SNAIL DARTER ALE

STYLE:  English-Style Amber

ABV: 4.2%, IBU: 30

DESCRIPTION: This English-style amber ale showcases a beautifully layered malt profile, opening with delicate aromas of apricot and plum. On the palate, those subtle fruit notes unfold into a harmonious depth of caramel and toffee, delivering a smooth, refined finish that is both balanced and inviting.

RECOMMENDED PAIRINGS: The rich malt complexity and subtle fruit undertones pair wonderfully with a wide range of dishes such as smoked barbecue, boldly spiced fare, and grilled meats or vegetables. Its soft fruit notes pair alongside dishes featuring citrus or fruit-forward marinades and dressings.

THE SNAIL DARTER

Say ‘hello’ to the Snail Darter, a tiny Tennessee native that once made national headlines. In the 1970s, this 3.5‑inch fish sparked one of the most dramatic environmental showdowns in U.S. history when its only known home—the free‑flowing Little Tennessee River—was threatened by the construction of the Tellico Dam.

Biologists sounded the alarm, the courts got involved, and the fight went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of protecting the species under the Endangered Species Act. The case became a landmark moment in conservation and even led Congress to create a special committee to review major ESA exemptions.

But the snail darter’s story isn’t just about controversy—it’s about resilience. New populations were eventually discovered, others were successfully relocated, and over time the species recovered enough to be removed from the endangered list. Ultimately, the Tennessee Valley Authority, which completed its construction of the Tellico Dam in 1979, played a key role in efforts to ensure the snail darter’s proliferation.

Today, the snail darter, with its brown‑banded body and appetite for freshwater snails, stands as a symbol of Tennessee’s natural heritage: small, spirited, and full of surprises. As we reflect upon the history of the Tellico Dam debacle we say, “That Dam Snail Darter” as a reminder that even the tiniest creatures can make a big splash.

NOTE: “Tennessee Brew Works,” “Finely tuned craft beer,” “Snail Darter” and the guitar logo are trademarks registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.