So I just moved from New York to Mississippi... so far not impressed with the beer scene or selection. I visit Florida on a regular basis so if push comes to shove I know I can bring stuff back. However, are there any festivals or stores I should be aware of in the state? We live near Flowood and so far I'm not seeing too much. Thanks!
Lazy Magnolia, Crooked Letter, and Southern Prohibition all make solid stuff. I understand your situation as I moved down to LA from Rhode Island last summer, but the beer scene has improved immensely - especially in New Orleans as stated above. I've heard the scene is improving in Alabama too, and I don't think Flowood is too far from there?
Visited Mobile last year and was pleased with everything I picked up: Straight to Ale, Good People, and more. Also found Westbrook (Gose, Grumpy Old Time, and more). If you are going to Florida, you might as well make a stop to load up; my suggestion.
Raise Your Pints run a beer fest in MS. Free the Hops run 2 events in AL, Rocket City Brewfest in Huntsville and Magic City Brewfest in Birmingham. Alabama's beer scene is running full speed ahead with over 20 currently active breweries as well as all the other breweries that distribute here. http://seekabrew.com/distro/compare.html will help you hone in on the brews you want.
I live in Jackson and compared to a few years ago the beer scene has improved immensely. That being said, it hasn't kept up with other states since the good beer is more entrenched in those areas. I always find an excuse to travel to NOLA as it's the closest and has a few spots to drink beer and buy beer. Birmingham would be a close second. I do like to go to Bham since the beer selection compared to NOLA is very different. Granted some brands overlap, but it's a mix of variety that I normally don't see when in NOLA. For buying, I'd hit up Whole Foods and Hops & Habanos. For drinking, there's actually a lot of good spots. Most notably Fondren Public (lots 'o taps). But, I've been really impressed with the local restaurants as a whole since they've drastically improved their tap selection to cater toward craft &/or local beers. That being said, it's usually only 5 - 10 taps max at these places. Hit me up if you need something more in-depth.
Thanks y'all... appreciate all the tips and feedback. I agree I will definitely be loading up when in Florida and my husband and I intend on going to Cooperstown, NY for the Bed and Brew in December hopefully. So I'll just have to make sure I get what I need ahead of time or just start trading again.
The Pig and Pint opened about 3 months ago in the Fondren area. They have a great tap selection and lots of bottles and cans. Also, for the best growler prices, check out McDade's across the street from Whole Foods. They cut their prices by at least $2 to compete. In August, Saltine should be opening in the Fondren area. Owner Jesse Houston is planning a big tap selection with Randall infused beers.
Thanks for the heads up, never tried The Pig and Pint. Will try them out. To the OP. Check out Hops and Habanas in Madison for selection. In Hattiesburg stopping into The Keg and Barrel is highly recommended. The Raise Your Pints web site keeps track of fests etc.
