From White Labs to the Hills: Jake Terry on Knox Brew Stories

Our Director of Product Innovation, Jake Terry, joined Knox Brew Stories last week to talk yeast, hops, and why light, hoppy lagers are winning in East Tennessee. He also shared the stories behind Marker 2 Mexican Lager, Bird Dog Rye Pale Ale, and Haze in the Hills hazy IPA, all built for Appalachian nights and Tennessee game days.

Quick Listen:

Before Tennessee Hills, Jake cut his teeth at Terrapin (GA), Coronado Brewing (San Diego), and White Labs–the yeast powerhouse where he led a small but mighty innovation brewhouse. That background matters. It’s why our beers balance rock-solid process (yeast health, attenuation, cellaring) with big sensory payoffs (clean bitterness, layered aroma, soft mouthfeel). 

Marker 2 Mexican Lager: Crisp, crushable, lake-day ready

Style: Mexican Lager • ABV: ~5.0% • Carbs: ~3.5g (low-carb profile)

Flavor: Ultra-clean, lightly toasty grain, refreshing finish

Built for lake days and backyard grills, Marker 2 is our “lawn-mower beer” that doesn’t taste thin. It’s crisp without being sharp, with just enough grain sweetness to keep you reaching for another.

• Try it with: smoked wings, tacos al pastor, grilled corn

• Availability: Draft now; cans coming in 2026
  

Bird Dog Rye Pale Ale: Floral + stone fruit with a rye-spice finish

Style: American Pale Ale (Rye) • ABV: ~5.8%

Hops: Select HBC varieties for floral/stone-fruit tones

Grain bill: ~20% rye for subtle spice and a dry, snappy finish

Bird Dog started as a family nod to long hunts and longer stories. In the glass, it’s modern pale ale energy—bright aromatics, medium body, and a rye whisper that keeps the sip lively.

• Try it with: sharp cheddar, smash burgers, Nashville-style hot chicken

• Availability: Draft; rotating seasonal can runs
  

Haze in the Hills Hazy IPA: New Zealand hops, pillowy body, low bitterness

Style: Hazy IPA • ABV: ~7.0%

Hops: New Zealand varietals from Garston (tropical; think pineapple, citrus, stone fruit)

Profile: Silky mouthfeel, restrained bitterness, saturated hop flavor

We designed Haze in the Hills for juicy aroma without palate fatigue. It’s the hazy you can drink with dinner and still taste your food.

• Try it with: BBQ boards, pork belly burnt ends, pineapple slaw

• Availability: Draft now; cans planned for 2026
  
  

Trend watch: Why light, hoppy lagers are winning

Jake’s take is simple: drinkability is a feature. Post-pandemic preferences continue to favor:

• Lower ABV without sacrificing flavor

• Clean fermentations (yeast health = clarity in flavor)

• Hop-forward lagers (“hoppy lager”/IPL profiles with modern hop bills)

Expect to see more crisp, aromatic lagers on our taps alongside balanced IPAs and seasonal dark beers from the team.