Finding microbrews and local breweries in the South can be a little challenging. The event in beer history known as Prohibition still affects access to southern beers today. Laws dating from Prohibition times still make producing and serving Southern beers a little tricky for many establishments. However, there is a growing appetite for traditional American brews. Read on for some highlights to inspire you in touring the South to sample southern beers and pubs.
Southern Star Brewing Company offers tours of the brewery. Located in Monroe, Texas this brewery makes a variety of Southern beers. For instance, the range of American pale ales includes Pine Ridge Pale. The tour of this excellent choice of local breweries is free and no reservations are required. However, check the website before visiting, because tours are not available on some dates due to Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest in Lancaster, Texas provides many specialty beers as well as authentic German cuisine and culture. Also check out other Oktoberfest celebrations in Texas, including one in Fredericksberg where you can sample the Shiner ‘Helles’ pilsner.
The list of Southern beers would not be complete without Dixie Brewing company in New Orleans. You can find it at many pubs in New Orleans.
Lone Star Beer is based in Texas. In fact, the label reads ‘the traditional beer of Texas’.
The Flying Saucer pub hosts a Fall Brew Festival in Ft. Worth Texas on October 17. This chance to taste traditional American brews happens in the Flying Saucer Parking lot at Sundance Square.
The Great Tucson Beer Festival in Arizona is an opportunity to sample a range of southern beers and microbrews.
HopCity’s Peak Organic Beer Tasting takes place October 7th at Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia.
For a comprehensive list of local breweries, beer festivals, pubs and events, check out Southern Brewing News.
Of course, in your tour of southern beers and local breweries, you will need an affordable place to stay. A good resource is Late Rooms, which offers discounted prices on accommodation for last minute booking. This will allow you to be spontaneous with your tour of American traditional brews.
Finally, for ‘insider tips’ on the best pubs and local breweries in the south, visit the Southern Beer Society forum. It includes details on pubs and traditional American brews and microbreweries throughout the southern United States. For instance, you can find information on the best pubs to visit in New Orleans and what kinds of southern beers they serve.
