TailGate Brewery Launches Lager Projekt with Traditional German Brewing
TailGate Brewery has unveiled its ambitious new Lager Projekt, a program dedicated to brewing traditional German-style lagers with authenticity and precision. Unlike typical light lagers that dominate the U.S. beer market, TailGate’s approach follows the historic Reinheitsgebot purity laws, using only water, hops, barley, and yeast.
Founder Wesley Keegan is committed to raising the standard for local lagers, even modifying the brewery’s water system to mimic Bavarian streams. The first release, a Czech-style Helles (4.8% ABV), is crisp, malty, and balanced with floral hops—designed to compete directly with mass-market lagers while offering drinkers a local alternative.
To further enhance the experience, TailGate is outfitting taprooms and partner bars with special side-pull draft systems and custom glassware, along with training staff on proper Czech pouring techniques to create the signature creamy head. Though costly and time-consuming due to the lagering process, Keegan sees the project as a long-term investment in quality, service, and differentiation.
Available both on draft and in cans, Lager Projekt is already making its mark as a serious contender for Nashville’s favorite easy-drinking beer—one made locally, with care, and designed for everything from craft appreciation to Saturday football.
