Friends in Low Places
Lower Alabama’s emerging craft beer industry has joined forces to raise awareness and funds for the Alabama Coastal Foundation with the first-ever beer collaboration to come from coastal Alabama — a New England style IPA aptly names Friends in Low Places.
The idea for the collaboration came from Fairhope Brewing Co., the oldest brewery currently in operation in the Mobile Bay area.
"For a long time, Alabama was behind the curve in the craft beer industry,” says Fairhope Brewing Company’s managing partner, Brian Kane. “But that is changing. The last two years have seen tremendous growth and we want to see that momentum continue.”
In an effort to spotlight the quality products coming out of the area and to give back to the community that’s been so supportive of the industry, Fairhope Brewing reached out to all of the operating breweries in coastal Alabama (and those slated to be in operation by the end of the year) to see if there would be interest in a collaboration project. Big Beach, Braided River, Iron Hand, Old Majestic and Serda Brewing all eagerly jumped at the opportunity.
“Clean water is arguably the most important ingredient used to make great beer,” said Jim Foley, managing partner of Fairhope Brewing Company. “The Alabama Coastal Foundation does great things to protect our coastline and watersheds on both sides of the Mobile Bay. It was a perfect fit for the project and we’re proud to have them as the beneficiaries of the collaboration.”
Brewers from the participating breweries discussed recipe ideas over email and then came together in late August to brew the collaboration. Hops from all over the world were used throughout the fermentation process to create the New England-style India Pale Ale resulting in a brew that is more juicy than bitter.
Beer lovers (and coastal protection advocates) got their first taste at the launch party, September 26, 2019, at the Bluegill Restaurant. The event featured live music, door prizes from all of the participating breweries, and of course, the first official pours of Friends in Low Places.
Craft beer drinkers can now find the beer on tap and in limited edition 16 oz. cans throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties. For a list of distribution locations and more information on the Alabama Coastal Foundation and participating breweries visits acf.com.
Big Beach Brewing, Braided River, Fairhope Brewing Company, Iron Hand Brewing, Old Majestic Brewing Company, and Serda Brewing are all independently owned and operated and members of the Independent Craft Brewer’s Association.
About the Alabama Coastal Foundation— The Alabama Coastal Foundation's mission is to improve and protect Alabama’s coastal environment through cooperation, education and participation. The organization pursues practical solutions to conservation challenges using an inclusive environmental stewardship approach. To learn more about our programs, become a member, or volunteer, please visit: www.joinACF.org