The Power Pod welcomed Seb Winkler from Reformation Brewery to talk about festive beers for the holidays! The conversation starts around 35 seconds in. Enjoy!

You could say that we’re totally into all things Pi Day: it’s a chance for us to get together on March 14th and celebrate our favorite mathematical constant (the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — approximately 3.14159…..) our favorite beverage (beer, of course) and one of our favorite foods: pizza!

Pizza and beer are a classic, beautiful combination, and as lovers of math, beer and pizza, we wanted to explore a few other great possibilities that make pizza and beer the iconic pairing we know and love. Here are a few of our favorite pint and pie pairings, to be enjoyed any time, any where, not just on Pi Day:

Supreme pizza – Otherwise known as “Pizza from the grown-up table” when you’re a kid staring down at a pizza covered in a rainbow of toppings. With time, we’ve come to realize we were really missing out while chowing down on plain cheese slices with the crusts cut off. The blend of all those bold ingredients – peppers, onions, olives, pepperoni, sausage – demand to be paired with an equally bold choice like Nolan, our rotating IPA. The hoppy bite of a sip of Nolan perfectly cuts through with delicious flavor without getting lost in all the ingredients.

White pizza – On the other side, sometimes your palette just isn’t feeling it with all that tomato sauce. If you’re in the mood for something light and creamy and smooth, settle into a pie with a bunch of different cheeses, little or no sauce, some crushed garlic, and a Belgian-Style Ale like Haddy. You’ll feel refreshed and lighter than air (Or, at least, lighter than you’re used to after having pizza and beer for dinner).

Margherita pizza – Feeling a little fancy? Sometimes the occasion calls for one of the more traditional Italian pies with a thin crust, fresh tomatoes, basil, and heaping spoonfuls of fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese. Why not pump up that fancy feeling with a Sour Alani, our Rosé Ale? The sweet pucker of Alani’s cranberry and hibiscus notes will naturally complement the ripeness of your tomatoes, offering the acidic balance to cut through the richness of your cheese, in a pie that just so perfectly “summer.”

Buffalo Chicken – When you want to add a little heat to your pizza, why not combine your favorite comfort foods in slices of spicy, cheesy goodness? A favorite for anyone wanting to combine the delicious tastes of chicken wings and pizza, you’re gonna want to head off the inevitable heartburn with something crisp to balance everything out. Enter Jude, our Belgian Tripel, with its clean citrus finish and sweet malts, and you have a pair worthy of repeating whenever your cravings for pizza and beer strike.

All Meats – When you’re ready to just go for it. All the meats on your pizza, that is. Often served with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and sometimes ground beef, an all-meat pizza is a carnivore’s dream. Pair all that salty, spicy, crispy goodness with our Juicy Lager, JOGR, and rock your palette even harder. You earned it.

A Classic: Pepperoni – Is there anything more classic than pepperoni? We’re partial to a slice of cheesy pepperoni paired with a true classic like Cadence, our Belgian-style Ale. With hints of caramel and figs, Cadence pops in between the bold, spicy flavors of pepperoni. All day, every day, pepperoni is a true classic.

Some of the most iconic Super Bowl foods include finger foods, small bites, and dips. If your Pinterest boards could use some fresh ideas for the big game, we’ve got you covered! Plus, some craft beer pairings that you can slide into your grocery store cart while you’re picking up ingredients for each, making it an easy win.

Nothing makes a Super Bowl party quite like bacon, and bacon-wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates are a gift you may want to keep in a serving tray for yourself. (They’ll think you made them for them, but really, you made them for you.) These apps are delicious, easy to make and guaranteed to have your guests coming back for more. Pair with the deep fruit aroma and hints of caramel in Cadence, a Belgian Dubbel with figs and Belgian candi sugar.

No Super Bowl party is complete without crispy hot chicken wings. Did you get an air fryer for the holidays? Put it to work with a simple, easy, delicious recipe. And bonus, with this recipe, you’ll still satisfy cravings for the crunch from the oil-fried kind without the oil. Pair your gold standard of Super Bowl snacks with JOGR, our juicy lager with notes or orange, melon and grapefruit.

Did someone say citrus? Our pale ale, Oren, is a perfect pick to pair with a crispy, salty pretzel focaccia bread that’s foolproof and you can make at home. In fact, this recipe is so easy, you don’t even need a mixer to make it. (Just make the dough the night before.) Oren’s mild, soft waves of citrus will refresh between bites of salty brown crust. Serve as-is or better with a spread for DIY sandwiches–because you know your guests will want to.

If you’re feeding a larger crowd, satisfy their appetites with dishes heavier than apps with a Texas-style chili loaded with layers of umami, a little spice, and a hint of something extra. (Spoilers: It’s the cocoa powder.) Pair with our toasted porter Stark, for a winning combination. Stark’s hints of chocolate from toasted malts will have you savoring what’s in your glass and your bowl.

If you find yourself without a place to watch Sunday’s big game, come grab a seat and raise a glass with us in Woodstock, Canton or Smyrna!

Whether you’re hosting or gathering at someone else’s table, here are a few festive Friendsgiving pairings to fill your cup–and your belly.

Is there anything better than dancing it out in your kitchen as you chop, mix and serve? JOGR is the pre-dinner preparation sidekick that’ll encourage you to get in the groove before your friends and family arrive. If you’re the type to snack as you cook, grab a handful of roasted chickpeas as you go. The salty, crispy veggie pairs well with our juicy citrus lager and impromptu kitchen dance parties.

You’ve worked to prepare a delicious meal–now enjoy the gifts of your hard work before your friends and family arrive. Take a breath and sneak a few moments of gratitude for the real, authentic connection that comes from being surrounded by people you love. Pair this moment with our classic Belgian double, Cadence, and count the good gifts of a well-lived life.

Friends have started arriving, bringing laughter and stories galore. Raise a glass of our toasted Porter, Stark, and toast to finding balance despite the noise. (A noteworthy accomplishment, especially with a full house of hungry friends and family.) Savor these moments with a side dish like sweet and smoky Brussels Sprouts, or smoky spiced pecan sweet potatoes.

Before sitting down to feast, and especially if you’ve been asked to share a few words, gain a little liquid inspiration from Georgia’s gold, our Belgian Triple, Jude. These moments are best celebrated with friends and family, paired with a classic smoked turkey, or a bite out of homestyle cheddar mac and cheese.

Wind down your evening with the good tradition of board games and beer. Scout, our festive milk Stout, can be enjoyed as a great end to a good meal on its own, but also pairs well with a slice of your favorite pie and a game of friendly competition. Challenge friends and reconnect with a classic like Clue or Monopoly. Or introduce a new favorite like Space Park, our collaboration with Keymaster Games, that explores the galaxy alongside quirky helper robot, Scout.

No matter if or when you celebrate at home, we invite you to bring your friends and raise a glass to celebrate the gift of friendship, stories and new moments.

Preservation Woodstock named Reformation Brewery CEO Spencer Nix the Barbara G. Ingram Citizen of the Year. This award is presented annually to a Woodstock area resident who has made notable contributions toward the preservation of the citys heritage. As part of this honor, Nix will serve as the grand marshal for the City of Woodstocks Christmas Jubilee Parade.

Preservation Woodstock member Steve Campbell nominated Nix in recognition of his role in restoring a historic building in downtown Woodstock

With so many old buildings and structures being demolished for new development, it is important that we recognize those who save old structures and renovate them for further use, said Campbell. Spencer Nix is being recognized as our Citizen of the Year for his efforts for saving the old Priest Home Furnishings warehouse to be utilized as a facility and meeting place for Reformation Brewery.

Nix believes that preserving Woodstocks history is important.History is our story; an epic, a tragedy, a comedy, a quest, and a continual rebirth. Preserving our history gives our community its unique character and links us to the roots of the community and its people, adding to the quality of life.

Perfect Beer Pairings For Mother’s Day

Flowers and homemade cards are at the top of Mother’s Day gift lists, but why not show your love with a gift of a different kind? What about a beer bouquet? And just like those flowers you were going to get her, there’s something special and different about each one.

Here’s a guide to our favorite pairings for a special mother in your life:

Do you know a mom with a wild spirit? Someone who just can’t be tamed? May is the perfect month to take her to Reformation and honor her with a Wilder. Sweet and tart (blackberry, cranberry, black currant, and ginger), Wilder is a limited time beer brewed from our research and development facility in Downtown Woodstock.
Laughter is contagious. Often your favorite moms are the ones who just make you laugh. Alani the Lighthearted offers that perfect rosé ale everyone’s after. Bright and playful with grape and hibiscus among its notes, Alani is a hybrid of wine and beer that any of the wine-loving moms in your life are going to want to try…and try, and try. This is another seasonal, only available in spring and summer!
When you’re around someone that makes you better, every day is a gift. Show gratitude with Cadence. Reformation’s award-winning original is a Belgian tripel with delicious notes of caramel and fig. This beer is for the mother in your life who’s as sweet as candy.
Know an adventure lover? Travel buff? Our Rotating IPA Nolan the Wanderer could be her perfect pairing. Nolan changes every four months so your beer-loving adventurer can always try something new. Nolan’s latest adventure is Golden Cashmere, perfectly matched to the season with hints of mango and papaya.
Offer the one you person you know has a heart of gold our Georgia’s Gold Jude. This Belgian-style tripel is sweet, citrusy, and has a high alcohol content. Because someone with a good and pure heart deserves to have a little more fun.
Mothers are the sunshine of our lives and Oren is the bright sunshine of beers. Easy-going, low alcohol, and smooth for the summer, Oren will light up the life of your favorite mom.
For the mom who drinks well with others, the quiet, classic Haddy. This Belgian white is like a bouquet itself, with coriander and lemon providing a smooth and graceful drinking experience. If your mom’s classy…this one’s for her.

Gather the influential women in your life and toast to perfect pairings with the gift of good beer.

Downtown Woodstock has gone to the dogs, and with ongoing opportunities for new experiences for humans, dogs-in-the-know will be honored for their contributions to the patio.

When your best buddy has four legs, you’re always on the lookout for B.Y.O.P. (That’s bring your own pup) events you can attend together. We’re ready to be the place where you spend that time and make magic moments.

Your Two Besties: The Four-legged Fur Friend and Their Matching Beer

Every beer at Reformation is meant to evoke moments in life, and so many of those moments involve your best canine pal. Here are just a few dog breeds and the Reformation beer that pairs best with them.

Golden Retriever – Loving, loyal, and easygoing, the Golden brings out the best in its owner. What better beer to pair with than our original, deep, award-winning classic, Cadence?
Border Collie – The border collie is brilliant, adventurous and highly energetic. Reformation’s rotating, seasonal IPA Nolan the Wanderer is all of those things too..never staying in one place for long.
Greyhound – Gentle, mighty and sleek, this fur-friend’s corresponding beer is the delicate, modern, Belgian-style Tripel, Jude. Like Greyhounds, Jude offers beauty in balance.
Pomeranian – These little ones beam sunshine at anyone upon sight. Our Rosé Ale,
Alani the Lighthearted, will brighten up your taste buds as well with bursts of grape, cranberry and hibiscus that make for a refreshing, tasty sip.
Bulldog – Sweet and gentle with a strength and stamina that outmatches all others, the bulldog’s best paired with our Belgian-style White, Haddy. Refreshing, easy-going, and tart, Haddy is every bit as classy as the bulldog.
Akita – One of the closest relatives to wolves, the Akita breed pairs perfectly with Stark, our toasted porter. Rich, dark, and demanding of your attention… just like your pet wolf.
Papillon – These little jumping beans won’t be ignored and neither will our Imperial Stout, Declaration. Complex and classic to help you finish your day right…and the dogs are sweet too!

Dogs (and beer) are a good gift, and should be celebrated accordingly. Grab your closest furry friend and toast to the good gifts of beer, sunshine and friendship, because they’re all good dogs.

‘Tis the season to celebrate, and what better way than with pie and beer?

Whether you’re committed to classic flavors or seeking inspiration this season, these pie and beer pairings will give you reason to raise a glass!

PUMPKIN PIE

(+) Porter or Stout

Profess your pumpkin pie love alongside a glass of beer and see your favorite spices shine in a whole new light.

Go classic with our toasted porter, and introduce your slice to Stark as a liquid companion. With roasty malts that lend hints of chocolate, this pairing offers up a classic contrasts like coffee & cream.

Get inspired and take traditional warming spices to another level with our Festive Stout, Scout The Storyteller. Dark vanilla & cinnamon, and a slightly creamy finish will have you thinking pie crusts with or without the real thing alongside.

APPLE PIE

(+) Belgian Tripel or Brut IPA

For a perfect beer-to-holiday-pie ratio, pair your apple pie with our trusty Belgian Tripel for a classic combination that adds up to amazing. With its delicate floral aroma and clean citrus finish, Jude pairs well with moments of providence!

When paired with traditional flavors of apple pie, a champagne-inspired beer brings a unexpectedly light twist. Highly carbonated with notes of melon, pear, and apple with a dry champagne finish, Nolan the Wanderer is available as a Brut IPA this season.

PECAN PIE

(+) Belgian Ale or Barrel Aged Belgian

Whether you pronounce it Pea-can or Puh-khan, most southerners agree that this pie is a must have at any holiday gathering. Cadence, our Belgian-style Ale, is a classic pairing for this ooey, gooey pie, with its deep fruit aroma, figs, and hints of caramel.

A reformed twist on our classic, a Pinot Noir barrel-aged Cadence combines familiar red wine tannins and dry finish with balanced caramel sweetness for a quirky combination that will surprise and delight. Whichever Cadence you choose, may they compliment this southern favorite, and allow you to toast to moments of gratitude and the enjoyment of good gifts!

Reformation Brewery supports causes that make a difference in the communities we serve. We select causes to support based on availability of resources and impact on the greater community, with an emphasis on listening to and serving others well.

Community Revitalization

We believe local independent breweries are an important part of the long term health of communities. Independent breweries bring life to underutilized real estate spaces and create a place for conversations to happen face to face. Communities improve when discourse occurs in an environment that supports the sharing of ideas.

Human Connections

We believe in the beauty of all and will not let the extremes of political differences distract us from listening and serving others well. Reformers seek to find meaningful opportunities to share a beer with others.

Honest Conversation

We believe in asking questions before jumping to conclusions. With an open mind understanding and moderation become possible. Reformers seek to shine a light on the balance between extremes.

In a chaotic world, truly letting go and finding our happy place in the here and now takes practice.

I think everyone is looking for ways to strike a balance that brings true contentment. It’s taken me a while to learn how to say a resounding “NO” to the noise of everyday life, and make time for real relaxation. Nothing’s perfect, but here are a few things that help me tap into down time when I need it most. What’s in your list?

DIVE INTO YOUR HOBBIES

It’s easy for me to tune out the things I love when I’m busy. But I’ve realized, if we have even just a spare few hours, we have time to get out those art supplies that we put away months ago and forgot about. And perhaps get others in on it too! Find camaraderie with people that share your passions. Make a day of it, or meet once a month if your schedule allows! Big things can happen when people who like the same things get together. Maybe for you it’s finding a new book, exercise routine, or a new board game. Find what recharging looks like for you and dive in.

GET OUTSIDE

We all know that moving our bodies is good for us. Do what it takes to get yourself up! Walk with a friend, listen to a new album or podcast, or explore your neighborhood. I’ve only just started exploring the local trails and community parks right here in Woodstock, but there are plenty of hiking, biking, and waterways to discover. And a quick trip to the mountains of North Georgia is always worth the breathing room, if you ask me. You can make a day of it, and then refresh and reflect with a pint if you like!

PAUSE AND APPRECIATE

I’m always amazed by the things I see when I turn away from busyness. Sometimes I catch myself reveling in the things that no one else sees. A beautiful scene on the side of the road that I can’t help but stop and take a picture of – even if it means being five minutes late to that meeting. Social media can be a great resource for remembering these moments, but it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing! Scratch pads and journals are a good concrete way to reminisce, clear your mental cache, or chart things you take in. Recognize the beauty. Find a way to put life on pause, and stop to appreciate the moment.

FIND A HEALTHY ESCAPE

Breaking away from my routine really helps me keep a healthy mindset. I’ve found that watching new films and listening to new music are some of my favorite ways to get away. It’s so nice to let go of a hard day by letting artistry take me into another world for a little while. And while it might seem unconventional, serving others can be an escape from the noise. Volunteering in your community can give you a sense of belonging to something bigger, and that feeling of purpose and meaning can lead to a real, abiding sense of perspective in our lives that keeps us in balance.

MAKE EVERYDAY SPECIAL

Never underestimate the benefit of buying that special beer you’ve been dying to try, getting the best kind of chocolate, or stopping for gelato on the way home from work. Celebrate life with small luxuries that make you happy, and get into the habit of treating yourself! Sharing moments with others can be great, but don’t be afraid to do something special on your own. Build margin for these humble but powerful things. We can all clear our schedules for a little bit to focus on calm, cathartic moments. And maybe, just maybe, life will be just that much more enjoyable.