When Thrillist ranked all 50 states by beer two years ago, I had two instant reactions: 1. They should have included Washington, D.C.; 2. Georgia, at No. 31, seemed low.

RELATED: Top 10 breweries in SEC states

Thrillist wrote that Georgia “lands in the middle by a couple dozen middle-of-the-road breweries, but no truly great ones. A C+ average might be passing, but it’s hardly excelling.”

I’ve traveled through Georgia quite a bit, so I’m a bit more familiar with its scene than with, say, Idaho’s. I insist there are some exciting things going on there.

The number of craft breweries in the state has approximately doubled this decade, making it impossible for an out-of-stater to be comprehensive; my apologies to the ones that I’ve missed. Honorable mentions also to Orpheus, Jeckyll, Jailhouse, SweetWater, Southern and the venerable Red Brick.

My top five from the Peach State:

1. Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Where: 271 W Hancock Ave, Athens
Founded: 2014
Distribution: Georgia only

Skinny: This brewery is practically across the street from the 40 Watt Club, and I only wish it had existed when I was driving to Athens every few years to see Sleater-Kinney. (Who still refuse to come to Florida. Grumble.)

Everything I’ve tried, and I mean everything, has ranged from excellent to world-class. That includes one of the best pilsners I’ve ever had; called Bibo, it’s one of their core beers and is virtually perfect for summer drinking. Introduce it to someone who associates the style with Bud.

2. Burnt Hickory Brewery

Where: 2260 Moon Station Court NW, Kennesaw
Founded: 2011
Distribution: Georgia

Skinny: You kind of have to be looking for it; please do — it’s worth the trip. They’re pushing the envelope with beers like Courageous Conductor, a red velvet porter; and Maps And Legends, a Kahlua caramel coffee stout that blew some minds at this year’s Hunahpu’s Day (and gets bonus points for being named for an R.E.M. song).

3. Wild Heaven Craft Beers

Where: 135B Maple St, Decatur
Founded: 2010
Distribution: Georgia and Alabama

Skinny: Whatever they’ve saved on decor obviously gets invested in the beer, which is fresh and flavorful across the board. My favorite was a coffee brown ale called Ode to Mercy; maybe I’ve just had too many mediocre browns, but this was special, loaded with coffee and roasted malt flavors. The coffee they use is specially blended in Atlanta, a nice touch.

4. Terrapin Beer Co.

Where: 265 Newton Bridge Rd., Athens
Founded: 2002
Distribution: Most of the Southeast and Mid Atlantic

Skinny: They’ve gotten large, and for one very good reason: They make excellent beer. Hopzilla is a damned fine DIPA, and there are moments — not infrequent — when I crave a Wake-n-Bake. It helps that I’m partial to turtles.

5. The Wrecking Bar Brewpub

Where: 292 Moreland Ave. NE, Atlanta
Founded: 2011
Distribution: You pretty much have to go there.

Skinny: Located in a gorgeous late Victorian house in Little Five Points — you’d hardly guess it was a brewpub — the Wrecking Bar is a full-service restaurant that happens to brew some of the best beer in the city. Fantastic, knowledgeable servers; ask yours to recommend a pairing.

Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments section and be sure to follow us on Twitter @BeerGuySDS.