article by Marty Nachel, president of the Craft Beer Hall of Fame

I guess you could say that beer-loving Georgians had Friends in high places. “Friends” is the name of a brewing company in Georgia and the high places were up in the Appalachian Mountains in the northern end of the state. The quaint and scenic Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia was the chosen location for Friends Brewing Co. when it was founded back in 1988.

After spending half a lifetime drinking beers together, Frank Cronin, Phil Churchman, Rick Roberts, and Dow Scoggins decided it was time to start making their own at home. The art of homebrewing held their interest for a while, but the need for “fresh, German-style” beers in Georgia still existed. The solution was obvious. Once Friends Brewing was established, Canadian Master Brewer Jon Downing was hired to formulate the brews. Friends also consulted with Ted Marti, President and fifth-generation brewmaster at the August Schell Brewing Co. in New Ulm, Minnesota. Together, these brewmasters combined their talents to create Friends’ beers.

In the fall of 1989, Friends Brewing introduced Helenboch, a Munchener Helles (Munich pale) style beer, and Helenboch Oktoberfest, a Munchener Dunkel (Munich dark) style lager. Both were rolled out at the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the U.S. in Helen. Just weeks after the roll-out, Helenboch won a Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival. That initial success was topped by a Helenboch Oktoberfest Gold Medal at the GABF a year later. One interesting note regarding the Oktoberfest beer: every year the recipe is slightly modified in keeping with tradition dating back to the first Oktoberfest in 1810. According to tradition, the Duke’s Royal Braumeister would make the new Oktoberfest beer to compare to his previous brew.

Another tradition that was kept alive by Friends Brewing took place at the brewery’s christening. A 55 gallon wooden keg of Helenboch beer was tossed from a second-story balcony to officially open the brewery. The exploding barrel showered many of the 1000+ beer drinkers in attendance. Following the ceremony, the revelers partied late into the day drinking Helenboch beer and dancing to Bavarian Polka music. Even Heidi, the brewery’s mascot St. Bernard, was said to have a good time.

As is true most everywhere in life, the honeymoon couldn’t last forever. After a couple of years in Helen, Friends realized its major market was in Atlanta, about 80 miles away. The decision to move brewing operations to Atlanta was one that had to be made. Today, Friends brews its Helenboch beers under contract at the August Schell Brewery in New Ulm, Minnesota under Ted Marti’s supervision, until an Atlanta brewery location can be developed. Meanwhile, Friends (beers) aren’t hard to find.

In 1990, Friends Brewing was the only craft brewery in the state of Georgia. Michael Jackson made a special trip just to Georgia just to see us.

In 1994, Friends began serving up the southern belle of beers, Georgia Peach Wheat, the first bottled beer of its kind at the time. Georgia Peach is a light and refreshing fruit beer made for a summer’s day. They wanted to make a beer that was reflective of the home state (peanuts were considered but they don’t ferment well). It is made with 50% wheat malt in place of the usual barely malt, spiced with a blend of Cascade and Mt. Hood hops, and infused with the flavor of fresh Georgia peaches. In early 1996, Friends introduced its second fruit beer, Georgia Wild Raspberry, made with wheat and barley malt and a hint of raspberry flavor. Later this year, Friends is introducing its first breakfast beer, Georgia Mountain Maple. This month’s featured beer from Friends Brewing Co. is Terminator Doppelbock. This dark, rich double bock beer is named for Atlanta’s original name—Terminus. In keeping with the tradition of ending doppelbock names with the suffix -ator, this beer was dubbed Terminator.

Once you’ve had the pleasure of tasting one of Friends Brewing Co.’s beers, you can honestly say “I’ve gone to Helenboch!”

Final Note: A year after the release of Helenboch Terminator, Friends Brewing closed its doors IN 1997.  While the doors have been closed, since 2012 Helenboch beer has been brewed several times by 2 breweries, including Max Lagers in Atlanta.