We reported back in May that Zack Roskop, founder of Knox Brew Hub and Knox Brew Tours, podcaster and chef for Fred Beans and Rice, had decided to step back from Knox Brew Tours and close that 10-year, 2000-run chapter of his business.
Having only been on one brew tour with my husband a couple of years ago, we knew how fun it was, but like many things, it had gotten filed away in the “That was fun! We need to do it again!” file and was lost to consciousness. Knowing it was going away sparked my drive to respond, and I booked a tour for the final weekend. Ace led our bus, and Zack led bus #2.
I purposely chose a tour that included Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus. Since I don’t like beer, sorry, Zack, I wanted to know I’d have a chance to enjoy my own drink and not just pass it off to the hubby. Each brewery we traveled to was the last time on a Knox Brew Hub Tour for that location. There was a sense of finality that was both sad and exciting.
Our first stop was at Balter Beerworks. With two brew buses of folks on the tour, we crammed ourselves into the brew room to hear about the beginning of Knox Brew Tours and brewing beer. I won’t repeat the story, but let’s say that Zack’s mom is a rock star, and I see where he gets his “can-do” spirit.
Next up was Hexagon Brewing. I’d heard of them, but they are definitely off the beaten path rather than a place you’re going to happen upon unintentionally. The highlight there was a smoked bacon beer. Sounds strange, and it was strange. But there were folks who really liked it, so it just shows there’s something out there for everyone. We also had one that tasted strangely like white chocolate. After that tour, Zack hopped onto our bus to answer questions and hang out with our crew.
Zack talked with us about Knoxville’s changing craft beer climate and the need to keep up with the change. When Knox Brew Tours began, Zack wanted to help float all the proverbial craft beer boats. Most don’t need that extra support anymore. People are drinking less craft beer and leaning more toward non-alcoholic beverages, CBD-infused drinks (yes, it’s legal) and cocktails. Bookings for tours had gotten lean, and it just made sense to change things up and focus on what was drawing people in and making them return.
Next Level Brewing was our third brewery. I had no idea that the building had been around for 100+ years and used to be an auto shop, which seems to be a theme in so many repurposed buildings around town. While at this stop, I talked with Ace about what was next for her career. She told me she was already neck-deep in work with the country’s first non-alcoholic craft brewery, Bravus. She is running marketing for them and is excited about the next steps on her journey.
Barrelhouse was fun, and we tried one of my favorite pours, a pumpkin cider. With hints of pumpkin, spices and apple, it was easy to drink and not overly sweet. We chatted with other guests on the tour and realized that everyone had been on a tour before and was returning for the final weekend to pay homage to the Brew Crew and enjoy one more moment in time with people they loved.
Last stop, Zul Beer Company. They always show out, and I finally had a beer I liked. I know it sounds weird, but the PB&J Mixtape was startlingly good. I had not been to Zul since Geezer’s closed down, so seeing the expansions they have made to the brewery was fun. Zul has an upcoming beer fest called Kill the Lights 2024 on Oct 26 that will host over 70 breweries with lots of food and entertainment. At this last stop, the waterworks and sentimentality were on tap. The Brew Hub has a slogan, “Love you. Mean it.” And we definitely felt that.
Individuals shared their stories of meeting Zack and his impact on their lives and the community. Ace shared her story of coming to Knoxville to work for Zack six years ago and what a life changer it had been for her to do what she loved by giving craft beer tours, supporting the community and meeting people from near and far. There was hardly a dry eye in the place. Maybe the alcohol had something to do with it, but I truly believe it was genuine love and support for a guy who put himself out there and succeeded at something that brought joy and fun to the community.
I had to miss Sunday’s farewell party at Last Days of Autumn Brewing, but if social media photos are to be trusted, it was a good time for all.
This is my own type of farewell to Knox Brew Tours. I’ll miss seeing the bus around town. But the impact of this particular branch of the Brew Hub won’t quickly go away. Hundreds of people were introduced to the Knoxville craft brew scene through the tours, found a new favorite spot or found a new favorite brew, all while learning about brewing and Knoxville’s outstanding entrepreneurs. I was struck in my first meeting with Zack by his desire to lift others up and find ways to be a collaborator in Knoxville. He was one of my first interviews as a writer for Inside of Knoxville, and I remember walking away from that time with him, thinking how lucky Knoxville is to have Zack and his family investing in its future.
Zack’s future is bright. He and his wife, Amy, are still busy running the Brew Hub, which now has its liquor license and sells N/A drinks and CBD seltzers. He is focusing on the food at Fred Beans and Rice and has reunited with his old band, Love Drunk and the Hangovers! Give their page a follow!
Farewell to Knox Brew Tours. It was a lovely 10 years. Thanks for the memories.
In the words of the Knox Brew Crew, peace out Knox Brew Tours! Love you. Mean it.
