News Summary
XÜL Beer Company continues to grow since its establishment in 2020, with the recent opening of a second taproom in Hardin Valley. Founded by three friends who met at a beer festival, XÜL has garnered attention for its innovative beer offerings and unique ambiance. The brewery’s expansion includes enhancing its original location and hosting community events, solidifying its presence in the craft beer scene. Notably, the brewery will also host the renowned ‘Kill the Lights’ beer festival, further engaging with local beer enthusiasts.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – XÜL Beer Company has continued its significant expansion since its establishment in October 2020, recently inaugurating a second taproom in Hardin Valley and hosting popular community events. The brewery’s growth mirrors an increasing popularity among beer enthusiasts, a remarkable feat amid industry challenges.
Founded by Brad West, Bentley Blackshear, and Tara Thacker, XÜL Beer Company began its journey after the trio met at a beer festival in 2018. Their dream of starting a brewery took shape in 2019, culminating in a launch that has captured the attention of both local and regional beer fans. The brewery’s name, pronounced as “Zul,” draws inspiration from a variety of cultural references, including a classic movie from the 1980s and a 1990s computer game.
Innovative Offerings and Unique Experience
XÜL Beer Company is renowned for its diverse and innovative beer offerings, which include adjunct-heavy stouts like their VHS series, super fruited sours, and aggressively dry-hopped IPAs. The brewery places a strong emphasis on brewing precision, serving beers at optimal temperatures specific to each style. Moreover, the focus extends beyond the beer itself, as XÜL aims to create a holistic customer experience that prioritizes ambiance, music, comfortable seating, and excellent customer service.
The original taproom is located in a renovated 1960s car showroom, showcasing a unique character that resonates with patrons. The recent opening of the second taproom in June 2023 marks a significant milestone in the brewery’s growth, featuring elegant lounge seating and a media room equipped for movies and sports events. XÜL’s expansion has included increasing their footprint in downtown Knoxville by converting an adjacent warehouse to enhance seating and entertainment options.
Continued Growth and New Ventures
In addition to the new Hardin Valley taproom, XÜL Beer Company has focused on enhancing its original location, recently expanding its patio space to accommodate up to 200 patrons. This outdoor area, designed by Carex Design Group, also features the Abridged Food Truck, which serves as the designated food vendor.
The brewery’s production capabilities have been bolstered by acquiring a section of Geezers Brewing following its closure in June 2023. Furthermore, in early April 2023, XÜL launched the Passenger Bar to provide additional seating on weekends. As they look to 2024, XÜL plans to expand into the Fanatic Brewing space, allowing for further production and private events, notably amplifying their popular brew, PB&J Mixtape.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
XÜL Beer Company is also known for hosting the “Kill the Lights” beer festival, which has gained national recognition. The festival ranked #4 in 2024 and #3 in 2025 among USA Today’s Best Beer Festivals. Set for October 25, 2025, at Covenant Health Park, this event will showcase over 70 invitation-only breweries and vendors, with a notable increase in ticket availability from 1,200 to 2,000. Tickets for the festival will go on sale on June 7, 2025, with reduced prices announced to encourage attendance.
The brewery maintains a vibrant atmosphere through community involvement, often incorporating local artists and musicians into their events and themed programming, such as Trivia Tuesdays. XÜL Beer Company strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for both beer enthusiasts and the broader community.
Brewing Philosophy and Distribution
XÜL’s brewing philosophy is centered on offering a mix of “experiential” beers that encourage tasting adventures and casual drinking options. Core beers include Paper Crowns IPA and Toro Y Oso Mexican Lager, alongside seasonal offerings that continuously engage customers. The brewery’s successful launch resulted in sell-outs of several beer varieties shortly after opening, prompting ongoing expansions and enhancements.
With successful distribution within Knox County and beer drops into nearby states like Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Illinois, XÜL Beer Company is solidifying its position as a notable player in the craft beer scene. Their investment in state-of-the-art brewing equipment, including a 22-tap system, ensures that beers are served at the perfect temperature, further enhancing the drinking experience for their patrons.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Unveils Steel Arm Lager at Local Brewery
Knoxville’s Craft Beer Scene Pushes Forward Amidst Setbacks
Knoxville’s Craft Beer Scene Welcomes Xul Beer Co.
Knoxville’s Xul Beer Company Expands Operations
Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: XÜL Beer Company Announces Big Change to Kill the Lights Beer Festival for 2025
- UT Daily Beacon: XÜL Beer Company Expands Craft Beer in Knoxville and Other States
- WBIR: East Tennessee Breweries Given National Awards
- Knox Times: XÜL Beer Company Set to Open This Week
- Knox News: XÜL Beer Purchase Fanatic Facility Means More PB&J Mixtape
- Wikipedia: Craft Brewing
- Google Search: Knoxville Beer Scene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beer
