Jackalope Brewing Company - The Ranch

What does a mythical rabbit-antelope hybrid and a local brewery have in common? Their name: Jackalope. Shortly after graduating from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2009, Bailey Spaulding chose to pursue a different kind of “bar.” She used her legal skills not in the courtroom but in starting her own business—a brewery. Spaulding joined with Robyn Virball to open the Jackalope Brewing Company. These partners set out to develop a craft brewery that was involved in its community while also producing quality beers. 

Since opening in 2011, Jackalope has hit many milestones along the way. It was one of the first breweries in the nation with all-female ownership. Jackalope was also Nashville's first craft brewery to can its beer and remains Nashville’s third oldest craft brewery. Jackalope offers five year round beers, several seasonal beers, and small batches—called one-offs. As far as the beer family goes, Jackalope specializes in ales. Their original location, dubbed the Den, is in the nearby Gulch neighborhood. The Wedgewood-Houston location is called the Ranch, which features a fun and colorful taproom as well as a dog-friendly patio featuring shuffleboard. The Ranch expanded Jackalope’s beer production by seven times the amount they produced in their first year and keeps this local company connected to the community. 

Another special local partnership is with Glen Leven, a farm that dates back to 1790 and the Thomas Thompson family. Glen Leven, located off Franklin Pike, is now owned and managed by the Land Trust of Tennessee. While developing her business plan for Jackalope, Bailey Spaulding completed a fellowship at the farm. Years later, this relationship continues as Jackalope works with the Land Trust to grow Cascade hop rhizomes at Glen Leven. Each harvest supplies enough hops for a single batch of beer and are typically used within two hours of being picked. Jackalope Ranch offers brewery tours several times a week. Check their website for details. 

Across from Jackalope stands a large brick building which houses our next stop, Bastion. The entrance is to the right.