Montgomery, AL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Authority on Brews in the Capital City
Montgomery, Alabama, has cultivated a vibrant local craft beer scene that reflects its community's unique character. Despite the legal constraints lifted only recently, with homebrewing decriminalized since 2013, the city has experienced a resurgence in local brewing culture. The capital city interweaves its rich historical tapestry with the modern flavors of local craft breweries, providing residents and visitors alike an array of handcrafted beers to taste.
Craft beer enthusiasts in Montgomery can explore various establishments that boast an extensive selection of local beers—each offering a distinct atmosphere and a taste of the South's brewing craftsmanship. From quaint beer gardens tucked away in historic buildings to lively brewpubs that serve as hubs for social gatherings, Montgomery invites patrons to enjoy both its storied past and its brews.
The communal spirit of Montgomery brims within its craft beer venues, where locals are not only patrons but also part of the narrative that each pour tells. These establishments serve as testament to the city's dedication to cultivating local enterprises and showcasing the flavors of Alabama. As the community's palate for craft beer grows, so does its support for the artisans behind the brews, ensuring that Montgomery's local beer scene thrives and captures the essence of the city's culture.
History of Craft Beer in Montgomery
In Montgomery, the craft beer industry has evolved significantly since homebrewing was legalized and local breweries began to flourish, contributing to the city's culture and economy.
The Evolution of Local Breweries
The craft beer scene in Montgomery began its noteworthy ascent following legislative changes. Homebrewing became legal in Alabama in 2013, which paved the way for a new tide of brewing innovation in Montgomery. Before this shift, the state's craft beer culture was primarily rooted in cities like Birmingham and Huntsville. Gradually, Montgomery started to catch up, with local entrepreneurs capitalizing on the burgeoning interest in craft beer. These pioneers have continued to shape a diverse and inviting beer culture within the city.
Year Event
2008 Alabama's craft beer industry begins to thrive
2013 Legalization of homebrewing in Alabama
2014 Opening of Montgomery's first production brewery
Craft Beer Milestones
Montgomery's first production brewery marked a significant milestone for the city, underscoring a shift in the local community's cultural landscape. The establishments didn't just brew beer; they became centers for social gathering, encouraging community interaction and cohesion. Over time, Montgomery has witnessed the opening of several key breweries and beer-focused venues. For instance, The Goat Haus stands out as a destination that combines Southern hospitality with a diverse range of craft beers, contributing to Montgomery's reputation as a growing hub for beer enthusiasts.
Each brewery has added to the local economy, creating jobs and generating revenue—further illustrating the profound impact the craft beer movement has made in Montgomery, Alabama.
Montgomery's Craft Beer Scene
Montgomery, AL, has cultivated a unique craft beer scene, characterized by a mix of innovative breweries and vibrant taprooms that contribute to the city's burgeoning reputation as a destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
Current Landscape
Montgomery's craft beer scene has experienced a renaissance of sorts, with the establishment of several breweries that echo the city's energy and its commitment to revitalization. This growth followed the relaxation of state laws that previously restricted craft beer production and sales. Through perseverance, local brewers have not only contributed to Montgomery's economic revival but also to a cultural shift, where community and craft beer go hand in hand.
Breweries: A focal point of the local landscape, breweries like Common Bond Brewers stand out. They showcase an open, brick-beam style taproom and offer a variety of beers to cater to both entry-level and experienced palates.
Locally Brewed Favorites
Craft beer in Montgomery encompasses a range of styles, from IPAs to stouts, each with a distinctive character. The dedication to quality and creativity is evident in every bottle and pint. Locally brewed favorites include offerings from Goat Haus and other craft breweries, bringing a southern charm to their selection.
Craft Beers to Try:
IPAs: Beloved for their hoppy punch and ideal for fans of bolder flavors.
Stouts: Rich and full-bodied, perfect for those who appreciate a beer with robust character.
Taproom Culture
The taproom culture in Montgomery is the heart of its craft beer scene, emphasizing connectivity and community. Locations such as Goat Haus Biergarten provide not just a selection of local brews but also a welcoming atmosphere that invites people to relax and socialize.
Social Hub: Taprooms serve as a gathering space for locals and visitors, often hosting live music, food trucks, and special tasting events that underscore Montgomery's friendly and inclusive vibe.
Variety and Enjoyment: Craft beer fans appreciate the diversity of the taproom offerings, where each visit is a chance to explore new brews or return to reliable favorites.
Montgomery's craft beer scene reflects the dedication of its brewers and the warmth of its patrons. Its continued growth shows a city that is as much a lover of great beer as it is a cultivator of great experiences.
Guide to Local Breweries
Montgomery, AL has established itself as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with local breweries offering a wide array of unique and flavorful beers. These establishments not only provide refreshing brews but also support the local community through partnerships with area farmers and vendors.
Common Bond Brewers
Address: 424 Bibb Street, Montgomery, Alabama
Phone: (334) 676-2287
Common Bond Brewers is recognized as a cornerstone in Montgomery's craft beer scene, having opened its doors in 2018. As a production brewery, it plays a pivotal role in not just brewing beers but also in fostering community spirit. The brewery was founded by locals Tim Doles and Andrew McNally, who take pride in their taproom that encourages tastings and gatherings.
Railyard Brewing Co.
Location: Nestled in downtown Montgomery.
Railyard Brewing Co. is Montgomery's premiere brewery that infuses local flavors into its beers. They have grown popular for their approach in producing a range of American and European craft styles, using high-quality ingredients that highlight regional tastes.
The Goat Haus Biergarten
Atmosphere: A welcoming beer garden set in an old, picturesque building.
The Goat Haus Biergarten provides a relaxing environment with its porches and panoramic views. This spot is well-known for its diverse selection, offering a variety of beers that cater to every palate. It presents an inviting ambience for all visitors and emphasizes inclusivity and broad appeal in its beer offerings.
The Art of Brewing
In Montgomery, Alabama, the craft beer enthusiasts are dedicated to the brewing artistry that encompasses both time-honored techniques and innovative practices.
Brewing Process Explained
The brewing process is meticulous, combining scientific precision with creative flair. At its core, brewing involves malting, mashing, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, and packaging. Local Montgomery brewers carefully control each step to produce distinct craft beer varieties, from hop-heavy IPAs to rich, malty stouts.
Malting: The conversion of raw grains into malts ready for mashing.
Mashing: Mixing malts with water to extract fermentable sugars.
Boiling: Adding hops for bitterness and flavor; sterilizes the wort.
Fermenting: Yeast converts sugars to alcohol; the type of yeast can shape the beer's taste profile.
Conditioning: The beer matures, developing flavors and carbonation.
Packaging: The final product is put into kegs, bottles, or cans for distribution.
Quality Ingredients and Techniques
Craft beer pioneers in Montgomery utilize high-quality ingredients to craft their beverages. They choose specific hop varieties for bitterness and aroma, and select malts for color and flavor profiles. Water's purity and mineral content is also meticulously managed, as it significantly impacts the overall taste of the beer.
Hops: They are the soul of many beers, like the popular IPA, offering bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Malts: They provide the backbone, influencing everything from hue to alcohol content.
Water: Montgomery brewers often highlight their local water source's unique qualities in their brewing process.
Advanced techniques, such as dry hopping for enhanced aroma in IPAs and barrel aging for stouts, are also employed by Montgomery's craft beer artisans to refine their brews and stand out in a growing market.
Beer Reviews and Recommendations
Montgomery, Alabama, has become a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with local breweries and taprooms offering a diverse range of beers that have garnered positive reviews across platforms such as Yelp.
Top Rated Montgomery Craft Beers
Craft beer aficionados in Montgomery have a variety of well-reviewed local beers to choose from. Among them:
Common Bond Brewers: Celebrated for their innovative ales and lagers, a popular pick here is the flagship IPA, praised for its well-balanced hops and crisp finish.
Coosa River Craft House: Offers a selection of local beers, with the Alabama Pale Ale frequently cited for its smooth and refreshing taste.
Brewery Highlights
When it comes to venues that stand out, Montgomery boasts some noteworthy spots:
The Goat Haus Biergarten: Provides a cozy atmosphere that pairs well with their wide variety of craft beers on tap, highly recommended for the setting as much as the selection.
Tower Taproom: A self-serve beer hall with a plethora of taps. Patrons highlight the range of choices and the modern, inviting space.
Through these reviews and the establishments presenting them, it's evident that Montgomery's local beer scene is vibrant, diverse, and committed to quality.
Craft Beer Tasting Experience
Tasting craft beer in Montgomery, AL is an enjoyable journey through diverse flavor profiles, from hoppy IPAs to robust stouts. This guide will help enthusiasts savor each sip and understand the intricacies of their flights.
Understanding the Flavor Profile
When it comes to craft beer, each style exhibits a unique set of characteristics that define its flavor profile. An IPA (India Pale Ale), for instance, is often known for its bitterness and citrus notes resulting from the use of various hops. On the other hand, a stout typically presents a deeper, roasted flavor profile with hints of coffee and chocolate. It's not just about the flavor, however; alcohol by volume (ABV) also plays a critical role in the overall experience. Higher ABV can contribute to a beer's body and warmth, making it a significant aspect of the tasting experience.
Beer Style Common Flavors Typical ABV Range
IPA Citrus, Pine, Floral, Bitter 5.5% - 7.5%
Stout Coffee, Chocolate, Roasted Malt 4% - 12%
How to Enjoy a Beer Flight
A beer flight allows tasters to explore a variety of craft beers side by side. To fully appreciate a flight, it's advisable to start with beers with a lower ABV and lighter flavor profiles before moving to those with a higher ABV and more robust flavors. This progression prevents the palates from being overwhelmed too early. For optimal enjoyment, one should:
Observe the beer's color and clarity.
Swirl gently to release aromas.
Take a small sip and let it coat the tongue.
Consider the balance of malts, hops, and any additional flavors or nuances.
By following these steps, one can genuinely appreciate the assortment and craftsmanship in every pint. Whether one gravitates towards a hop-forward IPA or a full-bodied stout, the key is to take time and savor the subtleties of each brew.
Events and Community Engagement
Montgomery, AL has a thriving craft beer scene that's both community-focused and event-driven. Breweries collaborate with local farmers and businesses to create events that highlight the unique character of the city.
Brewery Tours and Events
Common Bond Brewers hosts a variety of events that cater to both craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers. They offer tours of their brewery where visitors can learn about the brewing process, ingredients, and sample a range of beers. Events often feature new beer releases, food pairings, and live music, reinforcing the bond between brewery and local community.
Event Examples:
New Beer Release Parties
Live Music Nights
Beer Tasting and Food Pairing Events
Supporting Local Farmers and Businesses
The breweries in Montgomery actively support local farmers and businesses, sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible. This not only underscores their commitment to quality but also benefit the local community economically and socially.
Local Engagement:
Sourcing ingredients from local farmers
Collaborating with local vendors for events
Fundraising for community causes
Common Bond Brewers stands out in this regard, having been established with the mission of supporting the local community. They demonstrate this by involving local producers in their supply chain and highlighting local flavors in their craft beers.
Food and Beer Pairings
Pairing the right beer with the right dish can elevate the dining experience. Montgomery offers distinct pairings that imbue local heritage in each sip and bite.
Local Flavors to Complement Your Beer
Certain food options stand out in Montgomery when considering an ideal match for the local craft beers. BBQ, a southern staple, pairs exceedingly well with bold beers like IPAs, which can cut through the richness of the meat. Pizza, with its versatile flavors ranging from meaty to veggie-heavy, goes hand-in-hand with a variety of beers from crisp lagers to robust stouts.
Local Beer Pairing Recommendations:
Slow-smoked BBQ Pork: Paired with a hoppy IPA to balance the smoky flavors
Stone-baked Pepperoni Pizza: Complemented by an amber ale for a harmonious taste
Montgomery's Best Beer Bars and Restaurants
Montgomery's beer bars and restaurants offer a broad selection of both local and international craft beers that can be paired with their unique food offerings. Establishments prioritize knowledgeable staff who can guide patrons through the pairing process.
Recommended Venues and Pairings:
Autauga Creek Craft House: Known for its vast selection of craft beer, they recommend pairing local beers with their gourmet sandwiches for an optimal taste experience.
Pies & Pints - Montgomery: Specializing in pizza, their extensive craft beer menu is curated to complement the variety of pizza flavors, from classic cheese to specialty pies.
Craft Beer Beyond Montgomery
Exploring the craft beer scene extends beyond Montgomery, offering a plethora of options for enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of brews from nearby breweries as well as selections from out-of-state producers, particularly those from neighboring states like Georgia.
Nearby Brewery Destinations
Just outside of Montgomery, the craft beer aficionado finds a vibrant beer community in cities such as Birmingham and Huntsville. These locales feature breweries known for their innovative brewing techniques and unique flavor profiles.
Birmingham: A city where the craft beer culture has flourished, with well-known establishments like Good People Brewing Company and Avondale Brewing Company setting the standard for quality and creativity in Alabama's craft beer scene.
Huntsville: This northern Alabama city is recognized for its craft beer, with Straight to Ale and Yellowhammer Brewery among the favorites, offering a diverse range of styles from classic ales to experimental sour beers.
Craft Beers from Out-of-State Breweries
The craft beer community in Montgomery also enjoys access to beers from renowned out-of-state breweries.
Georgia Breweries: With its proximity to Alabama, Georgia's craft beer is a staple in many Montgomery establishments. Breweries like Creature Comforts Brewing Co. and SweetWater Brewing Company have a solid presence, their beers often featured for their quality and innovation.
Craft Beer Selections: Montgomery bars and restaurants may carry a varied assortment ranging from pale ales to robust stouts from these Georgia breweries, serving as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the craft beer community across state lines.
Merchandise and Collectibles
In Montgomery, the craft beer enthusiast can find a selection of merchandise and collectibles that not only serve as functional items for beer consumption and storage but also as mementos of the local beer culture.
Growlers, Bombers, and Bottles
Growlers are a staple for those who like to take their favorite craft beer home from Montgomery's breweries. They typically come in glass or stainless steel, with the most common sizes being 32 ounces and 64 ounces. Bombers refer to 22-ounce bottles and are perfect for sharing or for enjoying larger quantities of beer not commonly found in smaller bottle sizes.
Common Sizes for Growlers:
32 oz. (quart)
64 oz. (half gallon)
Materials Used for Growlers:
Glass
Stainless Steel
Bottles offer another way for patrons to purchase craft beer, often in 12-ounce or 16-ounce sizes. These are available directly from local breweries and are also found in craft beer stores throughout Montgomery.
Beer Paraphernalia
The world of beer paraphernalia encompasses a wide range of items including branded glassware, openers, coasters, and apparel. Glassware designed specifically for certain types of beer enhances the tasting experience and showcases the drinker's support for Montgomery's craft beer scene. Openers and coasters often feature logos of the local breweries, providing a functional yet collectible item for craft beer fans. Additionally, apparel such as t-shirts and hats serve as wearable expressions of one's preferred Montgomery brews.
Examples of Beer Paraphernalia:
Glassware (e.g., pint glasses, tulip glasses)
Openers (e.g., wall-mounted, keychain)
Coasters
Apparel (e.g., t-shirts, hats)
Mobile Craft Beer Experience
Navigating Mobile’s craft beer scene is simplified by leveraging cutting-edge apps and resources. Enthusiasts find that with a few taps on their screens, the best local brews are at their fingertips.
Craft Beer Apps and Resources
Craft beer aficionados in Mobile, Alabama, can enhance their experience by using specialized beer apps. These apps provide extensive information about local breweries, including Old Majestic Brewing Company, one of the newer establishments in the area. An app like Untappd, for instance, offers users the ability to discover new beers and also serves as a social platform where they can rate and share their favorite brews.
Brewery Finder is another app that beer lovers commonly use. It effortlessly pinpoints craft beer locations based on one's current location, easing the journey through Mobile's vibrant craft beer landscape.
Navigating Local Beer with Technology
Technology has made exploring the craft beer offerings in Mobile virtually effortless. With the use of GPS-enabled smartphones, enthusiasts can easily locate establishments like Old Majestic Brewing Company or other popular local spots. The integration of maps and user-generated reviews in these apps guides them to highly-rated breweries and can even suggest specific beers based on preferences.
One must not overlook the convenience that event calendars and notification features in these apps provide. They keep users informed about new beer releases and upcoming events, ensuring that beer enthusiasts are always connected to the heart of Mobile's brewing community.
Responsible Drinking in Montgomery
Montgomery's craft beer scene encourages enthusiasts to enjoy local brews with a strong emphasis on responsible consumption. Establishments like Common Bond Brewers offer a diverse selection of beers with varying alcohol content, allowing patrons to indulge wisely.
Tips for Responsible Drinking:
Know Your Limit: It's essential to understand how alcohol affects your body. Enjoy craft beers in moderation.
Hydration is Key: Alternate between beer and water to stay hydrated.
Safe Transportation: Montgomery's bars and breweries are committed to patron safety. Utilize ride-sharing services or a designated driver.
Eat Well: Consuming food alongside beer can help mitigate the effects of alcohol.
Below is a brief overview of ways to ensure a responsible experience while sampling Montgomery's craft beers:
Strategy Description Moderation Limit intake to prevent overconsumption. Transport Use public transport or ride-sharing apps. Companionship Drink in the company of friends. They can provide a check on consumption levels. Education Learn about ABV (alcohol by volume) to choose lighter options when necessary.
These breweries model responsible service practices, training their staff to recognize signs of intoxication. As responsible drinking is crucial to enjoying Montgomery's craft beer culture, visitors and residents alike are encouraged to appreciate the local offerings within the community's safety guidelines.
