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First, I found the most lacking element was courteous service. When I enter a pub, especially one not overly busy, I expect to be greeted and asked my pleasure. I found my own way to the bar where there were only 3 or 4 other patrons, yet it took me 10 minutes to get a notice from the lady tending bar. She seemed unable to answer many questions about the beer but did give me a beer menu and a regular menu. Her replies seemed grudging and perfunctory, usually replying over her shoulder while walking away. It left me feeling unwelcome. I finally gave up trying to either ask her questions or give her orders.

But I came for the beer, and this is what the review is about, right? They have 5 beers on the menu, but one was not available and one extra was still around. Here are my impressions: Copperhead ESB: Not and ESB. Lacking in almost every English character. Overly hopped with Cascade and so stuffed with caramel malts that it tasted like a Sugar Daddy dipped in pine tar. Festbier: Their Oktoberfest offering was lacking in any melanoidin richness and had a strong soapy character and evident dicetyl notes. Perhaps it was forced and hasn't lagered long enough or maybe I just got a glass that hadn't had the dish soap rinsed off. Helles: Finally a beer to style with strong Tettanang hop bite and just the right low malt breadiness and a slight melanoidin richness. Slight astringency in the finish. Their most mainstream beer, but a nice example. Tripel: Not on the menu, never offered to me, but she poured it from a secondary set of taps and I spotted her doing it, so asked for a sample. 15 minutes later I got one. I shouldn't have bothered. It had a strong orange aroma, like Tang, and the flavor was of sour honey with distinct fusel high alcohols. Dark and still too sweet for the style. I didn't even finish my 1 ounce taster.

I also had the calamari appetizer. The food is not cheap here. I cereal bowl of calamari was $10 and 75% of the bowl is filled with fried onion bits. I had been planning on eating dinner here, but bailed after just the appetizer. It would have cost me at least $50 to eat here if I had a salad and an entree.

I tried the sampler to start – which included Frank’s Fighting Kolsch, Seven Sisters Munchner, Spiny Norman’s IPA, Wired Straight Stout, and the Lionheart Pale Ale (decided to stay away from the West Mall Trippel, although it was tempting). The Stout, of course, was my favorite – lots of coffee taste comes through with this. However, the Kolsch was also excellent. This beer is not usually my favorite even though Kolsch is always good. I like a stronger beer and, as is typical with Kolsch, it is a light ale. But this one is exceptional. After talking to Frank, the bartender for whom this beer is named, we discovered why it is called “Frank’s Fighting Kolsch.” $2.00 from the proceeds of every sale is being donated to help him in his fight for a cure for his cancer. Once you find this out, how can you not have one, two, or three of these!

Be sure to come here often and “sample” the friendliness, as well as the terrific beers here. If you are there on a Thursday, that is when Frank works, so wish him well when you are there.

By the way, the food is pretty good, too!

One negative point I need to mention about this establishment is the prices. A small appetizer will run you at least eight dollars for almost no food at all and a full meal will cost you between fifteen and twenty dollars. But keep in mind that this is not ordinary food. In many ways, the food is even more exotic and memorable than the beer.

Besides the beer, music is on tap every Tuesday and Sunday evening, with local artist offering some smooth music to complement your smooth brew. The brewpub is located in the Prado shopping center, north of Atlanta. It’s a nice place to stop and relax if you’re in the northern suburbs- just make sure you bring plenty of cash!

Beer wise: refreshing to see someone branching out a bit beyond the typical 'English Ale' selection; lots of German influence here including a Helles, a Bock and a very rare Bavarian Lager. They offer a couple of English style ales as well, but they are a bit different from the common fair, so they should be congratulated for trying a new approach to the usual brew-pub offering.

Beer wise, well not bad by any means, but I would put this in the Rock-Bottom, McMeniman's, Gorden Birche genre rather than the artisan category.

What can you say? worth the trip, but probably not a place that will haunt your memory - definately a Brewpub whose beers are overshadowed by their exceptional food and the service.

-Bready