I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Terrapin ma...

I live in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Terrapin makes some of my favorite beer, so I didn't hesitate to drive the hour and a half to Athens while we were staying in Atlanta a few weeks ago. But I wish I had.

The experience was not what I'd expected at all. While the facility itself was well-maintained and inviting, the clientele wasn't what you'd imagine for a place with such a good reputation. The grounds outside were filled with loitering, spitting chain smokers (many of whom didn't look old enough to drink) and rows upon rows of souped-up trucks and cars bearing Confederate flags. Some were even cussing around children and communicating threats to one another. When I asked a staff member what was going on, he said it was a "car show." I tried to give Terrapin the benefit of the doubt, thinking this was an isolated instance of unprofessionalism rather than an indicator of a bigger problem. That's when I saw one of the bartenders (unsuccessfully) trying to sneak sips of a beer. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but this isn't the look you want to create for yourself when you're such a well-respected name in the craft beer industry.

On the whole, I was disappointed. I may buy Terrapin's beer again, but I won't be back to their brewery.