S3 E11 Après All Day|TailGate Brewery

In this episode of Après All Day, Bob Cutler and Rich Stoner crack open a TailGate Orange Wheat and welcome Liz Tarry, sales and marketing director for TailGate Brewery to talk about the brewery’s gold-medal beers, its Lager Project craftsmanship, Nashville Sweet Tea, and founder Wes Keegan’s people-first philosophy—all proof that good beer and good company can build real community in the heart of Tennessee.

Key Topics

Craftsmanship and Innovation

TailGate’s lineup blends creativity and precision, from citrusy Orange Wheat to its high-end Lager Project. Each beer reflects the brewery’s obsession with quality and balance over hype and shortcuts.

Diversifying the Taproom Experience

Beyond beer, TailGate has expanded into sweet tea, seltzers, and cold brew—meeting shifting consumer tastes while keeping its Southern roots. The taprooms serve as community hubs where families, students, and locals gather.

Independent Ownership and Company Culture

Founder Wes Keegan’s refusal to take outside investors lets TailGate focus on people over profit. His decision to fully cover employee healthcare and maintain a supportive, creative workplace sets a rare standard in the brewing industry.

(4:20–4:32) TailGate’s flagship Orange Wheat wins Gold at the U.S. Open Beer Championship and remains the brewery’s best-seller.

(5:37–6:03) The team brews 300 unique beers each year, consistently ranking among the top ten U.S. breweries for variety.

(7:28–9:22) Launch of the Lager Project—a premium, Munich-style Helles brewed with imported ingredients and poured via custom Lucre handles at partner bars.

(16:40–18:39) Expansion beyond beer with Nashville Sweet Tea Co., THC seltzers, and cold brew coffee, born from pandemic-era innovation.

(20:21–21:46) Founder Wes Keegan’s leadership—independent, no outside investors, paying 100% of employee healthcare, and fostering a top-ranked workplace culture.