. Friday kicks things off with live music and the Bloom Market artisans and finishes with Red Letter Blond’s (IYKYK) reunion show. Saturday the carnival rides start at 10am, the food trucks roll in, and our headliner Pony Bradshaw takes the Woodstock Arts stage at 7pm. For real, I’ve been dreaming for years of featuring the elite musical talent of North Georgia’s scene, and this year we’ve made it reality. Cadence Fair weekend is the best independent music lineup in North Georgia. Sunday we’ve got a cornhole tournament, Maker’s Mash vendors, and a Beer Mile, which is a questionable idea I fully endorse. We’re also pulling a few gifts out of the vault and dropping two releases from our specialty bourbon and whiskey series.
But honestly, the lineup isn’t what I’m most excited about. It’s the little stuff I’ll see from the corner of the yard. Kids sticky from a sweet treat, begging for one more ride. Somebody’s grandparents in camp chairs they hauled from the car. Old regulars who’ve been coming since the brew night days, now bringing their own kids. The out-of-town couple looking to relocate for work and finding the community of their dreams.
None of this happens without our crew, who work on this fair the entire year and will work harder this weekend than any weekend of the year, or without our sponsors, led by Path & Post who believe in this as much as we do. And it sure doesn’t happen without you. Thirteen years of you showing up is the whole story. Cadence Fair is our gift back to you.
So bring a chair. Bring your people. Come sit a while.
Every great story starts when people come together. Join us Saturday, Nov. 14 (Noon–6PM) for the Kennesaw Fall Crawl, presented by Downtown Kennesaw, Kennesaw Parks & Recreation, and Reformation Brewery!
Gather your crew, explore Historic Downtown Kennesaw, catch the game at the viewing party on the amphitheatre big screen, and collect stamps along the way. Turn in your stamped card at the Reformation Tent from 4-7PM for a chance to take home raffle prizes!
Participating Locations:
– Pisano’s Italian Kitchen
– Smash Hit Burgers
– 1885 Grill Kennesaw
– Horned Owl Brewing
– Prohibition Co.
– Main Street Eats
– Lazy Guy Distillery
– Bernie’s Social Bar
1 stamp = 1 stop with valid purchase. See you in Downtown Kennesaw!
Presented by: Downtown Kennesaw, Kennesaw Parks & Recreation, and Reformation Brewery
In March 2026, the Reformation team traveled to North Carolina for a tough assignment: hand-sampling exceptional barrels to select our favorite casks. Those single-barrel picks were brought home to Canton, Georgia, forming the heart of our 2026 Curator’s Journey.
For our first official drop this September, we are showcasing our distillers’ mastery of blending, proofing, and palate. These limited releases celebrate local grain, barrel character, and the art of the blend—right here in Cherokee County, Georgia.
Profile: Complex, rich caramel, toffee, and warm spice.
The Story: Created to celebrate Reformation Co-founder & CEO Spencer Nix’s 50th birthday, Born Day marries smooth, aged wheated bourbon with a gentle touch of high-rye spice. Rare, complex, and memorable—much like our fearless leader.
Cherokee Mud: Bourbon Cream
Profile: Smooth, rich, and creamy with house-distilled bourbon, cocoa, coffee, and vanilla.
The Story: An ode to a day spent on Georgia soil, no matter where you stand. Enjoy it poured over ice, spiked in morning coffee, or shaken into a signature Cherokee Mudslide.
Release Schedule & Woodstock Taproom Experiences
Join us at Reformation Woodstock to sample the pour, grab a flight, or secure these rare bottles for your collection.
Friday, Sept 11th (Beginning at 3:00 PM) | Public Bottle Release
Location: Lower Level Lineup (Woodstock)
Details: Take-home bottle sales open to the public (Born Day limited to 50 bottles; Folkhearted limited to 400).
Available on-site only, while supplies last
Friday, Sept 11th (3:00 PM – While Supplies Last) | Flights & Bar Service
Location: Bar Service (Woodstock)
Details: Specialty bourbon flights and Cherokee Mud Bourbon Cream cocktails available at the bar.
Stay tuned for our upcoming October and November specialty drops!
“For decades the coffee liqueur category was defined by bottles that tasted more like coffee-flavored syrup than coffee — sweet, thin, and largely interchangeable. Then the espresso martini came back, bartenders started reading labels, and suddenly the quality of what was going into the tin actually mattered. The best coffee liqueurs now start where any good cup does: with real beans, properly roasted, and enough restraint on the sugar to let the roast speak. One bottle stood out in this year’s category at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Reformation Coffee Liqueur.”
As the Official Craft Beer of the Kennesaw State Owls, Reformation Brewery is taking over your favorite local spots leading up to kickoff. The rules are simple: BUY THE BEER, KEEP THE PRIZE (while supplies last). 🍺✨
Come grab a cold Lechuza Flight and score exclusive, limited-edition gear like custom pint glasses, koozies, keychains, mini footballs, and rally towels while supplies last!
Check out the full lineup and find a takeover near you: 🗓️ Aug 17 @ 6PM – Taco Mac Kennesaw 🗓️ Aug 20 @ 7:30PM – Tin Lizzy’s Kennesaw 🗓️ Aug 21 @ 4PM – JD’s on the Lake 🗓️ Aug 26 @ 4PM – JD’s on Main 🗓️ Aug 27 @ 5PM – Anchor Bar 🗓️ Aug 28 @ 5PM – Hudson Grille 🗓️ Sep 2 @ 5PM – 3 Dollar Cafe
See you there, Owl Nation!
For Immediate Release: KSU Athletics Announces Partnership with Reformation Brewery
KENNESAW, Ga. — Kennesaw State Athletics is pleased to announce Reformation Brewery as its new official craft beer. In collaboration with the North Georgia based brewery, a Light Mexican Lager (4.7% alc/vol) named Lechuza Flight, as well as other Reformation offerings, will be available at select KSU Athletics events and all Reformation venues as part of a multi-year sponsorship.
“This partnership with Reformation Brewery is a natural fit for Kennesaw State Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Milton Overton. “We share a commitment to excellence, community connection, and creating memorable experiences for our fans. We are excited to collaborate on initiatives that celebrate KSU, enhance the gameday atmosphere, and further strengthen our presence throughout North Georgia.”
A ready-to-drink cocktail, Nocturnal Gold, will also be featured. Made with pineapple, yuzu, and Reformation’s house-distilled vodka (8.0% alc/vol), this canned RTD cocktail will be available at select KSU Athletics events as well as Reformation’s Woodstock and Canton venues starting this summer.
About the beverages
“Our Light Mexican Lager is a top choice at our venues, and for good reason,” said Reformation Director of Marketing Jessica Miller. “Light, clean, crisp – this style is easy drinking and a recipe we proudly stand behind as a quality craft lager made right here in Georgia. It’s an honor to have Kennesaw State Athletics behind it. As a small but growing hometown brewery, it’s going to be a pinch-me moment to see it served at the games.”
The name Lechuza Flight joins two languages of owl pride. Lechuza, Spanish for owl, honors the mascot itself, while Flight borrows from campus tradition – it’s Kennesaw State’s term for a graduating class, the identity students carry through milestones across their KSU years.
For Reformation, the pairing also resolved a question years in the making.
“What began as a small test batch has evolved into one of our brewery’s flagship beers,” said Reformation COO Ryan Morley-Stockton. “Despite its popularity, we never found a name and identity that fully captured what it represented. As this partnership took shape, the answer became obvious. This collaboration is a natural fit for our community, and we’re proud to celebrate the Kennesaw State Owls with this beer.”
Inspired by the official team colors of the Owls, Nocturnal Gold was created in support of the partnership. Built on Reformation’s premium 7x distilled vodka, the drink is described as smooth, sweet, and spirited – featuring real pineapple and citrusy yuzu in a cocktail-strength recipe. “When a cocktail idea came up in conversation, it just made sense to lean into the spirit of the athletics programs with something that celebrates that hometown black and gold,” said Morley-Stockton.
Availability and Rollout
At the Stadium
In addition to Lechuza Flight and Nocturnal Gold, the Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium rollout will include Reformation IPA (Unfiltered American IPA), Reformation Peach Tee Vodka Lemonade, and their lineup of Reformation Craft Spirits in game suites.
The Owls’ six-game home football schedule features matchups versus West Georgia (Sept. 3) and Georgia State (Sept. 12), Jax State (Oct. 7) and Liberty (Oct. 22) as well as Delaware (Nov. 7) and FIU (Nov. 21). Games versus West Georgia, Georgia State, Jax State and Liberty are set for 7 p.m. ET kickoffs, while the Delaware and FIU games are scheduled for 3 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Lechuza Launch Party
The public is invited to join KSU Athletics at Reformation Woodstock to celebrate the launch.
Location: Reformation Woodstock, 105 Elm St.
Day/Time: Saturday, July 11th, starting at 2pm
Details: Join us as we celebrate Reformation Brewery as the official craft beer of the Kennesaw State Owls. Cheer team, Scrappy, coaches, and trophies will be on site starting at 2pm in the yard for a meet-and-greet and photo ops.
Beverages: Lechuza Flight 12-packs and Nocturnal Gold cans will be available for purchase, along with limited merchandise for the occasion. Both beverages will also be on draft.
August Market Rollout
While the featured beverages will only be available at Reformation and KSU Athletics events to start, a larger market rollout in August will include a series of dedicated events across retailers in Georgia, including: Taco Mac, Tin Lizzy’s, Three Dollar Café, JD’s on Main, JD’s on the Lake, and Anchor Bar, among others. Future details will be announced via ksuowls.com and KSU Athletics’ social media channels as well as through Reformation’s newsletter and social media.
Reformation Brewery Growth
The KSU Athletics-Reformation Brewery partnership aligns with the estimated late 2027 opening of a new Reformation venue, currently in development, in Kennesaw.
About Reformation
Reformation Brewery is an independent craft brewery established on October 31, 2013. With a focus on quality, community, and conversation, Reformation makes craft beer and spirits designed to connect people through shared experiences. Private event space is also available. Learn more at www.reformationbrewery.com. | Instagram @reformationbrewery | Facebook /reformationbrewery.
About Kennesaw State Athletics
KSU Athletics soars into the 2026-27 athletic year following a string of historic successes and milestones in 2025-26. In year one under head coach Jerry Mack, KSU football rolled to a 10-4 record, the Conference USA championship, and the program’s first bowl berth in just its second year of FBS play. KSU men’s basketball won its first-ever CUSA tournament championship and secured an automatic bid to its second all-time NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.
The Owls completed their championship trifecta with the 2026 CUSA Women’s Indoor Track and Field Title in February.
The year also featured the addition of a revitalized venue for KSU baseball as a $12.3 million renovation of the former Stillwell Stadium gave way to Mickey Dunn Stadium at Henssler Financial Field. The venue not only became the new home of the Owls but also welcomed fans from around the country as host of the 2026 CUSA Baseball Championship.
About Kennesaw State University
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
ABOUT VAN WAGNER, COLLEGE
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, sponsorship sales, multi-media rights, and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises, and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands, and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and international soccer, sponsorship sales, college multi-media rights, and in-venue content production at the world’s biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
Crawl. Stamp. Win. Repeat. Eight stops, one afternoon, endless stories.
Join us for the Acworth Crawl, presented by Reformation Brewery!
Pick up your Crawl Card at Red Top Brewhouse — that’s your starting point — then make your way through downtown. Collect stamps along the way, and end up at the Reformation Tent (near 1885 Grill and TapTown) between 2–5 PM to turn in your completed card for your chance to win a prize. The crawl is for all!
Georgia’s independent craft breweries are small businesses built by local people who create jobs, support Main Street America, and bring people together over Georgia-made beer.
That’s why we’re supporting Senate Bill 456, a common-sense update that would give small breweries critical flexibility at a time when so many small businesses are feeling the squeeze:
Limited self-distribution for small brewers Lifting the outdated daily to-go sales cap
These are thoughtful, measured reforms, and they’re not unprecedented. Most other states, including border states, already allow versions of these policies and freedoms, and it’s time for Georgia’s craft beer industry to have the same fair shot to grow, compete, and keep serving our communities.
A sincere thank you to the legislators working with us on these practical, small-business improvements. More updates to come as the bill moves through the process.
If you believe in local jobs, local communities, and Georgia-made beer, please let your elected officials know you support Senate Bill 456.
Because you didn’t start your Christmas shopping yet either (girl, for real). No worries, we got you. A simple, sweet sentiment done Reformation style is all you need to warm even the Grinchiest of hearts. We love you too, Grinchy!
Real talk though? It doesn’t get much better than this
Christmas Coquito restock
Grow your heart three sizes with this Puerto Rican Christmas favorite is a Coconut Cream Rum Liqueur made with vanilla & cinnamon. Reserve yours for pickup. Back in stock Dec. 19th at both Canton & Woodstock.
Add a little – Coffee Liqueur
If there’s one thing you give this season, let it be this. Lean into late nights with smooth Bourbon & mellow Coffee Liqueur notes, spice up your holiday coffee on a slow and sweet Christmas morning, or try a one-to-one Coquito + Coffee Liqueur combo for almond joy vibes (our personal favorite).
Gift Sets: Cozy, Coffee, Cocktail
Got a $50 limit? Choose from 3 gifts sets available on site at your neighborhood Reformation. Cozy up with a beanie, blanket, or candle. Get Caffeinated with a waffle house style Coffee Mug, Alma Variety Coffee, and Mini Coffee Liqueur. Get into the spirit with a your choice of Gin, Coffee Liqueur, or 3 yr Bourbon, a cocktail or bourbon glass, jigger, and bar key.
Hoodies, hats, +more
Cozy up with apparel from your favorite hometown hangout. Available online in select styles (yes, we ship swag!), or in stock at your favorite Reformation hangout.
Every year, Reformation’s the Wenceslas Project reminds us what the heart of Christmas is really about: GIVING. This season, that giving has a name and a story close to home.
Now through December 23, when you order a pint of our Light Mexican Lager at any Reformation venue, $1 per pour will go directly to support Kyndal, the daughter of our friend and long-time regular, Bryan Zapp. Also, welcome to donate online via Venmo, @reformationbrewery.
Bryan was one of those people who made every room a little better; a Woodstock and Cherokee County local, a public safety officer, a veteran who served our country with pride for 20 years, and best of all, a devoted dad. He passed away this Thanksgiving after a short, fierce fight with brain cancer at just 48.
If you ever shared a beer or a story with Bryan, you know how much he loved his people — with a big smile, a bigger heart, and genuine kindness that left a mark.
So this December, we raise a glass in his honor and invite you to do the same. Let’s rally around his daughter, Kyndal, and show what it means to be a community that gives back.
Drink good beer. Do good together.
– $1 from every Light Mexican Lager pint donated
– Now–Dec 23
– Thank you for loving this community so well.
Obituary:
Bryan William Zapp passed on November 27, 2025. Bryan was born January 25, 1977 in Sacramento, California. Bryan proudly served his country in the United States Army and National Guard for 20 years. He went on to build a long and distinguished career in law enforcement (including Woodstock Police) as both an officer and detective, earning deep respect and admiration for his timeless dedication and integrity.
Bryan was known for his extraordinary, outgoing personality. Friends often said it stemmed from the way he cared for others with genuine kindness, love and respect. He lived life to the fullest, embracing adventure, the outdoors, and his passion for riding his motorcycle and taking Jeep outings with his daughter, Kyndal, and close friends.
Above all, Bryan was a proud, devoted, and loving father to daughter, Kyndal Zapp. He was also a deeply devoted son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and a loyal friend who knew him.
Bryan is survived by his daughter Kyndal Zapp, his mother Sharon Scribner Cameron, his father John Zapp, brother Andrew Zapp and his wife Alejandra Roman Zapp, sister Stacey Cameron, and nephew Ty Zapp.
Bryan will forever remain in our hearts and our minds as we remember and miss this remarkable man.
Limited self-distribution for small brewers
