Craft beer is a growing industry in the state and, along with rockets, automobiles, and music, is a world-class product of which Alabamians can be proud.
FLORENCE-In the three years since Alabama state legislators passed a bill naming the Shoals the home the State of Alabama Craft Beer Championship, competition organizers and brewers across the state have been busy.
“It is hard to believe we are celebrating the third-annual competition and festival already,” said Jackie Hendrix, event founder and author of the legislation. “And it is astounding to consider the number of new breweries that have opened in Alabama in the last three years.”
Alabama now boasts more than 30 craft beer breweries. They crisscross the state from Dothan to Florence and from Gulf Shores to Huntsville and, according to the Alabama Brewer’s Guild website, five additional breweries are slated to open in the near future.
Jackie Hendrix
Brew masters from establishments both old and new compete in the Alabama Craft Beer Competition held each August in the Shoals. Entries are evaluated by certified judges. In 2018 twelve judges, including a Grand Master-level judge, from five states sampled and rated 170 beers spanning 20 style categories. The results of the competition will be announced at the Alabama Craft Beer Festival, held this year on September 29th in Florence, Alabama.
“More than one judge stated the competition was particularly tough this year,” said Hendrix. “They evaluate entries not against each other but against standard criteria. They awarded 38 medals which is a testament to the quality of the beer produced in Alabama.”
Judges also chose the top three beers in the state and a top brew master.
Beer enthusiasts may participate in the awards ceremony by purchasing VIP tickets to the festival. The highlight of the Oktoberfest-themed event is the penny beer garden where all attendees can sample the award-winning beers, meet brewers, and buy merchandise from their favorite brands. Food trucks, live music, and access to televised football games will round out the festivities.
Festival tickets may be purchased online at www.alabamacraftbeerfestival.com.
Media Release/ State of Alabama Craft Beer Championship/Debra Dombrowski
