Everyone give a big “hey ya’ll” to Mississippi’s own Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company, the newest addition to an ever-growing beer selection in our beloved Commonwealth. Lazy Magnolia is Mississippi’s oldest brewery, opening their doors in 2005, and they kicked off their entry into the Louisville market with a tasting at Liquor Barn’s Springhurst location this afternoon. Luckily I had stopped by after work (not knowing this was going on…. I didn’t think LM was hitting shelves for a few more weeks) and got to try all four beers in the initial launch, though I think a fifth style was included in the mixed 12-pack available. Here’s what you can currently find (all descriptions from Lazy Magnolia’s website):
Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale- Southern Pecan Nut Brown Ale is the first beer in the world, to our knowledge, made with whole roasted pecans. The pecans are used just like grain and provide a nutty characteristic and a delightful depth to the flavor profile. This beer is very lightly hopped to allow the malty, caramel, and nutty flavors shine through. The color is dark mahogany. Southern Pecan won a Bronze Medal in the 2006 World Beer Cup in the Specialty Beer category.
Jefferson Stout- Jefferson Stout, Lazy Magnolia’s original Sweet Potato Cream Stout, is Lazy Magnolia’s version of the ideal Southern-Style Stout. Jefferson Stout is brewed with sweet potatoes and lactose (milk sugar). The sweet potatoes provide the background to an impressive taste with added notes of roasted chocolate, coffee and caramel flavors.
Southern Hops’pitality- Southern Hops’pitality is Lazy Magnolia’s offering of delicious cheer to all of our fans. We pride ourselves on our porch-sippin’ and backyard grillin’ with our beloved kinfolk, and this traditional IPA offers the perfect libation to add to the Southern hospitality and charm that we hold so dear. Our session IPA has a bold citrus burst on the front end with hints of tropical fruits, such as grapefruit, orange, and mango in the finish. Lazy Magnolia’s brewers use a unique hop blend for an exciting dry-hopped aroma, and with a light straw color and crisp, smooth finish on the palate, this 6% ABV, 60 IBU IPA will help you extend some “Southern Hops’pitality” to your loved ones. From Our Porch To Yours, Cheers Y’all!
Timber Beast- Timber Beast is the first in Lazy Magnolia’s Back Porch series. A spicy, full-bodied, rye pale ale balanced with a generous dose of Zythos hops, it’s a recipe inspired by the complex and beautiful flavors of Mississippi and a reflection of the strength and spirit of our very own Timber Beast. Rye is a natural fit for the Imperial style. The nutty sweetness of this hearty grain perfectly balances the generous hop bite and brings you back for another sip.
All four of the beers impressed me. The Southern Pecan is the most well-known of the Lazy Magnolia line-up and is an impressive spin on your standard nut brown (as an aside, more brewers need to use pecans…. Make it happen folks). The Jefferson Stout is a creamy, sweet stout with a bit of coffee mixed in that really hit the spot. The Southern Hops’pitality is scary-drinkable and offered great citrusy aromas/flavors without crushing your palate (gotta avoid the dreaded palate fatigue). Timber Beast throws out a huge fruity/piney nose that follows into the taste, adding in a great rye spiciness to the flavor and finish. All were great but the Timber Beast impressed me the most. This will be a mainstay in my fridge going forward (I have an affinity for hoppy rye brews), though all others will be showing up as well.
Go out and grab a sixer/4-pack (depending on which you decide to give a try) and give Lazy Magnolia a try. I think you’ll be glad you did.
