When you think of Masters history of black golfers, Lee Elder comes to mind, and of course, Tiger Woods. As it was in golf, so it is for the first black craft brewer in Augusta.
The first Masters golf tournament was held in 1934, but the year prior, 1933, marked other historic events for Augusta. James Brown was born that year and grew up here. It was also the year prohibition ended. What you might not know is that Augusta is on the 33rd parallel.
As a Navy veteran, Robert Young traveled throughout Germany and Europe and was also deployed to Iraq. When he returned to Augusta, he pursued a passion for brewing beer and tapped into the appreciation for the city and history for the name of his business, Tapped33.
“I made a couple of batches that my friends liked. Then I dreamed of brewing as a profession,” said Young.
He turned to Savannah River Brewing Company in 2020 as a volunteer and later as an assistant brewer to gain the needed experience. In 2023, Young utilized their contract brewer setup and started Tapped33.
“Between the helping hand from Savannah River Brewing and working with AB Distributing Company, my craft brews are getting spread across the CSRA.”
Tapped33 is available at some of the area’s favorite dining spots, including French Market Grille, Arsenal, Whiskey Bar, Farmhaus, Craft & Vine, and Village Deli. You can also find it at bars like Indian Queen, Tanks and Taps, and Stillwater. If you are looking to take it home, Tapped33 is stocked at White Horse, Beverage Outlet, and Toast.
“Augusta has been sort of a craft beer desert. I’m hoping to create options to put the city on the map.”
Young has already done that to some extent. Tapped33’s Good Googly Moogly was named the #2 IPA in the state of Georgia in 2023. His 95 Brown Sugar Brown Ale was launched last year to a good reception.
His plans for the next year include a brick-and-mortar brew pub.
“I want people to be able to meet the brewer, and I want to be a part of this community.”
If you’d like to raise a glass to Young and Tapped33, you can visit Savannah River Brewing today through Sunday for their extended hours.
To follow Tapped33 on Facebook, click here.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
