Johnny Miller supervises the renovation at Saw Works Brewing Company

Who knew Saw Works Brewing Company would be a stop on an art tour?  Well, someone would, and that would be anyone who’s noticed the art of handcrafted brewing exploding in The South.  Saw Works Brewing Company, formerly known as Marble City Brewing,  occupies the old Wallace Saw Works building at 708 East Depot Avenue, next door to Marc Jacobs Denim. And it’s Knoxville’s only micro-brewery.  During the event known as Dogwood Art DeTour on the afternoon of April 12th, Johnny Miller (Tasting Room Manager and Assistant Brewer) seemed pleased to show us around.

The space was quiet on that Sunday afternoon at two-ish.  We’re probably busiest on Fridays, Johnny told us — right about quitting time when folks stop by after work.

Johnny Miller stands ready to give us a tour during Dogwood Arts Festival Art DeTour.

Chalkboards on the wall hold names of brews — and news of the moment.

Chalkboards at The Mill at Saw Works Brewing Company

And Johnny was quick to point out two best-sellers, now award winners: Rocky Hop and Buzzsaw.  From the website:  Rocky Hop IPA: A traditional English platform loaded with tons of American hops, this beautiful autumn hued IPA stays close to our roots. (Makes you wanna try it, right?)

Award-winners on tap at The Mill at Saw Works Brewing Company

Kegs stood ready for delivery outside.  And inside (in the back room), we noticed a lot of plastic wound around fermentation tanks.  You’ll have to excuse the mess.  We’re remodeling and quadrupling our production capacity, Johnny told us.  These are all moving out.

A Pour It Forward board seemed like a great idea.  You post the name of a friend, and when the friend comes to Saw Works, he/she gets a free beer.  Good thing Garth Brooks’ name is on the list:  He’s coming to Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling Arena May 28-31 to play for sold-out crowds.  A cold Saw Works Rocky Hop — free — just might be in his future!

Is your name on the list?

Now don’t just wait ’til it’s Art DeTour time to head over to The Mill, as they call this tasting room on E. Depot Avenue.  The folks at Saw Works offer tours at 5 and 6 PM on Fridays and Saturdays (and sometimes other days).  For 10 bucks, you get a 40-minute tour, a special tour pint glass, and brew, too! Oh, go on.  Do it for art’s sake!

While you’re there, grab a t-shirt from Saw Works!

For more information and touring times:

Saw Works Brewing Company, 708 E. Depot Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; 865-247-5952; http://sawworksbrewing.com/the-mill/ and http://sawworksbrewing.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SawWorksBrewing?fref=ts