Alabama Fans: The Ultimate Beer-Drinking Experience

Alabama has a strong temperance history, and its alcohol laws reflect a continuing suspicion of alcoholic beverages. In recent years, however, the NCAA and conferences have loosened rules around alcohol sales at college football games, with 88% of FBS schools selling alcohol during the 2023 season. Alabama and Auburn football fans seem to share a love for Good People Brewing Co., a Birmingham-based brewery that has been legally brewing beer in Alabama since 2008. Good People was found to be the most popular beer among both fan bases, beating out larger macro brands like Miller Lite and Bud Lite. While Auburn fans seem to enjoy craft beer more than Alabama fans, Alabama fans preferred some domestic macro beers.

Alabama fans' favourite beer brand

Alabama fans sure know how to enjoy a good game, and they also know how to enjoy a good beer! While Alabama and Auburn fans may have their differences, there is one thing they can agree on: Good People Brewing Co. is the best beer around.

Good People Brewing Co. is a Birmingham-based company that has been brewing beer in Alabama since 2008. It is the most popular beer among both Alabama and Auburn football fans, according to an analysis of social media data by the marketing company Zoomph. Good People beat out other larger macro brands like Miller Lite and Bud Lite, which also happen to be popular among Alabama fans.

While Auburn fans seem to enjoy craft beer more, Alabama fans still have a soft spot for Good People, with about 1.4% of them following the brand. Good People's Mexican lager, Muchacho, is a fan favourite, especially during the summer. It's a refreshing, crisp, and punchy take on Mexican lagers that has quickly become a staple at restaurants and bars across the state.

In addition to Good People, Alabama fans also enjoy other local brews, such as those from Tuscaloosa's Band of Brothers Brewing Co. and Huntsville's Blue Pants Brewery. Band of Brothers' Monk On the Radio, a boozy Belgian pale ale, is a fan favourite in Tuscaloosa. As for Blue Pants, their Slip Rose Strawberry Saison is a popular choice, especially during the summer. It's a refreshing beer with just a hint of strawberry, backed by jazzy coriander and orange elements.

So, whether it's Good People, Band of Brothers, or Blue Pants, Alabama fans know how to choose a good beer to pair with their game day!

Where to drink in Austin

Alabama fans drinking beer in Austin will be pleased to know that there are plenty of places to drink in the city.

If you're looking for a bar with a unique theme, Lala's Little Nugget is an old-school dive bar in Crestview that's been decorated for Christmas all year round since the 1970s. For something a little more tropical, Tiki Tatsu-Ya on South Lamar will transport you to a hipster Disneyland with its textured, cave-like walls and skull decorations.

For sports fans, Haymaker is one of the best sports bars in Austin, with TVs and projection screens covering almost every inch of the bar. They also have an impressive 40 beers on tap, as well as classic game-day food like poutine and patty melts. If you're looking for something a little more old-school, the White Horse is a honky-tonk bar with a chill atmosphere and live bluegrass, country-western, and Americana bands.

For those who like to pair their drinks with a bite to eat, Nickel City is a great spot. It's a friendly, unpretentious cocktail bar with an extensive whiskey selection and a food trailer out back serving delicious burgers and wings. If you're looking for something more upscale, The Roosevelt Room is a classy, downtown bar with cocktails from every era, spanning from pre-1880s to modern times.

And if you're looking for a more low-key afternoon, The Little Darlin's huge back patio is the perfect spot to knock back a few beers.

Beer drinking in college stadiums

Drinking beer is a popular pastime for many college football fans, and Alabama fans are no exception. While the tradition of drinking beer at college stadiums is not unique to Alabama, the passion and dedication of Alabama fans have led to some unique practices and rituals.

One of the most well-known aspects of Alabama fan culture is their dedication to tailgating. Before every home game, fans flock to the Quad or other designated areas to set up elaborate tailgates, often complete with grills, televisions, and, of course, plenty of beer. This pre-game ritual allows fans to socialize, enjoy the game-day atmosphere, and, for many, drink beer to their heart's content.

While drinking beer is a central part of the game-day experience for many Alabama fans, it is important to note that not all college stadiums allow the sale or consumption of alcohol on their premises. In the past, many college stadiums, including those in the SEC, prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol, with the exception of certain private or suite areas. However, in recent years, there has been a shift, and some colleges have started to permit alcohol sales within their stadiums.

Despite these changes, drinking beer in college stadiums still comes with certain restrictions and unwritten rules. For example, while fans may bring their own beverages to tailgates, once inside the stadium, they are typically limited to purchasing beer from designated vendors. Additionally, to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees, stadiums often enforce policies such as limiting the number of beers purchased per person and setting a cut-off time for alcohol sales.

The experience of drinking beer as an Alabama fan is deeply intertwined with the culture and traditions of the university and its football program. For many, it's about more than just the beer; it's about the camaraderie, the sense of community, and the shared passion for their team. Whether it's through tailgating, pre-game rituals, or simply enjoying a beverage while watching the game, Alabama fans have developed a unique relationship with beer drinking in college stadiums.

Drinking preferences of Auburn fans

Auburn fans have unique drinking preferences that set them apart from their Alabama counterparts. While both fanbases share a love for Good People Brewing Co. beer, Auburn fans exhibit a stronger preference for craft beers. This distinction is supported by data from Zoomph, which reveals that Auburn fans are more likely to be considered beer enthusiasts, especially when it comes to craft beer.

The top choice for Auburn fans is Good People Brewing Co., a Birmingham-based brewery that has been legally crafting beer in Alabama since 2008. This local favourite beat out larger macro brands, showcasing Auburn fans' support for regional breweries. Following Good People in Auburn fans' top picks are two other Birmingham-area breweries: Avondale Brewing, which is owned by Good People, and Cahaba Brewing. This further highlights the fanbase's appreciation for local craft beers.

In addition to their local favourites, Auburn fans also include several national and regional craft brands in their drinking repertoire. Their top 10 list features New Belgium Brewing from Colorado, SweetWater Brewing from Georgia, and Dogfish Head Brewing from Delaware. These choices reinforce the perception that Auburn fans have a more refined palate for craft beers compared to Alabama fans.

While Auburn fans relish their craft beers, they also indulge in domestic macro beers, albeit with a different preference compared to Alabama fans. Miller Lite takes the top spot for both fanbases when it comes to this category, but Auburn fans show a preference for Bud Light and Budweiser, whereas Alabama fans opt for other choices.

It's worth noting that Auburn University has recently started allowing alcohol sales at sporting events, with the exception of football games. This decision was made with the intention of reducing binge drinking, as studies suggest that selling alcohol at such events can decrease excessive consumption and create a safer culture with fewer alcohol-related offences.

Alabama's alcohol laws

Alabama has a strong history of supporting temperance, so it is no surprise that its alcohol laws are quite strict.

To begin with, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drink alcohol in Alabama. This includes active members of the U.S. military and adults aged 18, 19, and 20. Alabama also has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is a violation of Alabama law to sell or serve alcohol to anyone under 21, and retailers can be convicted if they fail to recognise a false ID and sell alcohol. It is also illegal for anyone under 21 to attempt to purchase alcohol, even with a false ID, and their driver's license can be suspended.

Alabama has a government monopoly on the sale of wine with an alcohol content of 14% or higher and all distilled spirits, including whiskey, rum, vodka, bourbon, and gin. The state prohibits any competition in the sale of these products. Grocery and convenience stores may sell wine with an alcohol content of less than 14% and beer with an alcohol content of less than 6%.

Alabama also has specific laws regarding alcohol service and employment. Alabama alcohol laws require adults to be at least 19 to serve alcohol and at least 21 to be bartenders. In both cases, there must be a supervisor present, but the law does not specify an age for the supervisor.

When it comes to driving, Alabama has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over 0.02%. For drivers 21 and older, the legal limit is a BAC of 0.08%. Alabama also imposes strict penalties for driving under the influence (DUI), including driver's license suspension, substance abuse or DUI court referral programs, fines, and jail time.

In addition to driving, Alabama has laws prohibiting boating under the influence (BUI). It is illegal to operate any vessel, including boats, personal watercraft, and water skis, while intoxicated from alcohol or any combination of alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications.

So, while Alabama fans may have their preferred beers, such as Good People Brewing Co., the state's alcohol laws are stringent, and it is essential to drink and enjoy alcohol responsibly and within the legal limits.

Frequently asked questions