Mr. Jim's Cannon Brewpub

Originally visited in July of 2005

Have to say for Alabama this was top notch. The beer wasn’t exactly amazing, but there was an Irish Ale that was utterly unique. The staff were all beer geeks. I even met the brewer, who’s name I promptly forgot, who had a few choice words to say about the fairness of GABF run beer contests.

The pub itself was located in what looked to be Mobile’s party district and while it wasn’t jam packed the crowd was lively and seemed to mostly be there for the beer. Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Mobile.

Met with several Mobilians here to discuss Free The Hops with them. Back in late June. Hosted by Todd Hicks himself, the brewmaster. Todd is a great guy and quite a brewer. He pulled out some special stuff just for this meeting, which i greatly appreciated. Including his still lagering Oktoberfest and a Berlinerweiss. Was my first taste of the latter style. Puckeringly sour until we added the traditional fruit or woodruff syrup. Had it all three ways.

I also had their stout, which was excellent. I was distressed to learn that they are struggling a bit, which is hard to comprehend. Good food, good atmosphere, good service, good location, excellent beer. Todd said it's due to economic problems in Mobile overall. Man i hope they pull through. This state of beer in Alabama is already piss poor as it is. The last thing we need is another brewpub to go under.

Stopped by here while I was down in the beer oasis which is Mobile, Alabama. Place was rather empty and had a laid back appeal to it. Two floors and an outside deck on the upstairs. Menu had regular pubgrub but many of the items were not served until after 5 which really limited my options. Gumbo was decent, shrimp po boy was alright, sweet potato chips were really good. Service was slow, kind of nice, but service in all of Mobile seemed horrible. Selection was average but they're really limited with Alabama beer laws and all. I got the sampler and the beers were subpar for the most part but not horrible. The red ale was drinkable and actually the light beer was the most well crafted of the bunch. Not a great place but the best you'll do in downtown Mobile.