Beer lovers can fill up in Statesboro

Last weekend, shortly before my wife Shelly and I drove to Statesboro to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of her Aunt Faye and Uncle Leon, I Googled the restaurant’s address and found its location on U.S. Hwy. 301. I’ve got an iPhone, but I prefer to get to most destinations by Google and/or road maps, partly because of habit, but also because it represents a still-tangible connection to my parents who each summer drove us on long journeys that were mapped out by AAA. Thanks to that little quirk, we took the second Statesboro exit off I-16, and came in on 301 North, a fortuitous choice because it led us to the Beer Filling Station at 514 S. Main St. Operated by Southern Growlers, the Filling Station has 20 taps, and emphasizes beers brewed in Georgia. After enjoying a couple of samples, I went home with 32-ounce growlers of Let There Be Light, a pale ale from Wild Heaven in Decatur and Strawn Amber, a flavorful new find from Strawn Brewing Company in Fairburn, a small town in Fulton County. Let There Be Light is a saintly addition to a rapidly growing congregation, session beers. At 4.7 percent ABV, it’s still got strong characteristics, including a pleasing balance between malt and hops and a tangy twist of orange peel. The folks at Beer Advocate have given it a grade of 85. The Strawn Amber stands out in that oft-bland style because its brewers, Will Strawn and Doug Evans, have hopped it up with 44 IBUs. That near-IPA level of bitterness and citrus gives it a pleasing, smartly tangible bite that accents the usual amber tones of malt and biscuit. It’s also been well received at Beer Advocate, earning an 83 from its reviewers. For more information on Southern Growlers, go to www.southerngrowlers.com.