50 Best Alabama Beers to Drink in 2026

Alabama’s beer scene runs from Birmingham’s enduring hop flagships to Huntsville’s Belgian-inspired strong ales, Gadsden’s pioneering pale ales, award-winning Cullman lagers, Shoals-area dark beer, and bright Gulf Coast crushers. This ranked guide focuses on beers with current brewery support and packaging that drinkers can realistically recognize and seek out.

The order weighs lasting reputation, style execution, distinctiveness, and how well each beer represents its brewery or region. Availability still moves: seasonal releases rotate, taproom inventories change, and some cans travel farther across the state than others.

Use the top ten as the shortest route to Alabama’s defining pours, then keep moving for pale ales, lagers, farmhouse beer, and an unusually deep run of fruit-forward sour beer. The list is deliberately broad enough to build a mixed flight rather than fifty versions of the same IPA.

Serve hop-forward beers fresh, give stronger dark ales a few minutes to warm, and check brewery release calendars before making a long drive for a seasonal can.

Snake Handler
#1 in this roundup
Beer profile

Snake Handler

Brewed by Good People Brewing Company

StyleDouble IPA
ABV10.0%
Alabama movebig-hop benchmark
Brewed inBirmingham

Pine resin, grapefruit peel, ripe tropical fruit, and a warming malt backbone.

BAR NOTES

Snake Handler turns its double ipa brief into pine resin, grapefruit peel, ripe tropical fruit, and a warming malt backbone. At 10.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want Alabama’s classic high-gravity hop statement rather than an easygoing session beer. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the big-hop benchmark: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Take the Causeway
#2 in this roundup
Beer profile

Take the Causeway

Brewed by Fairhope Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV8.2%
Alabama moveGulf Coast hop pick
Brewed inFairhope

Citrus and pine hop intensity over enough caramel malt to keep the finish composed.

BAR NOTES

Take the Causeway turns its american ipa brief into citrus and pine hop intensity over enough caramel malt to keep the finish composed. At 8.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a Gulf Coast dinner calls for a substantial IPA with bitterness that will stand beside fried or spicy food. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Gulf Coast hop pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Good People IPA
#3 in this roundup
Beer profile

Good People IPA

Brewed by Good People Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.1%
Alabama moveBirmingham essential
Brewed inBirmingham

Grapefruit, pine, orange zest, and clean supporting malt.

BAR NOTES

Good People IPA turns its american ipa brief into grapefruit, pine, orange zest, and clean supporting malt. At 7.1% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you need a dependable Alabama IPA that tastes assertive without drifting into syrupy sweetness. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Birmingham essential: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Monkeynaut
#4 in this roundup
Beer profile

Monkeynaut

Brewed by Straight to Ale

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.25%
Alabama moveHuntsville hop icon
Brewed inHuntsville

Bright citrus, evergreen resin, and a sturdy but controlled malt center.

BAR NOTES

Monkeynaut turns its american ipa brief into bright citrus, evergreen resin, and a sturdy but controlled malt center. At 7.25% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you are pairing barbecue or a burger with a full-flavored IPA that still finishes briskly. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Huntsville hop icon: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Oka Uba IPA
#5 in this roundup
Beer profile

Oka Uba IPA

Brewed by Cahaba Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.5%
Alabama moveCahaba flagship
Brewed inBirmingham

Grapefruit, floral hops, light pine, and a dry malt frame.

BAR NOTES

Oka Uba IPA turns its american ipa brief into grapefruit, floral hops, light pine, and a dry malt frame. At 7.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a firmly bitter IPA with an old-school edge and enough aroma to stay lively. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Cahaba flagship: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Trampoline Dream
#6 in this roundup
Beer profile

Trampoline Dream

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleDouble IPA
ABV9.4%
Alabama movedouble-IPA splurge
Brewed inHuntsville

Saturated tropical fruit, citrus oil, and a warming yet well-hidden strength.

BAR NOTES

Trampoline Dream turns its double ipa brief into saturated tropical fruit, citrus oil, and a warming yet well-hidden strength. At 9.4% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when the night calls for one slow, aromatic pour rather than several lighter rounds. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the double-IPA splurge: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Hazy Snake IPA
#7 in this roundup
Beer profile

Hazy Snake IPA

Brewed by Good People Brewing Company

StyleHazy IPA
ABV6.9%
Alabama movesoft-hop crowd-pleaser
Brewed inBirmingham

Juicy citrus, soft tropical fruit, and restrained bitterness in a plush body.

BAR NOTES

Hazy Snake IPA turns its hazy ipa brief into juicy citrus, soft tropical fruit, and restrained bitterness in a plush body. At 6.9% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you prefer aroma and softness over the sharper pine-and-caramel profile of a traditional IPA. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the soft-hop crowd-pleaser: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Brother Joseph
#8 in this roundup
Beer profile

Brother Joseph

Brewed by Straight to Ale

StyleBelgian Dubbel
ABV8.0%
Alabama moveBelgian-style standout
Brewed inHuntsville

Dark fruit, toasted bread, caramel, and gentle Belgian yeast spice.

BAR NOTES

Brother Joseph turns its belgian dubbel brief into dark fruit, toasted bread, caramel, and gentle Belgian yeast spice. At 8.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a cool evening or roast dinner rewards a malt-forward beer with layered fermentation character. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Belgian-style standout: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Stout at the Devil
#9 in this roundup
Beer profile

Stout at the Devil

Brewed by Straight to Ale

StyleOatmeal Stout
ABV7.2%
Alabama movedark-beer anchor
Brewed inHuntsville

Roasted coffee, cocoa, soft oats, and a lingering bittersweet finish.

BAR NOTES

Stout at the Devil turns its oatmeal stout brief into roasted coffee, cocoa, soft oats, and a lingering bittersweet finish. At 7.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when dessert or late-night conversation deserves a smooth dark beer that carries roast without harshness. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the dark-beer anchor: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Groovy Don’s Groovy IPA
#10 in this roundup
Beer profile

Groovy Don’s Groovy IPA

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleWest Coast-style IPA
ABV6.5%
Alabama moveWest Coast reset
Brewed inHuntsville

Pine, grapefruit pith, and a lean, dry bitterness.

BAR NOTES

Groovy Don’s Groovy IPA turns its west coast-style ipa brief into pine, grapefruit pith, and a lean, dry bitterness. At 6.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you miss the crisp, resinous profile that defined West Coast IPA before haze took over. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the West Coast reset: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Fairhope 51
#11 in this roundup
Beer profile

Fairhope 51

Brewed by Fairhope Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.8%
Alabama movepale-ale all-rounder
Brewed inFairhope

Citrus-led hops, light caramel, and a balanced medium body.

BAR NOTES

Fairhope 51 turns its american pale ale brief into citrus-led hops, light caramel, and a balanced medium body. At 5.8% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want enough hop flavor for barbecue while keeping the alcohol and bitterness in weeknight territory. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the pale-ale all-rounder: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

IPAcalypse NOW
#12 in this roundup
Beer profile

IPAcalypse NOW

Brewed by Singin’ River Brewing Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV7.1%
Alabama moveShoals hop charge
Brewed inFlorence

Citrus, pine, and assertive hop bitterness over a steady malt base.

BAR NOTES

IPAcalypse NOW turns its american ipa brief into citrus, pine, and assertive hop bitterness over a steady malt base. At 7.1% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a hop-forward pint needs enough structure for wings, smoked meat, or a sharp cheddar. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Shoals hop charge: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

A-OK IPA
#13 in this roundup
Beer profile

A-OK IPA

Brewed by Avondale Brewing Company

StyleTropical IPA
ABV7.2%
Alabama moveAvondale flagship
Brewed inBirmingham

Pineapple, mango, citrus, and a soft 18-IBU finish.

BAR NOTES

A-OK IPA turns its tropical ipa brief into pineapple, mango, citrus, and a soft 18-IBU finish. At 7.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a juicy Alabama IPA whose tropical aroma is louder than its bitterness. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Avondale flagship: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Good People Pale Ale
#14 in this roundup
Beer profile

Good People Pale Ale

Brewed by Good People Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.6%
Alabama movebalanced first round
Brewed inBirmingham

Orange and pine hops with a clean, lightly biscuity foundation.

BAR NOTES

Good People Pale Ale turns its american pale ale brief into orange and pine hops with a clean, lightly biscuity foundation. At 5.6% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a flavorful first round that can bridge appetizers, burgers, and another beer. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the balanced first round: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Muchacho
#15 in this roundup
Beer profile

Muchacho

Brewed by Good People Brewing Company

StyleMexican-style Lager
ABV4.8%
Alabama movehot-day crusher
Brewed inBirmingham

Crisp grain, faint corn sweetness, and a bright, quick finish.

BAR NOTES

Muchacho turns its mexican-style lager brief into crisp grain, faint corn sweetness, and a bright, quick finish. At 4.8% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when sunshine, tacos, or a game-day cooler calls for uncomplicated refreshment and high drinkability. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the hot-day crusher: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Swamper
#16 in this roundup
Beer profile

Swamper

Brewed by Singin’ River Brewing Company

StylePorter
ABV6.0%
Alabama moveShoals porter pick
Brewed inFlorence

Cocoa, coffee, toasted malt, and a dry roasty close.

BAR NOTES

Swamper turns its porter brief into cocoa, coffee, toasted malt, and a dry roasty close. At 6.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want dark-malt depth that remains food-friendly instead of turning dense or sugary. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Shoals porter pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Spring Street Saison
#17 in this roundup
Beer profile

Spring Street Saison

Brewed by Avondale Brewing Company

StyleSaison
ABV7.2%
Alabama moveBirmingham farmhouse classic
Brewed inBirmingham

Bright citrus, dried spice, and expressive Belgian-style fermentation.

BAR NOTES

Spring Street Saison turns its saison brief into bright citrus, dried spice, and expressive Belgian-style fermentation. At 7.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a celebration or dinner calls for a dry farmhouse ale with more complexity than a blonde or wheat beer. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Birmingham farmhouse classic: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Cheap Sunglasses
#18 in this roundup
Beer profile

Cheap Sunglasses

Brewed by Fairhope Brewing Company

StyleKölsch-style Golden Ale
ABV4.2%
Alabama moveporch-ready pour
Brewed inFairhope

Delicate grain, light fruit, and a snappy, thirst-quenching finish.

BAR NOTES

Cheap Sunglasses turns its kölsch-style golden ale brief into delicate grain, light fruit, and a snappy, thirst-quenching finish. At 4.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when the weather is hot and the occasion rewards subtle flavor over hop or malt intensity. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the porch-ready pour: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Cheatin’ Heart
#19 in this roundup
Beer profile

Cheatin’ Heart

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleTropical IPA
ABV6.2%
Alabama movetropical-hop bridge
Brewed inHuntsville

Pineapple-like fruit, citrus, and moderate bitterness in a dry frame.

BAR NOTES

Cheatin’ Heart turns its tropical ipa brief into pineapple-like fruit, citrus, and moderate bitterness in a dry frame. At 6.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want modern tropical hop aroma while retaining the clean finish of an IPA. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the tropical-hop bridge: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Blue Steel
#20 in this roundup
Beer profile

Blue Steel

Brewed by Fairhope Brewing Company

StyleBlueberry and Lemon Sour
ABV5.4%
Alabama movefruit-sour detour
Brewed inFairhope

Tart lemon, ripe blueberry, and a brisk fruit-driven finish.

BAR NOTES

Blue Steel turns its blueberry and lemon sour brief into tart lemon, ripe blueberry, and a brisk fruit-driven finish. At 5.4% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a humid afternoon calls for acidity and fruit instead of bitterness or heavy malt. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the fruit-sour detour: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Oktoberfest
#21 in this roundup
Beer profile

Oktoberfest

Brewed by Cahaba Brewing Company

StyleMärzen
ABV7.5%
Alabama movefall malt pick
Brewed inBirmingham

Toasted bread, caramel malt, and a smooth lager finish.

BAR NOTES

Oktoberfest turns its märzen brief into toasted bread, caramel malt, and a smooth lager finish. At 7.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when autumn food and cooler weather call for a richer fest beer with more strength than the usual lager. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the fall malt pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Richter’s Pilsner
#22 in this roundup
Beer profile

Richter’s Pilsner

Brewed by Goat Island Brewing

StyleGerman-style Pilsner
ABV5.6%
Alabama moveCullman lager benchmark
Brewed inCullman

Crisp malt, herbal hops, and a firm 30-IBU lager finish.

BAR NOTES

Richter’s Pilsner turns its german-style pilsner brief into crisp malt, herbal hops, and a firm 30-IBU lager finish. At 5.6% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want an award-winning Alabama pilsner that puts clean fermentation and purposeful bitterness first. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Cullman lager benchmark: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

I Drink Therefore I Amber
#23 in this roundup
Beer profile

I Drink Therefore I Amber

Brewed by Fairhope Brewing Company

StyleAmber Ale
ABV5.4%
Alabama movemalt-forward utility player
Brewed inFairhope

Toffee, toasted bread, and restrained earthy hops.

BAR NOTES

I Drink Therefore I Amber turns its amber ale brief into toffee, toasted bread, and restrained earthy hops. At 5.4% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when pizza, grilled meat, or a mixed crowd needs a malt-led beer that stays balanced and familiar. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the malt-forward utility player: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Blonde
#24 in this roundup
Beer profile

Blonde

Brewed by Cahaba Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Blonde Ale
ABV5.2%
Alabama movegateway craft pick
Brewed inBirmingham

Light bread, subtle fruit, and a clean, uncomplicated finish.

BAR NOTES

Blonde turns its american blonde ale brief into light bread, subtle fruit, and a clean, uncomplicated finish. At 5.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you are introducing a lager drinker to Alabama craft beer or stocking an easygoing cookout cooler. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the gateway craft pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Midnight Special
#25 in this roundup
Beer profile

Midnight Special

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleDark Lager
ABV5.4%
Alabama movecrisp dark option
Brewed inHuntsville

Toasted bread, cocoa, and smooth lager fermentation without stout-like weight.

BAR NOTES

Midnight Special turns its dark lager brief into toasted bread, cocoa, and smooth lager fermentation without stout-like weight. At 5.4% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you crave dark malt flavor but still want a crisp finish and moderate strength. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the crisp dark option: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Truck Stop Honey
#26 in this roundup
Beer profile

Truck Stop Honey

Brewed by Back Forty Beer Company

StyleEnglish Brown Ale
ABV6.0%
Alabama moveAlabama honey classic
Brewed inGadsden

Wildflower honey, roasted malt, earthy hops, and a medium-bodied finish.

BAR NOTES

Truck Stop Honey turns its english brown ale brief into wildflower honey, roasted malt, earthy hops, and a medium-bodied finish. At 6.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when barbecue, roasted food, or a fireside round calls for malt depth with a distinctly Alabama ingredient. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Alabama honey classic: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Naked Pig
#27 in this roundup
Beer profile

Naked Pig

Brewed by Back Forty Beer Company

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV6.0%
Alabama moveGadsden original
Brewed inGadsden

Crisp German malt, citrusy Columbus and Cascade hops, and a firm 43-IBU finish.

BAR NOTES

Naked Pig turns its american pale ale brief into crisp German malt, citrusy Columbus and Cascade hops, and a firm 43-IBU finish. At 6.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a foundational Alabama pale ale with enough hop structure for seasoned craft drinkers. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Gadsden original: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Devil’s Staircase
#28 in this roundup
Beer profile

Devil’s Staircase

Brewed by Back Forty Beer Company

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.5%
Alabama moveCoosa River IPA
Brewed inGadsden

Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo aroma with citrus, tropical fruit, and a soft finish.

BAR NOTES

Devil’s Staircase turns its american ipa brief into Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo aroma with citrus, tropical fruit, and a soft finish. At 6.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want modern hop character and 43 IBUs without stepping up to double-IPA strength. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Coosa River IPA: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Chill Pils
#29 in this roundup
Beer profile

Chill Pils

Brewed by Straight to Ale

StyleCzech-style Pilsner
ABV4.5%
Alabama movelager reset
Brewed inHuntsville

Fresh bread, floral hops, and a dry, lightly bitter lager finish.

BAR NOTES

Chill Pils turns its czech-style pilsner brief into fresh bread, floral hops, and a dry, lightly bitter lager finish. At 4.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you need a crisp reset between stronger Alabama ales or a reliable companion for fried food. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the lager reset: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Lawn Patrol
#30 in this roundup
Beer profile

Lawn Patrol

Brewed by Singin’ River Brewing Company

StyleLight Lager
ABV5.0%
Alabama movecooler-friendly lager
Brewed inFlorence

Clean grain, very gentle sweetness, and a bright, quick finish.

BAR NOTES

Lawn Patrol turns its light lager brief into clean grain, very gentle sweetness, and a bright, quick finish. At 5.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when yard work, a tailgate, or a long outdoor afternoon makes drinkability the main requirement. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the cooler-friendly lager: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Yellowhammer Gold
#31 in this roundup
Beer profile

Yellowhammer Gold

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleAmerican Light Lager
ABV5.0%
Alabama movelocal light-lager swap
Brewed inHuntsville

Clean cereal grain, faint sweetness, and brisk carbonation.

BAR NOTES

Yellowhammer Gold turns its american light lager brief into clean cereal grain, faint sweetness, and brisk carbonation. At 5.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want an Alabama-made replacement for a familiar domestic lager at a cookout or game. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the local light-lager swap: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Pale Ale
#32 in this roundup
Beer profile

Pale Ale

Brewed by Cahaba Brewing Company

StyleAmerican Pale Ale
ABV5.5%
Alabama moveeveryday pale ale
Brewed inBirmingham

Citrus and floral hops with a tidy biscuit-like malt base.

BAR NOTES

Pale Ale turns its american pale ale brief into citrus and floral hops with a tidy biscuit-like malt base. At 5.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a middle path between a blonde ale and a full-strength IPA. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the everyday pale ale: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Blood Orange Berliner Weisse
#33 in this roundup
Beer profile

Blood Orange Berliner Weisse

Brewed by Goat Island Brewing

StyleBerliner Weisse
ABV5.5%
Alabama moveCullman sour flagship
Brewed inCullman

Tart blood orange, soft wheat, and a bright citrus finish.

BAR NOTES

Blood Orange Berliner Weisse turns its berliner weisse brief into tart blood orange, soft wheat, and a bright citrus finish. At 5.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a warm Alabama afternoon calls for a sour beer that remains welcoming, crisp, and clearly fruit-driven. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Cullman sour flagship: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

LoCal Lager
#34 in this roundup
Beer profile

LoCal Lager

Brewed by Cahaba Brewing Company

StyleLow-carb Lager
ABV3.8%
Alabama movelighter-day option
Brewed inBirmingham

Crisp grain, light body, and very little lingering sweetness.

BAR NOTES

LoCal Lager turns its low-carb lager brief into crisp grain, light body, and very little lingering sweetness. At 3.8% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a long afternoon calls for restrained alcohol and calories without leaving the local-beer lane. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the lighter-day option: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Bama Mosa
#35 in this roundup
Beer profile

Bama Mosa

Brewed by Back Forty Beer Company

StyleBrut Ale with Orange
ABV7.0%
Alabama movebrut-ale curveball
Brewed inGadsden

Fresh orange, champagne-like dryness, and very low 5.5-IBU bitterness.

BAR NOTES

Bama Mosa turns its brut ale with orange brief into fresh orange, champagne-like dryness, and very low 5.5-IBU bitterness. At 7.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when brunch or a celebration calls for a crisp beer that borrows the lift of a mimosa. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the brut-ale curveball: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Sunliner
#36 in this roundup
Beer profile

Sunliner

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StylePassion Fruit Guava Gose
ABV5.0%
Alabama movetropical sour pick
Brewed inHuntsville

Tropical guava, tangy passion fruit, soft salinity, and bright acidity.

BAR NOTES

Sunliner turns its passion fruit guava gose brief into tropical guava, tangy passion fruit, soft salinity, and bright acidity. At 5.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when poolside drinking or spicy food benefits from a tart, saline tropical refresher. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the tropical sour pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Goatopia IPA
#37 in this roundup
Beer profile

Goatopia IPA

Brewed by Goat Island Brewing

StyleAmerican IPA
ABV6.2%
Alabama moveCullman hop pick
Brewed inCullman

Juicy citrus and tropical hops with balanced 23-IBU bitterness.

BAR NOTES

Goatopia IPA turns its american ipa brief into juicy citrus and tropical hops with balanced 23-IBU bitterness. At 6.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want hop aroma and easy balance rather than the aggressive bite of Alabama’s biggest double IPAs. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Cullman hop pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Rollin in the Haze
#38 in this roundup
Beer profile

Rollin in the Haze

Brewed by Back Forty Beer Company

StyleNew England IPA
ABV6.0%
Alabama moveBack Forty haze pick
Brewed inGadsden

Citrus and floral hops, a soft body, and restrained 18-IBU bitterness.

BAR NOTES

Rollin in the Haze turns its new england ipa brief into citrus and floral hops, a soft body, and restrained 18-IBU bitterness. At 6.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want an easygoing hazy IPA built around aroma rather than palate-scraping bitterness. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Back Forty haze pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Beach Cat
#39 in this roundup
Beer profile

Beach Cat

Brewed by Back Forty Beer Company

StyleBlonde Ale
ABV4.5%
Alabama moveBack Forty easy-drinker
Brewed inGadsden

Bright grain, gentle Willamette hops, and a crisp 15-IBU finish.

BAR NOTES

Beach Cat turns its blonde ale brief into bright grain, gentle Willamette hops, and a crisp 15-IBU finish. At 4.5% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when the coast, a cookout, or a mixed crowd needs a straightforward Alabama blonde ale. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Back Forty easy-drinker: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Sour Pash
#40 in this roundup
Beer profile

Sour Pash

Brewed by Avondale Brewing Company

StylePassion Fruit Sour Ale
ABV4.3%
Alabama moveAvondale tart pick
Brewed inBirmingham

Tart passion fruit, soft haze, and a brisk 5-IBU finish.

BAR NOTES

Sour Pash turns its passion fruit sour ale brief into tart passion fruit, soft haze, and a brisk 5-IBU finish. At 4.3% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a year-round sour whose bright fruit and modest strength suit a full pint. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Avondale tart pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Brunch Punch
#41 in this roundup
Beer profile

Brunch Punch

Brewed by Avondale Brewing Company

StyleTangerine Shandy
ABV3.8%
Alabama movelow-key shandy
Brewed inBirmingham

Fresh tangerine, light wheat, and a crisp low-strength finish.

BAR NOTES

Brunch Punch turns its tangerine shandy brief into fresh tangerine, light wheat, and a crisp low-strength finish. At 3.8% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when brunch or a long outdoor afternoon rewards citrus refreshment more than alcohol or bitterness. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the low-key shandy: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Painted Lady
#42 in this roundup
Beer profile

Painted Lady

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StylePale Ale
ABV5.7%
Alabama moveclassic pale option
Brewed inHuntsville

Citrus hops, gentle pine, and an even malt balance.

BAR NOTES

Painted Lady turns its pale ale brief into citrus hops, gentle pine, and an even malt balance. At 5.7% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want classic pale-ale flavor at a strength suited to a full meal or second round. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the classic pale option: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Oktoberfest
#43 in this roundup
Beer profile

Oktoberfest

Brewed by Goat Island Brewing

StyleMärzen
ABV6.0%
Alabama moveGoatoberfest pour
Brewed inCullman

Toasted bread, caramel malt, and a clean 30-IBU finish.

BAR NOTES

Oktoberfest turns its märzen brief into toasted bread, caramel malt, and a clean 30-IBU finish. At 6.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when an autumn gathering needs a Bavarian-style lager with enough malt depth for sausages and roasted food. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Goatoberfest pour: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Darkhammer
#44 in this roundup
Beer profile

Darkhammer

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleBelgian-style Quadrupel
ABV10.8%
Alabama movecellar-strength finale
Brewed inHuntsville

Fig, raisin, dark caramel, and pronounced warming strength.

BAR NOTES

Darkhammer turns its belgian-style quadrupel brief into fig, raisin, dark caramel, and pronounced warming strength. At 10.8% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when the final pour of the evening can be rich, contemplative, and shared in a smaller glass. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the cellar-strength finale: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

T-Minus
#45 in this roundup
Beer profile

T-Minus

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleTangerine Kölsch
ABV5.0%
Alabama movecitrus lawn beer
Brewed inHuntsville

Light grain, fresh tangerine, and a crisp fermentation profile.

BAR NOTES

T-Minus turns its tangerine kölsch brief into light grain, fresh tangerine, and a crisp fermentation profile. At 5.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want citrus refreshment without the acidity of a sour or bitterness of an IPA. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the citrus lawn beer: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

June Pils
#46 in this roundup
Beer profile

June Pils

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleFrench-style Pilsner
ABV5.0%
Alabama movesubtle pilsner pick
Brewed inHuntsville

Crisp grain, floral-herbal hops, and a dry finish.

BAR NOTES

June Pils turns its french-style pilsner brief into crisp grain, floral-herbal hops, and a dry finish. At 5.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a nuanced lager that puts fermentation and delicate hop character ahead of novelty. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the subtle pilsner pick: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Tiki Talk
#47 in this roundup
Beer profile

Tiki Talk

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleMai Tai-inspired Golden Beer
ABV5.2%
Alabama movetiki-night curveball
Brewed inHuntsville

Citrus and tropical cocktail cues over a light golden-beer base.

BAR NOTES

Tiki Talk turns its mai tai-inspired golden beer brief into citrus and tropical cocktail cues over a light golden-beer base. At 5.2% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when a themed party or warm evening calls for a playful beer-cocktail crossover. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the tiki-night curveball: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Golden Mane
#48 in this roundup
Beer profile

Golden Mane

Brewed by Singin’ River Brewing Company

StyleGolden Ale
ABV5.0%
Alabama moveShoals easy-drinker
Brewed inFlorence

Soft grain, mild fruit, and an easy clean finish.

BAR NOTES

Golden Mane turns its golden ale brief into soft grain, mild fruit, and an easy clean finish. At 5.0% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you need a gentle crowd-pleaser that will not overwhelm lighter food or lager drinkers. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the Shoals easy-drinker: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Oktoberfest
#49 in this roundup
Beer profile

Oktoberfest

Brewed by Yellowhammer Brewing

StyleFestbier
ABV5.8%
Alabama movefestbier round
Brewed inHuntsville

Fresh bread, light toast, and a smooth, clean finish.

BAR NOTES

Oktoberfest turns its festbier brief into fresh bread, light toast, and a smooth, clean finish. At 5.8% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when fall gatherings call for a lighter, more drinkable festival lager than a heavy amber beer. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the festbier round: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

Oktoberfest
#50 in this roundup
Beer profile

Oktoberfest

Brewed by Good People Brewing Company

StyleMärzen
ABV5.8%
Alabama moveseasonal closing pour
Brewed inBirmingham

Toasted malt, caramel, and restrained bitterness in a clean lager frame.

BAR NOTES

Oktoberfest turns its märzen brief into toasted malt, caramel, and restrained bitterness in a clean lager frame. At 5.8% ABV, it has enough presence to make the flavor clear without losing sight of the style’s basic purpose.

Choose it when you want a traditional autumn closer that favors malt depth over hops or fruit. Within this Alabama ranking, its role is the seasonal closing pour: a useful point of comparison, not simply another can filling a numbered slot.

KEEP THE FLIGHT GOING

Keep exploring America’s beer country

Alabama’s best breweries cover far more than one style. Follow the next pour into national standouts, hop-forward favorites, and the wider world of beer—or use the state’s lagers, ales, and sours as inspiration for your own brew day.

Karl S
BEHIND THE BAR

Written by Karl S

Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Self proclaimed coffee addict who's been home brewing beer (among other things) for 25+ yrs. Also an aspiring pro-brewer and micro-brewery owner!

Meet Karl →