We’re honored and thrilled to announce that Reformation Brewery – Woodstock has been voted the Best Local Brewery & Distilleryand awarded Best Craft Beer Selection in the 2025 Best of Cherokee awards! 🍻
This recognition means the world to us—and it’s all thanks to our incredible community who shows up, shares a pint, and supports local craft every day. Whether you’re a longtime regular or just discovered your new favorite brew, this win is your win too.
From all of us at Reformation Woodstock: thank you for raising a glass with us and making this place something truly special.
Come celebrate with a pour—cheers to many more! 🥂
At Reformation Brewery, we believe beer has the power to bring people together, sparking conversations and connections that go beyond the glass. That’s why we’re excited to feature a guest post from writer and storyteller Stephanie Grant. From crafting stories as a child to recognizing their impact on community and connection, Stephanie shares how storytelling shapes the way we see the world—and how something as simple as sharing a beer can bring us closer together.
Read more below as Stephanie reflects on the power of stories, the importance of listening, and how taprooms create the perfect space for meaningful conversations.
When I was a kid, I loved snuggling up with a book, but I also spent hours creating my own stories. I’d grab sheets of computer paper—the kind with tear away strips on the sides—from our printer and write stories, complete with colored-pencil-drawn pictures of characters in all sorts of situations.
I wish I still had those stories to flip through today, to transport myself back to those early days of uninhibited creativity. Those stories may have been simple, but they were a window into my imagination, a way to express thoughts and feelings that I didn’t yet have the vocabulary for. They were the first step in what would become a lifelong love of storytelling.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized just how much stories matter in all aspects of life. Those memories solidified my love for storytelling and writing, but they also taught me how powerful stories can be in shaping the way we see the world. Stories have the ability to connect us, inspire us, and even heal us. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to nurture that creative spark over the years and now use storytelling as a tool not only for entertainment but for building meaningful connections with others.
One thing that has always fascinated me is how stories are uniquely human. Alongside our super helpful opposable thumbs, our ability to tell stories is one of the things that truly distinguishes us from other creatures. We create, share, and become entranced by stories. What fascinates me most about storytelling is how it not only transports us to other worlds but also reflects back to us truths about ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
In a world that often feels disconnected, I believe storytelling is more important than ever. It’s so vital for us to be able to tell our own stories and to listen when others share theirs. One of my favorite ways to share my story—and hear stories from others—is over a beer. There’s something about the relaxed environment of a taproom that invites people to open up. The casual, communal nature of sharing a beer makes it easy to strike up a conversation, whether you’re with friends, family, or even strangers. And as we talk, we inevitably begin to share pieces of our lives—our experiences, our thoughts, our dreams. These moments of sharing can be transformative, building connections that go beyond the surface level.
That’s why I love that Reformation Brewing understands the importance of stories and has made it one of their core values. Taprooms are incredible spaces for this, providing a welcoming environment where enjoying a beer together breaks down barriers. A little liquid courage doesn’t hurt in loosening the tongue and the heart, either. Over time, taprooms become more than just places to enjoy a good brew; they become gathering places where people can share their stories and listen to others, finding common ground in the process.
In a time when it feels like we’re more divided than ever, sharing our stories can help us break down walls and realize that we’re more alike than we are different. The simple act of listening to someone else’s story, or sharing your own, can create a bond that transcends differences. And it’s in these moments—over a beer, in a warm and inviting space—that we are reminded of our shared humanity. Stories, after all, are what make us human.
Stephanie, a James Beard-nominated writer based in Atlanta, has been immersed in the beer industry since 2018. Her writing has graced the pages of publications such as CraftBeer.com, Good Beer Hunting, and the New Brewer. In 2023, she founded The Share Community, an online platform dedicated to fostering support among Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals pursuing careers in craft beer. Stephanie also provides content strategy and creation services to companies in the food and beverage space, serving both B2B and B2C audiences.
At Reformation Brewery, authenticity is more than just a core value—it’s the foundation of everything we do. From the way we craft our beer to how we foster a welcoming space for our team and community, we believe in showing up as our true selves. We’re proud to create an environment where individuality is celebrated and people feel free to connect, create, and enjoy without pretense.
In her thoughtful article, Stephanie dives deeper into what it truly means to live authentically and the transformative impact it can have. Her journey of self-discovery and embracing vulnerability reflects the same spirit we aim to cultivate here at Reformation. Keep reading to explore how authenticity can inspire more meaningful connections and personal freedom.
What does it mean to be authentic? For me, it’s been an ongoing process of unlearning and rediscovery. Being authentic means staying true to your values and beliefs, and making sure your thoughts and actions align with who you truly are, despite external pressures.
There’s a Charles Bukowski quote that often sticks with me: “Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?” It’s a question that still causes me to pause and reflect. Like many people, I’ve had moments where I found myself slipping into roles that others expected of me but weren’t true to who I am.
To be our authentic selves, we must not only love who we are but also be willing to disappoint those around us. It’s hard to let go of the need for approval. Growing up, I was often the “good kid” who followed the rules and did what was expected. And while that brought external validation, it didn’t always make me happy. Over time, I learned that constantly trying to meet everyone else’s expectations was a recipe for dissatisfaction.
Imagine living your entire life satisfying everyone around you but never truly pleasing yourself. That realization hit me hard one day when I was reflecting on some of the decisions I’d made. I don’t want to live someone else’s life, I want to live mine.
But living authentically isn’t always easy. Depending on how far your current life deviates from the one you truly want, it can feel overwhelming to even start. I’ve had to face uncomfortable truths about how much I’d allowed others to shape my life and identity. And sometimes, embracing authenticity means stepping away from relationships that no longer serve you, which can be incredibly painful.
But the rewards of living authentically are immense. I can personally attest to the greater sense of peace that comes from living in alignment with my true self. You become more self-aware, confident, and resilient. You build deeper, more meaningful connections because the people around you appreciate you for who you genuinely are.
And while I’m still on this journey myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how liberating it is to let go of people-pleasing and perfectionism. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s okay to say no. It’s okay to speak my truth even if it ruffles feathers. It’s okay to set boundaries, even if it makes others uncomfortable. In fact, setting those boundaries has become one of the most important parts of self-care in my life.
Living authentically is the greatest form of self-care because it connects you deeply to your wants, needs, and desires. Self-care is often sold as face masks and spa days, but for me, it’s more about those quiet moments when I reflect on whether the life I’m living feels right for me.
So, how do you start living more authentically? It begins with self-discovery. Journaling has been an invaluable tool for me. Capturing my thoughts helps me untangle the web of external expectations versus my own inner desires. It has helped me become more mindful of when I’m conforming to someone else’s narrative rather than following my own path.
Self-awareness is crucial in this process. I’ve learned to catch myself when I start to feel that familiar tug of wanting to please others, and I ask myself: Is this what I want, or am I just doing this to be liked?
Another vital piece is embracing vulnerability. I believe vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths we can have. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we invite genuine connections into our lives. It takes courage to show up as your true self, but the reward is creating deeper relationships with people who love and respect you for who you are.
One of the hardest parts of this journey has been learning to express my honest thoughts and feelings. I often remind myself that it’s okay to express disappointment, frustration, or disagreement as long as it’s done with respect and compassion.
Surrounding yourself with people who value authenticity can go a long way in helping you along your journey. I love that Reformation Brewery has authenticity as one of their core values. It’s a message to all of us who walk through their doors that we can show up as an authentic version of ourselves, and no matter who we are, we’re welcome. We could use more spaces like theirs that encourage us to let go of other’s expectations and show up as our true selves.
Ultimately, living authentically gives you permission to let go of perfectionism and people-pleasing, so you can focus on your own well-being. It’s an ongoing process—I’m still learning every day—but each step I take toward authenticity feels like a step toward freedom.
It won’t happen overnight, but you can take small steps every day to become more of who you truly are.
Stephanie, a James Beard-nominated writer based in Atlanta, has been immersed in the beer industry since 2018. Her writing has graced the pages of publications such as CraftBeer.com, Good Beer Hunting, and the New Brewer. In 2023, she founded The Share Community, an online platform dedicated to fostering support among Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals pursuing careers in craft beer. Stephanie also provides content strategy and creation services to companies in the food and beverage space, serving both B2B and B2C audiences.
Vote for Reformation Brewery in the Best of Cherokee Awards! 🎉
Exciting news! The Cherokee Tribune’s Best of Cherokee voting is live, and we’re honored to be nominated in three categories:
✅ Best Coffee ☕ ✅ Best Craft Beer 🍻 ✅ Best Distillery 🥃
This is a huge moment for us, and we couldn’t have done it without our amazing community—you! ❤️
How to Vote 🗳️
Voting is easy and only takes a few seconds! Show your support for Reformation Brewery and help us bring home the win! Links below:
Our coffee journey wouldn’t be the same without Alma Coffee! They’ve been an incredible partner, providing the freshest, ethically sourced beans that help us craft some of your favorite coffee-inspired brews. If you love our coffee, you’ve got them to thank! 🙌
Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s make it official—go vote, and let’s celebrate together soon! 🍻✨
As the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing better than slowing down and savoring the comfort of rich, hearty flavors. At Reformation Brewery, we believe that good food and great beer bring people together, creating moments worth celebrating. This season, we’re embracing the coziness of winter with slow-cooked favorites like beef stew, perfectly paired with our Belgian Dubbel, Cadence. Its notes of caramel, fig, and dark fruit add depth to every bite and sip. Ready to bring warmth to your table?
We reached out to Atlanta-based, James Beard-nominated writer Stephanie Grant to share her take on cozy winter cooking with craft beer—keep reading to discover how she crafted a rich, comforting beef stew made with our Cadence Belgian Dubbel.
I like to find joy in all aspects of life. I love the slowness of winter after the bustle of the holidays. Spring encourages us to come back outside and enjoy how nature comes alive around us. In summer, though the heat and humidity can be unbearable, it’s easier to tolerate when there’s an abundance of peaches and tomatoes at the farmers’ market. While I can find joy in each of the seasons, I have a favorite: winter. I get giddy when the winds of winter arrive, bringing a beautiful chill with them. It feels like everyone breathes a sigh of relief after enduring the dog days of summer.
Even though I miss the long summer days where the sun shone brightly until 8 PM, I love the cozy nights of winter. When the sun starts to slip away before I’ve even finished cooking dinner, I know it’s time to dive into my bag of winter favorites. Everything seems better in the winter, especially the food.
Just as summer’s sweltering weather demands fresh, bright, and refreshing flavors, the chill of winter calls for something rich, cozy, and warm. Winter food is hearty and comforting, embracing the soul, which is exactly what you want when the chill creeps into the air. Roasted, caramelized, and braised foods of winter encourage us to go deep and get cozy. The dishes get richer and simmer longer, perhaps because the nights are cold and long.
Once the temperature drops, it’s time to crank up the oven and pull out the Dutch oven and sheet pans for some delicious fun. By September, I’m roasting every vegetable that comes my way—brussels sprouts, radishes, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, butternut squash, and more.
Like my sheet pan, my Dutch oven rarely gets a break. I’ve been craving chili since July, but am trying to hold off on making it until the high of the day dips down to at least 60 degrees. But my Dutch oven has already been put to work braising pork shoulders and chicken thighs until they’re tender and flavorful. But nothing beats beef stew for me. This simple and versatile dish is a must-have every winter, whether I use classic chuck roast or go for rich and decadent short ribs.
Sometimes I crave Kalbi Jjim, a Korean beef stew with deep flavors, while other times, I want classic American beef stew, so straightforward I can make it with my eyes closed. And of course, I’ve made the French classic, beef bourguignon several times. As someone who enjoys vegetarian dishes just as much as meaty ones, I’ve even made mushroom bourguignon.
This year, I’m excited to try All-American Beef Stew by J. Kenji López-Alt, a culinary genius known for bridging the gap between science and food. I love how he examines every ingredient and technique to achieve the optimal results.
What makes this recipe special is how it intensifies the umami with the addition of tomato paste, anchovies, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination enriches the dish, making it richer and more satisfying. The addition of gelatin creates a silky texture that makes the stew a joy to eat. Usually, I serve my beef stew with creamy potatoes or grits, but for the first time, I served toasted bread with my stew. The silky sauce in this recipe deserves to be soaked up with a piece of toasty, buttered bread.
While I usually adjust recipes to suit my taste preferences, I followed Kenji López-Alt’s recipe to the letter, except for swapping out the wine for Reformation Brewing’s Cadence. Cadence is a dry, easy-drinking Belgian Dubbel with deep fruit aromas, hints of caramel, figs, and Belgian candi sugar.
Originating from Belgium, Dubbels are dark brown ales with strong flavors of dark fruits like raisins, prunes, and dates. They pair well with espresso, soft cheeses, rich sauces, vegetable soups, or root vegetables. With beef stew, Dubbels complement the rich broth created from simmering vegetables and seared beef. The sweetness in the Dubbel contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory, and umami flavors of the stew. This winter, I encourage you to cook up your favorite beef stew or mushroom bourguignon recipe and pair it with Cadence.
Stephanie, a James Beard-nominated writer based in Atlanta, has been immersed in the beer industry since 2018. Her writing has graced the pages of publications such as CraftBeer.com, Good Beer Hunting, and the New Brewer. In 2023, she founded The Share Community, an online platform dedicated to fostering support among Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals pursuing careers in craft beer. Stephanie also provides content strategy and creation services to companies in the food and beverage space, serving both B2B and B2C audiences.
From SWAGGER Publications
“We’ve handpicked top recommendations to help you discover those cozy autumn flavours we all crave. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just enjoy a casual sip now and then, our guide is here to make sure you find the perfect artisanal drinks for everything from cozy gatherings to quiet nights at home.
This coffee liqueur is smooth, small batch, and house distilled by North Georgia made Reformation Brewery. Made with locally roasted Alma coffee – elevate your ice cream, booze up a milkshake, or sip into a classic Revolver cocktail as cooler temps creep in. Perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate a hand crafted spirit, or those who savor some sweetness with their morning roast. Reformation doesn’t ship, so find a friend to snag this Georgia favorite with limited distribution available in both 500ml bottles and 350ml stocking stuffers (available late November). More at reformationbrewery.com/spirits“
Few things evoke comfort and indulgence like the deep, aromatic blend of coffee liqueur. Whether enjoyed on the rocks, mixed into cocktails, or drizzled on top of ice cream, coffee liqueur offers a versatile and delicious experience that feels both familiar and like a special treat.
But what is the story behind this dark, velvety elixir? The exact origin of coffee liqueur is shrouded in mystery. Some accounts suggest it was first created in 17th-century Europe by a French monk who sought to preserve the flavor of coffee. However, other sources claim that coffee liqueur also has roots in Jamaica around the same period. Despite the uncertainty about its origins, the recipe for coffee liqueur has been cherished and refined through the centuries. Traditionally, it is made by infusing coffee beans into a distilled spirit, such as brandy or vodka, and then sweetening the mixture.
The flavor profile of coffee liqueur can vary widely depending on the coffee beans and production techniques used. Reformation Brewing’s Coffee Liqueur is crafted in North Georgia using Alma Coffee’s extra dark roast, “Ember,” which features beans sourced from Copan, Honduras. Ember is Alma’s darkest roast, boasting flavors of double chocolate cake, berry compote, and burnt marshmallow.
Last year, I had the opportunity to try Reformation’s Coffee Liqueur and immediately fell in love with the combination of rich coffee and hints of cacao and vanilla. It was so good that I consumed most of the bottle by adding a touch of milk to my glass. But, there are so many cocktails I would love to explore now that I have another bottle in my collection.
Here are a few cocktails I’m considering that would be excellent ways to incorporate this flavorful ingredient:
Espresso Martini: A modern classic, the espresso martini combines coffee liqueur with fresh espresso and vodka. Instead of vodka, I am using gin and would love to see how the herbaceous spirit plays with coffee liqueur.
Cold-Brew Negroni: It took a while for me to fall in love with Negronis, but I have finally seen the light. This twist on the traditional Negroni, using coffee liqueur and cold-brew coffee to add a bold, aromatic depth to the classic cocktail. I’m hoping it will transport me back to Italy where Negronis and espressos reign supreme.
Bahama Mama: Coffee beans are grown in tropical regions, so it makes sense to lean into its origins with a Bahama Mama. This cocktail features coffee liqueur alongside dark overproof rum, pineapple juice, evoking the bright, sunny vibes of the Caribbean.
Revolver: The revolver reminds me of an Old Fashioned, but with coffee liqueur and a little flare. This cocktail combines bourbon and coffee liqueur with orange bitters and a flamed orange peel. It’s simple yet sophisticated.
Margarita Negra: Margaritas will always be in my top five favorite cocktails, so naturally, I want to try any iteration of the classic. This unique margarita incorporates coffee liqueur with tequila and lime juice, creating a rich and tangy flavor profile with a hint of coffee.
Irish Affogato: You shouldn’t even have to choose between dessert or a cocktail, but if you did, go for an Irish Affogato. Pour coffee liqueur over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a boozy twist on the classic Italian affogato.
Coffee liqueur offers a world of possibilities, enhancing both classic and creative cocktails with its rich and aromatic flavors. Whether you’re a fan of traditional recipes or enjoy experimenting with new combinations, there’s a coffee liqueur cocktail out there to suit every taste.
Reformation Brewing’s Coffee Liqueur, with its unique flavor profile and local craftsmanship, is a fantastic choice for elevating your drink game, and has become my go-to coffee liqueur. I hope you enjoy exploring these options and savoring the delightful versatility of coffee liqueur! Now, I’m off to a little exploring of my own.
Stephanie, a James Beard-nominated writer based in Atlanta, has been immersed in the beer industry since 2018. Her writing has graced the pages of publications such as CraftBeer.com, Good Beer Hunting, and the New Brewer. In 2023, she founded The Share Community, an online platform dedicated to fostering support among Black and Brown women and non-binary individuals pursuing careers in craft beer. Stephanie also provides content strategy and creation services to companies in the food and beverage space, serving both B2B and B2C audiences.
Reformation Bourbon takes center stage in 1885’s Bourbon Cocktail. Order up a “Peachy Palmer” in Acworth this April, and learn how Falon Moore-Caron mixes up this hand crafted sipper with Reformation’s Bourbon. Order up this featured drink from this gorgeous Acworth spot, mix one up for all your porch sippin’ all Summer long.
Meet Jared Holt of Prime 120, Woodstock GA as he mixes up the perfect espresso martini with Reformation’s Coffee Liqueur. Featured on their menu for the month of February, this hand crafted cocktail is refined and perfectly balanced. Enjoy one with dinner in their gorgeous dining room, or order up on from the bar for a night on the town in downtown Woodstock.
The recipe: 2oz espresso infused vodka 1/2 ounce Reformation Coffee Liqueur Simple syrup to taste Heavy cream to taste Add ice – shake, strain, serve Optional – garnish with espresso beans
