Southern Beer Guide

The South has given us many a great things when it comes to alcohol. In fact, NASCAR was born out of bootlegger attempting to outrun Prohibition authorities, so to say that alcohol runs in the veins of the South, well, it’s a stretch. But not a large stretch.

 

And so, in honor of the great Southern tradition of Mardi Gras (which is French, we know, but if the South does anything right it’s taking something and making it their own–with boobs) we take a look at a few of the great beers the South has to offer:

 

Dixie Blackened Voodoo Lager - Like all things labeled “Voodoo,”” some skepticism is required. It seems too gimmicky to be a decent beer. But unlike real voodoo, this beer actually delivers on its promises. Dark and malty, it is richly delicious. Like a great bowl of gumbo, it goes down smooth but has great texture. Definitely a prize of the South.

 

RJ Rockers Son of a Peach Wheat Ale – Peaches! Absolutely delicious, with a great peach taste. Light and airy but filling. It’s almost a shame that nobody has heard of it Has a rather sweet taste where other wheat ales go stingy. More traditionalist beer aficionados will probably scoff at such a fruity beer, but don’t listen to them. This is a great beer.

 

Dixie Beer – Brewed in the heart of New Orleans, this beer turns out to be light and crispy. It doesn’t appear to have much going on at first but once you sit with it for a while you realize you’re actually enjoying it. The flavor is mysterious at first but then it hits you –it’s almost sour in a way. But a very pleasant sour, don’t get us wrong. Not overwhelming in the slightest, this is the definition of a fun beer.

 

Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale – We’re seeing a bunch of brewmasters trying to cram as many weird things into beers in order to stand out, but Lazy Magnolia hit the goldmine when it comes to pecan beer. It’s a warm taste that will surprise you and quite delicious. Now onto arguing about the correct way to pronounce pecans.

 

RJ Rocker Light Rock – Light beers are hard to perfect. You would think that the South, known for it’s deep-fried everything and butter galore, would abhor such a light beer but this beer is delicious. At 119 calories per bottle, it’s easy on the gut as it is on the pallet.

 

Abita Purple Haze – Mmm, raspberries like whoa. Abita made the right decision to go with Raspberry flavor over grape, the sour raspberry works better with beer. The tartness of the berry blends well with the acidic taste of beer and for such a “fruity” brew, This is one delicious treat.

 

Another good one to include maybe: Sweetwater 420 Extra Pale Ale, out of Atlanta. Named after 4:20, the pot-smoking hour. And a great beer.

 

What are you favorite beers from south of the Mason-Dixon line?