Nate, founder of Alpine Leather & Supply, Co. sipping coffee and enjoying his craft.
North Georgia Made Makers – stories of makers from North Georgia (full video story below).
At Reformation, we are proudly North Georgia Made — located at the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with three taprooms uniquely positioned to give our guests memorable outdoor experiences along trails and rivers.
As makers ourselves, we know both the challenges and pleasures of making handcrafted products high in quality and value for our loyal fans. North Georgia comprises a variety of hardworking and dedicated artists and makers who love their craft and love sharing it with their local community. As we prepare to enter Fall and our 10th-anniversary season, we could not think of a better way to tell the story of being North Georgia Made than highlighting the makers in our community and sharing their inspiring stories.
Nate, working on making a leather passport holder at his shop at the Mill on Etowah in Canton.
In this first pilot episode, we chose to feature one of our local vendors and handmade leather craftsman, Nate Bridges of Alpine Leather & Supply, Co. Nate’s story of taking the entrepreneurial leap in college, discovering a love for leather on a trip to Nashville, and overcoming challenges will leave you inspired and ready to engage the maker in you.
Nate’s shop is located at The Mill on Etowah in Canton, just a few steps from our taproom and main production facility. We hope you enjoy this story and it spurs you to not only support your local community of makers but get busy making something too. Cheers to the reformers and makers in all of us!
Follow our story and learn more about what it means to be North Georgia Made.
*Stay tuned for hopefully more to come in this series focused on makers. Cheers to the makers and reformers in all of us.
Live music, pup ice cream, dog licking, furry friendships, puppy merch, and more – our Reformation Pup Crawl on Saturday, August 26th celebrating National Dog Day was a barking blast! Thanks for celebrating with us and bringing your furry friends out in style! Special thanks to Tyler Anderson at Southern Photo Co. for the great pics!
Aly Talley, on one of our comfy couches in our Woodstock, Georgia taproom.
“I love that it is so family friendly here I can bring my daughter and she can play in the yard and I can enjoy a craft beer. It’s a place of community. There are always good conversations. I feel like any time you walk into our taproom you are gonna know somebody and somebody is going to remember your name.” —Aly Talley
Meet the Crew: Aly Talley
STORY
Our Reformation Crew is the backbone of who we are and what we do. They are often the unknown faces and stories behind the well-known places and products you love. You can’t taste our drinks or enjoy our spaces without interacting with one of our incredible crew members.
This is why we launched a brand new series this May highlighting our crew and featuring their stories called, “Meet the Crew.” Each month, we will feature one crew member in a blog post and a fun video on social media to share their unique roles and personalities.
FEATURING: Aly Talley, Community Coordinator, “Magician of Chaos”
For our next crew member, we want to introduce you to Aly Talley, our Community Coordinator and “Magician of Chaos” responsible for planning public events across all three taprooms (Woodstock, Canton, Smyrna), working with the cities and developments surrounding those taprooms, and manages community relationships. With Reformation since 2018, You have probably seen Aly behind the bar in Woodstock or Canton serving guests, decorating for our next big moment (a.k.a. Taylor Swift Night, Stranger Things event 2022, Cadence Fairs, 20’s Speak Easy, to name a few), or thriving alongside her fellow crewmates in the midst of event chaos. She brings her eye for interior design, love for people, and passion for creating magical moments worth celebrating. She does it with class and spunk.
When Aly is not redesigning our taproom for fun moments, she can be found enjoying the lake with her friends, listening to live music with her besties, or hanging with her two favorite people: her husband and daughter.
Get to know Aly and what makes her who she is in the fun video below.
GET TO KNOW ALY TALLEY– Q&A
Do you have a fun nickname at work?
My coworkers call me Aly Talley or Alison Tallison. I feel like since my name rhymes they think it’s fun. And our Creative Director gave me the title of “Magician of Chaos.”
Favorite part of your job?
I think the behind-the-scenes and leading up to the big moment is always really fun. Walking into to our taproom and seeing our staff crushing it and them enjoying the moment as well as our community; it’s packed, it’s wild, it’s chaotic. It’s my favorite part.
What generation do you most identify with?
I fall in the middle of a Millennial and a Gen Z. But, I feel like I would have really thrived in the ’70’s because it was groovy and funky and there were disco balls (holds up a peace sign).
What is your all-time favorite Reformation moment?
I really loved our Stranger Things event in 2022. It was a huge turnout. There were people of all ages here. I also just love Stranger Things so it was a lot of fun to plan. Another big event was the Cadence Fair 2021. It was my first year planning and organizing the Cadence Fair. Our team did a fantastic job and we all worked together. It was awesome seeing that day turn out like it did. It was beautiful weather, the yard was packed, and everyone really enjoyed it.
What is your favorite Reformation beer and the most underrated?
My favorite of all time would be Wilder – it was a fruited ale with black currant and cranberry. My favorite most underrated drink would be Forage – our key-lime sour.
What are some hidden talents or special interests?
My two hidden talents are I can tumble and throw some back tucks and I can say my alphabet backwards at the same speed I can forwards.
The most unique place to enjoy a drink with friends?
The Diamond Jack Wine Bar in Maryville, Tennessee. I really love it because my cousins actually own it. They’ve done an incredible job. It’s very vibey and eclectic and the drinks are always really fun and pretty.
Beach or mountains?
Beach because I can just sit there all day and I don’t like to hike. So, beach.
Famous person, dead or alive, you’d want to spend the day with?
It would have to be Matthew McConaughey. I would like to sit on a ranch by the bonfire, drinking a glass of whiskey. “It’d be a lot cooler if I did.”
What would your walkup music be?
All Gold Everything by Trinidad James or Coming Undone by Korn. Ultimately, probably rap. But also if you played Amarillo by Morning by George Strait I’d be ready to go.
Favorite genre of music?
Probably current-day country, kind of Americana music. Zach Bryan, Jonathan Peyton (who is headlining Candence Fair this year). They are all my favorites.
Where are you from and where do you call home?
I have lived in a couple of different states so a lot of places have pieces of home to me. But I think now ultimately wherever my husband and daughter are at is where I call home. Is that cheesy? That’s cheesy. It’s kind of cute though, right? 😉
What is one thing you love about Reformation culture?
“I love that it is so family friendly here I can bring my daughter and she can play in the yard and I can enjoy a craft beer. It’s a place of community. There are always good conversations. I feel like any time you walk into our taproom you are gonna know somebody and somebody is going to remember your name.“
Interesting fact about you?
I have the Reformation Rose tattooed on me (Laugh).
What did you get your degree in?
I went to school for Interior Design and Psychology and I think that helps with my creativity and people skills and planning really cool events that people will enjoy here at Reformation.
Line dancing, bull riding, and shotgunning – Reformation Rodeo was a good time! Thanks for celebrating with us as we attempted our first and greatest beer pyramid, & can only release of Shotgun Light Lager. Special thanks to Tyler Anderson at Southern Photo Co. for the great pics!
Brewing beer, kissing babies, petting all the good dogs. Our last Brew Night of the Summer is coming soon, Friday July 21st. Hope to see you there! Here’s a roundup of some moments from June.
📸 TSWIFT PARTY PICS @photosbylindsayann … The 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗡𝗢𝗪 (𝘙EFORMATION’𝘚 𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘚𝘐𝘖𝘕) album release event at @reformationbrewery was one for the books! Swifties of all ages came together for a night of sing alongs with friends, sipping on TS inspired drinks and the exchanging of friendship bracelets.
Meet the Crew: Discover the Faces and Stories behind Who We Are and What We Do.
“I love our production team right now. We have a very solid crew. Everyone knows what they’re doing. Nobody has to be asked what to do twice. We all make fun of each other but everyone knows what to do and when to do it. We’re pretty happy with production.” — Paul Hamill
STORY
Our Reformation Crew is the backbone of who we are and what we do. They are often the unknown faces and stories behind the well-known places and products you love. You can’t taste our drinks or enjoy our spaces without interacting with one of our incredible crew members.
This is why we are launching a brand new series starting this May highlighting our crew and featuring their stories called, “Meet the Crew.” Each month, we will feature 1 crew member in a blog post and a fun video on social media to share their unique roles and personalities.
FEATURING: Paul Hamill, Lead Brewer/Head Distiller
For our next crew member, we want to introduce you to Paul Hamill, our Lead Brewer/Head Distiller responsible for the overall production of our Craft Spirits line of products. You have probably seen Paul in Woodstock or most likely Canton – our production headquarters – distilling vodka or gin, telling cheesy dad jokes, embellishing his Irish charm, picking on his fellow production crew mates, or kicking back one of his favorite Reformation libations (a Reformation IPA or our new London Dry Gin).
When Paul’s not raising spirits he can be found making homemade guitars, enjoying the outdoors with his wife, or cooking up something delicious in a backyard bbq.
Get to know Paul and what makes him who he is in the conversation below.
The director of all the things nobody else wants to do. Messy and uncomfortable, I’ll do any of those. I’ll do anything that is necessary.
Where are you from and where do you call home?
Eastern Tennessee, the deep South (haha)! I am originally from Belfast, Ireland. But, I have now lived in the States since 1997. I have been in Atlanta all that time. In the last year, I have lived up near Canton. It feels like home up there and we are enjoying it.
What is your favorite Reformation beer and the most underrated?
My favorite of all time or go-to used to be Atlas – our original IPA, a rye IPA. I really loved that. We stopped making that for a couple of reasons. My go-to now is our Reformation IPA. It’s a good solid IPA. I also drink our Lagers – we have nice New Zealand Lagers. I like our Cold One.
What are some hidden talents or special interests?
During the Covid lockdown, I taught myself how to make solid-body electric guitars. I made a couple of those from blocks of wood, a neckpiece, and a fingerboard. I can shave and put together an electric guitar.
Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Yes, an unpleasant sandwich but a sandwich. I would top it with everything on it: tomato, mustard, sauerkraut, relish, the whole thing to hide the taste of animal parts.
Who makes you laugh the most at work?
That’s a good question. Who makes me laugh the most or who do I laugh at the most? Everyone is funny at the brewery. We try and have a good time. Currently, I pick on Kyle. I won’t say what I say to him because it gets unpleasant (laugh). He’s fine with all this picking unless he has a heavy flow day and then I back off a bit (laugh).
Favorite place to enjoy a great drink with friends?
Reformation, especially in Canton.
What is one thing you love about Reformation culture?
You can come up to Reformation anytime, any day and there will always be somebody there to talk to whether it’s a friend, a local, or a regular. Everyone is so happy and welcoming here.
Famous person dead or alive you would spend the day with?
I would say, Ed Sheeran. I watched his show on Disney+. He seems like a really nice guy. He was in Atlanta recently and mistakenly went to SweetWater Brewery (haha) had a couple of pints, went behind the bar, served some beers, and played a couple of songs, he seems a really nice guy and has his own guitar company in Northern Ireland.
Paul in the brewhouse of our Woodstock taproom.
Want to join our incredible crew and get in on the excitement? Send in your resume at the link below to apply: https://reformationbrewery.com/careers/
Subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media to stay connected to everything Reformation and this exciting series.
Create Vibrancy with Woodstock Arts! This week we welcome a release celebrating community art. Featuring four unique designs made by local artists, each purchase helps support Woodstock Arts mission to engage the community with relevant art experiences every day.
Since 2002, Woodstock Arts has been supplying performing arts productions, world-class concerts, in-depth classes, & exciting camps. Come join us! Let’s create vibrancy. More at woodstockarts.org
About the beer
Create Vibrancy is an American Pale Ale featuring Strata and Strata CGX hops for light strawberry fruitiness & uplifting citrusy undertones. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase supports Woodstock Arts, our nonprofit local arts center. Made with support from VisitWoodstockGA.
Available from your neighborhood Reformation as our featured offering, Saturday, July 1st. A day declared #setbeerfree day by our Woodstock mayor, made to celebrate Georgia beer freedom, local makers, and live music.
The Art & the Artists
Harmony Reid, “The Reeves House”
Entitled “The Reeves House,” the can art is an original watercolor by Woodstock artist, Harmony Reid, highlighting one of the city’s original landmarks which serves as an arts & community center in the heart of downtown Woodstock.
Sylvia Smith, “Community Faces”
Entitled “Community Faces,” this artwork by Sylvia Smith speaks to the community we create through art and gathering together, sharing a beer at Reformation or experiencing a vibrant moment with friends. More art at Sylviadraws.com.
Joseph Baum, “Spaceman”
The can art entitled “Spaceman” from Graphic Artist, Joseph Baum, depicts an explorer taking respite in what is right in front of him, the small, glowing speck can remind us to celebrate what is right in front of us.
Get ready for 🍺 SET BEER FREE DAY 2023 🍺 – Saturday, July 1st – where we raise a glass to toast the passing of Georgia beer laws allowing craft breweries around the state to directly sell the beer we make to you our fans, customers, and hometown communities.
To celebrate, we will have live music, local artists, and a special beer on tap supporting Woodstock Arts, named “Create Vibrancy.” Cheers to freedom and independent makers working to make things and moments that matter.
🌟 July 1st events🌟
🇺🇸 Woodstock 🇺🇸
Rally your crew and head to the Star Spangled Pub Crawl at 2pm in @DowntownWoodstock, Saturday, July 1st! Let Reformation be your home base, or make your way to the yard as your final stop. We’ll have live music starting at 12pm, and local artist on the Woodstock Arts Green!
🎇 Canton 🎇
Join us that evening for vendors, food trucks, and live music at 8pm from The Guardians of The Jukebox.
🍻 All taprooms 🍻
Celebrate Georgia beer freedom at your neighborhood Reformation on Saturday, July 1st. Declared “Set Beer Free Day” by our Woodstock mayor, this day is made to raise a glass to independent makers, music, and a special release supporting Woodstock Arts. While supplies last, $1 for every purchase of Create Vibrancy supports our nonprofit local arts center. Stay tuned for more details about this limited, brewery only release (coming soon).
It was an honor to support this year’s 2023 Crafted For Action Con in Atlanta with a collaboration brew, One Love – a sorrel inspired saison, of which 100% of the proceeds were donated in support.
