A visit to Cool Springs Brewery in Franklin, Tenn.
On a visit last month to Nashville, I made sure to check out a brewpub I missed on my previous trips to Middle Tennessee.
Cool Springs Brewery started as a restaurant for pizza in 1991, opening in the Vanderbilt area under the name Guido’s. It’s since moved to Franklin and is under new ownership, having added a microbrewery only in recent years.
This unheralded brewpub at 600 Frazier Drive makes some really good beer. I had a sampler, which allowed me to try everything on tap. That included:
• Franklin’s First, the first commercially-produced beer in Williamson County brewed in the style of a German Kolsch.
• Morning Wood Red, a really nice hoppy, robust ale.
• Pecker Wrecker IPA, a floral and citrusy IPA that was my favorite beer at Cool Springs.
• Fatback Amber Ale, a smooth, German Altbier.
• Kilt Lifter, a strong Scottish ale with just a hint of smokiness.
• Schwarzbier, a dark ale that’s Cool Spring’s version of a black German lager.
The brewery at Cool Springs is right up front when you walk in.
The atmosphere is relaxed, though the many TVs make it feel a little too much like a sports bar.
Another view of the main seating area.
If it’s your first time at Cool Springs, get the sampler.
The New York-style pies are really good.
Some cool beer signs in the back of the restaurant.
A view of the brewery at Cool Springs.
Another view of the brewing set-up.
Brewing tanks.
Get a growler to go.
