Jackalope Brewing Company - Bear Walker

Taking inspiration from founder Bailey Spaulding's Vermont roots, Bear Walker is Jackalope's distinctive interpretation of an American Brown Ale, brewed with real maple syrup added during conditioning. Pouring a deep reddish-brown color beneath a creamy tan head, this beer offers an inviting aroma of caramel, cocoa, toasted malt, and subtle dried fruit. The maple syrup contributes a delicate sweetness that complements the beer's darker malt character without overwhelming it. Hints of honey, citrus zest, and earthy hops provide additional complexity. On the palate, Bear Walker delivers a satisfying combination of caramel, toasted bread, chocolate, and brown sugar, with a gentle maple sweetness lingering in the background. A moderate hop bitterness keeps the malt richness in balance, creating a smooth, flavorful beer that remains remarkably approachable at 5.1% ABV. For food pairings, we'd recommend grilled pork chops, barbecue ribs, roasted vegetables, or smoked meats. Its maple character also makes it a particularly enjoyable companion for breakfast favorites such as bacon, sausage, or pancakes. Cheers!

Jackalope Brewing Company traces its beginnings to an unlikely friendship formed in Scotland, where future founders Bailey Spaulding and Robyn Virball first met while pursuing their studies. The two remained close as Spaulding completed her undergraduate education at Harvard and later attended Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville. While studying law, Spaulding developed a passion for homebrewing that eventually inspired a change in career direction. In 2009, she and Virball began developing plans for their own brewery, and Steve Wright joined the venture the following year.

Jackalope officially opened its doors in May 2011, becoming part of Nashville's emerging craft beer movement. Named after the mythical jackrabbit-antelope hybrid of American folklore, the brewery embraced a playful identity while building a reputation for approachable, flavorful beers. In 2013, Jackalope became the first Nashville craft brewery to package its beer in cans, an important milestone that helped expand its reach. Continued growth led to the opening of a larger production facility and taproom in Nashville's Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood in 2018, affectionately known as The Ranch.

Environmental responsibility and community involvement have long been central to Jackalope's identity. The brewery has pursued initiatives involving waste reduction, resource conservation, and partnerships with local organizations. In 2024, Tacoma & Hoyt acquired Jackalope, beginning a new chapter for the Nashville brewery. Today, its lineup reflects the same spirit of creativity that inspired its founding, offering everything from traditional ales to inventive specialty beers.