If you’ve been following along on Your Beth Life for any length of time, you already know that community is everything to me.
Not community in a buzzword kind of way. Real community. The kind where you show up for people — week after week, rain or shine — because showing up is what matters. The kind where a local business isn’t just a place to spend money but a place that means something. The kind where you walk in and somebody already knows what you’re having.
That’s Blood Stripe Brewing for me. Every single week.
My People. My Spot.
Let me paint you a picture.
Once a week, a group of my favorite humans and I claim our spot at Blood Stripe Brewing in Alcoa, right in the heart of Blount County. We catch up, we laugh too loud, we solve all of the world’s problems, and we do it all with an exceptional craft beer in hand. It’s one of those weekly rituals that I didn’t know I needed until I had it — and now I can’t imagine a week without it.
And yes — if you look closely at the bar, you just might spot some Live Your Beth Life coasters sitting there like they own the place. Because they kind of do now. If your drink needs a coaster and a conversation starter, I’ve got you covered.
But here’s the thing about Blood Stripe. As much as I love the atmosphere, the people, and honestly some of the best craft beer I’ve ever tasted — what keeps me coming back deeper than any of that is the why behind this place.
The Name Means Everything
Blood Stripe Brewing takes its name from a deeply honored Marine Corps tradition. Traditionally, Officers and NonCommissioned Officers of the Marine Corps have worn a scarlet red stripe on their dress blue trousers to commemorate the courage of the men who fought in the Battle of Chapultepec in September of 1847. Today that scarlet blood stripe represents honor and the nation’s eternal gratitude to all fallen Marines who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Blood Stripe Brewing
The founders chose that name for their brewing company because they want to give back to Gold Star families of Fallen Military members of the Armed Forces. Gold Star families — the mothers, fathers, spouses, and children of those who gave everything — are at the very heart of what Blood Stripe is about. Facebook
I want you to sit with that for a second. Every time you walk through that door and order a beer, you are participating in something that honors the fallen and supports the families they left behind. That is not nothing. That is everything.
I am the proud daughter of a decorated Marine Corps Officer. Semper Fi
JEV ALE — A Beer with a Soul
Blood Stripe has a flagship Brown Ale called “JEV ALE” dedicated to their best friend, Brother, and Marine Sergeant Justin “Jev” Everett, who was killed in a helicopter collision over the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery range in Arizona on February 22, 2012. A portion of JEV ALE proceeds go to The Wing Man Foundation for fallen Aviators, other charities, and local events. Facebook
Justin “Jev” Everett. Say his name. Remember it.
That’s what Blood Stripe asks of all of us — not just to enjoy a great beer, but to remember the people behind the cause. Every sip of JEV ALE is a toast to a real person, a real life, a real loss. And every dollar that goes toward The Wing Man Foundation is doing real good in the world.
I don’t know about you, but that changes the way a beer tastes. In the very best way.
Veteran Owned. Community Rooted. Blount County Proud.
Blood Stripe Brewing is a veteran-owned microbrewery in the heart of Blount County, Tennessee — rooted in experience and poured with purpose. They started in 2023 in Walland, Tennessee, just below the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, with a vision to grow and build a tap house right here in Blount County — with plans for 25 local brews on tap. The Daily TimesKnox Vet Net
Now they’re at 355 Gill Street Suite 110 in Alcoa, and they are absolutely delivering on that vision. The tap list is rotating and creative — I’ve had everything from their Wheat ales to their darker offerings — and every single one is made with the kind of care and intention you’d expect from people who do nothing halfway.
They also give back beyond the Gold Star mission. Blood Stripe has hosted fundraisers benefitting organizations like New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center — because their heart for community doesn’t stop at one cause. These are people who show up. Repeatedly. For everyone. Instagram
This Is What Beth’s Partners Is All About
When I started the Beth’s Partners section of Your Beth Life, I made myself a promise — I would only feature businesses and people I genuinely trust. Places I’d send my own family. Causes I’d put my name behind without hesitation.
Blood Stripe Brewing is that without question.
So whether you’re a craft beer lover, a veteran supporter, a Blount County local looking for your new favorite spot, or someone who just wants to spend their money somewhere it actually means something — I cannot recommend this place enough.
Come for the beer. Stay for the community. Leave knowing your presence made a difference.
And if you see a familiar face at the bar with a Live Your Beth Life coaster under her glass — come say hello. My group always has room for one more.
Blood Stripe Brewing
📍 355 Gill Street, Suite 110 — Alcoa, TN
🌐 bloodstripebrewing.com
📘 Find them on Facebook @bloodstripebrewing
Hours vary — check their Facebook page for weekly schedules, food trucks, and events like Singo nights, Paint & Pints, and more.
Remember the Fallen. Valor Brings Hope.
— Beth
