Southern Beer: What's In The Glass?

Southerners have a wide variety of beers to choose from, and the region is experiencing a boom in craft breweries. From North Carolina to Texas, Southern breweries are embracing the local flavours and ingredients of the region, from the sweet Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale to the Mexican-style Yazoo Dos Perros brown ale. The South also has its fair share of well-known breweries, such as Abita Brewing Company, the beer of choice in New Orleans, and Good People Brewing Company, which is known for its Fatso imperial stout and Snake Handler IPA.

Southern beer in the US

The craft beer scene in the Southern United States is thriving, with a variety of unique beers on offer that reflect the region's culture and tastes. From Alabama to Texas, Southern breweries are experimenting with different styles, ingredients, and brewing techniques to create distinctive and delicious beers.

One of the most well-known and beloved Southern breweries is Good People Brewing Company in Birmingham, Alabama. Good People offers a range of seasonal and year-round beers, including the Fatso imperial stout and the Snake Handler IPA. Another popular Alabama beer is the El Gordo Russian imperial stout by Good People, which is known for its complex flavours of chocolate, bourbon, vanilla, and dried fruit.

In Mississippi, the Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company has been a staple in the state's brewing scene since its early days. Their Southern Pecan brown ale, made with whole roasted pecans, is a favourite among locals and has become synonymous with Southern hospitality.

When it comes to Georgia, the Creature Comforts Brewing Co. takes the crown. Their Tropicalia, a tropical IPA, has sparked a wave of similar brews across the state, and their Athena sour beer was one of the first of its kind in Georgia.

Moving to Tennessee, the Blackberry Farm Brewery in Walland has been crafting small-batch farmhouse ales since 2011. Their Wild Classic Saison, fermented with wild yeast harvested from honeysuckle blossoms, is a delicate and effervescent ale with aromas of honey and citrus.

In North Carolina, the Appalachian Mountain Brewery stands out for its commitment to both beer and the environment. Their efforts to brew exceptional beers help fund conservation initiatives across the Appalachian Mountain Chain. Their C.R.E.A.M. donut-infused cappuccino milk stout is a unique and indulgent treat.

The South is also home to some exceptional session-style beers, which are perfect for the region's sweltering summers. These low-alcohol, easy-drinking beers, often dubbed "lawnmower beers," are gaining popularity across the South. Notable examples include the Toubab Brewery Asheville, North Carolina, by Craggie Brewing Co., the Ugly Pug from Rahr & Sons Brewing Co. in Texas, and the Dos Perros by Yazoo Brewing Co. in Tennessee.

The South's beer scene is diverse and dynamic, with breweries drawing inspiration from both traditional and innovative techniques. Whether it's a robust stout, a crisp lager, or a fruity ale, Southern breweries are creating beers that capture the essence of the region and the tastes of its people.

Southern beer in the UK

In the UK, the term "Southern beer" does not refer to a specific type of beer. Instead, it can be used to describe a variety of beers produced in the southern regions of England. While there is no single definition of which areas constitute the south of England, it typically includes regions such as the South East, South West, and East of England.

English beer styles are diverse and vary across different regions. Some of the well-known styles include bitter, mild, brown ale, old ale, stout, porter, and India pale ale. With the rise of craft brewing, there has also been an increase in interest in imported beers and craft beers, which has contributed to the diversity of beer styles available in the UK.

• Lazy Magnolia Lazy Saison (5.5% ABV): This saison-style beer from the Lazy Magnolia Brewery in Kiln, Mississippi, has a subtle sour bite and combines floral and fruity aromas with spicy hop flavours. It's an excellent choice for a refreshing drink while socialising outdoors.
• Good People Brewing Company: Based in Birmingham, Alabama, this brewery offers a range of beers, including the sought-after Russian Imperial Stout "El Gordo" (13.9% ABV). They also have the Hitch Hiker IPA (7.8% ABV), a seasonal brew with powerful citrus flavours and caramel malt notes.
• West 6th Brewing: Located in Lexington, this brewery's flagship IPA (7% ABV) has ruled the Lexington beer scene for years. Their Lemongrass American Wheat (5.7% ABV) is another popular choice, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional wheat beer style.
• Terrapin Beer Co. RecreationAle : Hailing from the Peach State, this pale ale (ABV unknown) stands out with its own unique taste. With five different types of hops, this brew is refreshing and original.
• Urban South Brewery Paradise Park : This American lager from Urban South Brewery is the perfect sip for hotter days in Louisiana.
• Blackberry Farm Brewery: Once a luxury inn, restaurant, and farm, Blackberry Farm Brewery in Walland, Tennessee, has added brewing to its offerings. Their Classic Saison (6% ABV) is an earthy, rustic, and effervescent delight, showcasing classic Belgian flavours.
• Bridge Brew Works Moxxee Coffee Stout (5.3% ABV): A coffee-flavoured stout from Fayetteville, West Virginia. It's a heavy yet satisfying brew that pairs well with desserts.
• Southern Prohibition Devil's Harvest Breakfast IPA (ABV unknown): A floral and fruity beer from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It's dry-hopped and delicious, earning a 10/10 rating from beer enthusiasts.

These beers showcase the diversity and quality of southern English beers, ranging from traditional styles like bitter and mild to more modern craft beers, such as IPAs and stouts. Whether you're looking for a crisp lager, a fruity ale, or a robust stout, the south of England has something to offer.

Southern beer in Europe

The south has certainly embraced the session-style beer, with many breweries adopting the German Kölsch-style. These beers are typically light, delicate, and wine-like, with an ABV of between 4.5% and 5%. A notable example is the St. Arnold Fancy Lawnmower from Texas, which, at 4.9% ABV, is the perfect easy-drinking beer for a hot summer's day.

The south is also known for its craft breweries, with cities like Asheville, North Carolina, and Louisville, Kentucky, leading the way. The Good People Brewing Company in Birmingham, Alabama, is particularly noteworthy, with its Fatso Imperial Stout and Snake Handler IPA being firm favourites.

If we head further south to Mexico, we'll find a variety of beers that reflect the country's warm climate and vibrant culture. Mexican beers are often light and refreshing, with a focus on lagers and pale ales. One example is the Dos Perros from the Yazoo Brewing Company, a Mexican-style brown ale with a toasty caramel taste and a sessionable ABV of 4.9%.

Finally, let's not forget about the southern hemisphere. In South Africa, craft beer has been steadily growing in popularity, with a variety of unique beers emerging from the region. One example is the Devil's Peak Brewery in Cape Town, known for its innovative and experimental brews, such as their King's Blockhouse IPA and their Wood-Aged Series.

So, while the term 'southern beer' can refer to a few different regions, one thing is clear: these regions know how to brew a delicious and refreshing beer that's perfect for enjoying in the warm southern sun.

Popular southern beer brands

The southern states have a lot to offer when it comes to beer. From North Carolina to Texas, there are many popular southern beer brands.

Good People Brewing Company

Good People Brewing Company is based in Birmingham, Alabama, and is known for its forward-thinking food and beverage offerings. They have four seasonals, including the Fatso Imperial Stout, and five year-round beers, including the Snake Handler IPA, which is described as both smooth and strong.

Abita Brewing Company

Headquartered 30 miles from New Orleans, Abita is the beer of choice in the city, producing over 151,000 barrels of beer a year, as well as around 9,100 barrels of its extra creamy root beer. Abita offers a range of fan favourites, such as the Amber Ale and Purple Haze, as well as seasonal, harvest, and limited-edition brews.

Parish Brewing Company

Based in Lafayette, Louisiana, Parish Brewing Company has been making a name for itself since 2003 when it released its Canebrake wheat ale, the world's first commercial beer brewed with family-made, locally-produced Steen's sugar cane syrup. Although you won't find it outside of Louisiana, it has thousands of fans across the South.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery

Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB) is a publicly traded company based in North Carolina that offers both beers and ciders. AMB's efforts to brew the best beer help fund conservation projects across the Appalachian Mountain Chain. Their flagship beer is the Boone Creek Blonde Ale, and they also offer seasonal specials like C.R.E.A.M, a donut-infused cappuccino milk stout.

Westbrook Brewing Company

Based in an industrial park just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, Westbrook Brewing Company has had several critical darlings, including its year-round One Claw malted rye pale ale and its popular Gose, of which it makes a sweet and sour Key Lime Pie version.

Yazoo Brewing Company

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Yazoo Brewing Company offers a range of beers, including the Dos Perros, a Mexican- and Austrian-style ale that pairs well with barbecue, burgers, and Cajun food. It also has a full-bodied imperial porter named Sue, which has complex flavours of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, dried cherries, and caramelized sugar.

Southern beer ABV

Southern beer is a diverse category, with a range of ABV levels. The South has embraced the session-style beer, with its low-alcohol, easy-drinking appeal. These beers are often referred to as "lawnmower beers", and Southern breweries have taken to the German Kölsch-style, which is a light, delicate, wine-like ale, with an ABV between 4.5% and 5%.

Some examples of these lower-ABV beers include the Toubab Brewery Asheville, North Carolina (4.2% ABV), the Ugly Pug from Texas (4.5% ABV), and the Abita Purple Haze from Covington, LA (4.2% ABV). These beers are perfect for the hot Southern summers, and many are designed to be enjoyed at barbecues and on the beach.

However, the South also offers a range of beers with higher ABVs. For instance, the Good People Brewing Company in Alabama produces a Russian Imperial Stout, El Gordo, with a 13.9% ABV. The same brewery also offers a lower-ABV beer, the Coffee Stout, at 6.2% ABV. The Parish Brewing Company, based in Louisiana, produces the Ghost in the Machine Double IPA, at 8% ABV, and the Mexican Cake American Imperial Stout, at 10.5% ABV.

The South also has its fair share of creative breweries, such as the Blackberry Farm Brewery in Tennessee, which produces small-batch farmhouse ales, including the Wild Classic Saison, fermented with wild yeast harvested from honeysuckle blossoms, resulting in delicate honey and citrus aromas.

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