Did You Know...
Today is National Beer Can Appreciation Day. Who knew such day existed but it’s certainly a fact to file away for your next trivia night and here are a few more details to back up your knowledge bank. On this day, in 1935, the first can of beer was sold in Richmond, VA. A small brewing operation, the Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company, produced and delivered 2,000 cans of Krueger’s Finest Beer and received overwhelming support from those willing to participate in the taste test. Maybe they had pent up demand from the Prohibition years but nonetheless, Krueger’s canned beer became an instant success. Within months, the original canned beer began to take away share from its larger competitors. Anheuser-Busch, Pabst and Schlitz quickly followed suit and in just one year, over 200 million cans had been produced and sold. The rest is history.
Today, many craft breweries across the country prefer cans as their vessel of choice to guarantee purity and taste in their blends. Cans prevent light damage and oxidation that sometimes occurs in bottles. So, in a nod to the early craft brewer, Krueger, we wanted to talk about a few of our favorites across the South. Some of these you may know of, some of them are new, and a few are quirky too. So, pop a top, if you’re 21 or older of course, take a seat and enjoy.
Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company
Kiln, Mississippi
Located in southern Mississippi, Lazy Magnolia is the oldest packaging brewery in the state and the first since that pesky Prohibition law in 1907. Mississippi was the last state to repeal their Prohibition laws in 1966 and as such it took a while for breweries to emerge within the state. Lazy Magnolia has been providing locally brewed beer since 2003 with the primary goal of providing the highest quality products made with true Southern style and a nod to traditional Southern tastes. Check out their website here: https://www.lazymagnolia.com/
Our Brew Picks
Southern Hops’pitality
(5.5% ABV)
The South prides itself of porch-sippin’ and grillin’ and this traditional session IPA is the perfect pairing for your backyard BBQs. A bold initial citrus burst blends perfectly with the Lazy Magnolia’s unique hop blend for an exciting dry-hopped aroma. The brew is a light straw color and draws a crisp, smooth tropical fruit finish on the palate. Our friends are Lazy Magnolia suggest pairing this IPA with everything from shrimp, traditional grilled meats, and tacos to any spicy food of your choice.
Skeleton Key
(9.5% ABV)
If you’re familiar with historic homes in the South, you know that they often come with a Skeleton Key which will open each room in the house. This brew takes its cues from this historical key, by unlocking all of your senses with a vast array of traditional Southern flavors. The Skeleton Key is an imperial stout aged with bourbon barrel oak chips. Flavors of bourbon and oak are layered in while specialty grains add notes of chocolate, roasted barley, and coffee. Add-in a healthy dose of hops, and your senses will be going wild with each sip.
Backwoods Belgian
(8.5% ABV)
Rounding out our list of go-to's from Lazy Magnolia is none other than a Belgian style Golden Ale. This pale golden ale delights the palate with a myriad of flavors, including oranges, apples, and a surprisingly peppery finish. Effervescent and refreshing, this full-bodied ale has a touch of Southern sweetness through the infusion of honeysuckle flowers.
Good People Brewing
Birmingham, AL
Good People Brewing focuses on three main principles when doing business - we believe great beer is brewed for great conversations, we have a genuine belief in being genuine, good people are genuine, honest and caring. Talk about a mantra to live by.
We believe great beer is brewed for great conversations. We couldn’t agree more whether you’re swapping stories about the greatest one that got away (we mean fish here) or chatting about life lessons that weren’t learned from a book. Taking the time to enjoy good friends and good brew is important. We love Good People’s ideology that every glass, or bottle, or can, is an open invitation for a conversation. Check out their website here: http://goodpeoplebrewing.com
Our Brew Picks
Coffee Oatmeal Stout
(5.7% ABV)
A big fan off coffee? What about hops? The two combine in this complex and flavorful stout. You can’t go wrong pairing this brew with your favorite meal or with a dessert.
Snake Handler
(10.0 % ABV)
A double IPA with pine, citrus, spice, and grassiness to celebrate your hoppy side. This brew pairs well with any game, grilled meat, or salmon. Go ahead and count on us to order this one on our next visit.
Hitchhiker
(7.8% ABV)
An IPA with a west coast vibe, the Hitchhiker, balances citrus flavors and a caramel backbone. It sounds like the perfect beach beer paired with the deep-sea catch of the day.
Stouts, IPAs, and Belgian Ales all round out some of our favorite brews from Mississippi and Alabama. From quirky twists to Southern roots, these brews will have you feeling refreshed after a long day at the office or ease into a boys’ night out. Have you visited either Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company or Good People Brewing? If so, let us know if your top choice made our list. Cheers! Happy Beer Can Appreciation Day!
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