11 must-try summer beers from Birmingham breweries
ByHannah Chambley
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Reading time: 7 minutes
Nothing beats the Alabama summer heat like a locally brewed beer. From sours to saisons, here are 11 summer beers you need to try from local Birmingham breweries. Plus, find out how to win a $200 gift card to The Pig so you can keep supporting local (and also snag a six pack to enjoy these brews from home.)
*Note: Some hours might be affected by the statewide restriction of on-site alcohol sales at 11PM. Make sure to call ahead to confirm the breweries are open or offering curbside pickup. Read more on the ABC board’s restriction here.
1. A-OK Tropical IPA @ Avondale Brewing
Need a vacay? Just grab a six-pack of Avondale’s A-OK Tropical IPA (7.2% ABV). With tropical fruit flavors like pineapple and mango, this brew is the sweetest addition to a sunny summer day. The best part? It’s year-round so summer never has to end.
- Address: 201 41st St S Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Mon-Wed 12-10PM | Thurs 12-11PM | Fri + Sat 12PM-12AM | Sun 1-10PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. War Baby Hazy IPA @ Back Forty Beer Co.
Try Back Forty’s newest beer, the War Baby Hazy IPA. It’s fruited with 100 lbs of apricot, complimented with a double dry hop addition of Sabro and Mosaic, and it’s out this weekend! Swing by to give it a try.
- Address: 3201 1st Ave N, Birmingham, Alabama
- Hours: Sun, Mon, Wed + Thurs 11AM-9PM | Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM | Tuesday Closed
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Basic Beach @ Cahaba Brewing Co.
Cahaba’s Basic Beach Berliner (4.2% ABV) is back and bringing the beach vibes to Birmingham. If you’re looking for a refreshing and crisp brew, this might be your new go-to. It’ll have a limited run so make sure to try it before it’s gone. You can order for curbside and pick up online, or visit the taproom for a pint.
- Address: 4500 5th Ave S Building C, Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 3-10PM | Fri + Sat 12-10PM | Sun 12-8PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
4. Summer Jam @ Birmingham District Brews
Get a taste of summer and tart wild berries in District Brews’ latest release, Summer Jam Fruited Berliner Weisse (4.5% ABV). This Kettle Sour won’t disappoint if you’re a fan of fruity brews. Pick up a 4-pack before they run out!
- Address: 2201 2nd Ave. South Suite 102, Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Mon-Wed 12-10PM | Thurs + Fri 12PM-12AM | Sat 11-12AM | Sun 12-8PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
5. Easy Breezy Lemon Squeezy @ Birmingham District Brews
We would be remiss if we didn’t include a favorite from Ralph Marion aka @beeredblackman. His pick: The Easy Breezy Lemon Squeezy from District Brews. Follow him on Instagram for more of his favorites. P.S. He even has two of his own beers on draft right now at Hop City!
“Ever wondered how pink lemonade would taste as a beer? Well, you found it in the form of Easy Breezy Lemon Squeezy.”
Ralph Marion
6. Fallen Down: MPL Gose @ Ferus Artisan Ales
A tropical beer just makes sense in the summer. And this one at Ferus Artisan Ales is a winner. Their Fallen Down: MPL Gose (8.0% ABV) stands for Mango, Pineapple, Key Lime and is brewed with sea salt and lactose. They still have cans left, and you can order a pack online here.
- Address: 101 Beech Street, Trussville, AL
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 11AM-10PM | Fri + Sat 11AM-11PM | Sun 11AM-9PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
7. Berry Fruity Milkshake Sour @ Good People Brewing
Good People’s Berry Fruity Milkshake Sour (5.5% ABV) just dropped last week as their newest limited release. This kettle sour ale is brewed with raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, blueberries, lactose, and vanilla. You can order online or swing by the taproom to grab a 6’er.
- Address: 114 14th St S, Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Tues-Fri 3-10PM | Sat 1-10PM | Sun + Mon Closed
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
8. Starbrite Watermelon Gose @ Ghost Train
Ghost Train’s Starbrite Watermelon Gose (5.1% ABV) is basically summer in a can. Brewed with pink Himalayan salt, coriander and of course, watermelon, it’s the perfect mix of salty and sweet. Snag a six-pack in the tasting room or order it online for pickup or curbside.
- Address: 2616 3rd Ave S Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Mon-Wed 12-10PM | Fri + Sat 12PM-12AM | Sun 11AM-8PM
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. RX Needed Hazy IPA @ The Grocery Brewpub
Ahhh, the RX Needed Hazy IPA—a customer favorite at The Grocery Brewpub. If you’re looking for an easy beer to sip on and a fun atmosphere to enjoy, you’ll want to head to Homewood this weekend. Additionally, The Grocery Brewpub serves food and often has live music. Follow them on social to see what they have lined up.
- Address: 2823 Central Ave, Suite 107, Homewood, AL
- Hours: Mon-Wed 3-10PM | Thurs 3PM-12AM | Fri 2PM-12AM | Sat 12PM-12AM | Sun 12-10PM
- Instagram | Facebook
10. Martin Denny Complex Imperial Sour Ale @ Trim Tab
Trim Tab’s latest from their rotational Beach Club series is the “Martin Denny Complex” Imperial Sour Ale (7.5% ABV), a celebration of piano player and composer, Martin Denny, aka the “father of exotica.” All of the beers in this series are tiki and cocktail-inspired imperial sour ales, and they rotate monthly. This one is crafted with peach, passionfruit and vanilla, and available in 4-pack pints.
P.S. Keep your eye out for another Beach Club release coming Monday, Aug. 10 called Open Sails, a citrusy imperial sour inspired by the Hemingway cocktail.
11. Sacre Bru Saison @ True Story Brewing Co.
If you haven’t checked out True Story Brewing’s Sacre Bru Saison (6.8% ABV), there’s no better time than now. This traditional Belgian style farmhouse ale is easy to sip on and perfect for summer. While you’re there, make sure to try their iconic pickle sandwich—trust us, it’s good.
- Address: 5510 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL
- Hours: Tues-Fri 11AM-11PM | Sat-Sun 12-11PM | Mon Closed
Win a $200 gift card to The Pig
Feeling thirsty yet? Head to our Instagram right now and enter to win a $200 gift card to The Pig! Not only does The Pig stock produce from local farmers, but they also have a huge local beer selection so you can try these summer brews on your own time.
Have favorite summer brew of your own? Share it with us on social at @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.
