What a great day August 1, 2012 was for the great state of Alabama.  Craft beer from breweries that have never been offered in the state were readily available at places like Piggly Wiggly, J.Clyde, Whole Foods, and Neighborhood Hops & Vine.  People lined up to have the chance to be the first to buy some of these beers at midnight at stores in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile.

Some of the new breweries that came to Alabama because of the Gourmet Bottle Bill going into effect were Jester King, Stillwater, and Clown Shoes among others.  There was even a beer that Russian River collaborated on with Sierra Nevada called Brux.  Russian River in Alabama!  Truly unbelievable.  Old favorites like Terrapin and Rogue also sent a lot of beer that had never been available in the state before and those guys who have been around for a while should not be forgotten.  They brew so many great beers that are only available in bombers and it’s about time they were offered here as well.

Some of our local favorites like Cahaba Brewing, Blue Pants, and Straight to Ale all had some offerings in 22oz bottles which flew off the shelves as quickly as they were taken out of their boxes.

Many thanks to the members of Free the Hops for their diligence in working to get this bill passed and allowing Alabama to move one step closer to being one of the best craft beer states in the USA!

August 12th at the J.Clyde will be Bomber Day sponsored by the Piggly Wiggly.  For $18 you will get to sample a lot of these great new beers with all proceeds benefiting Free the Hops.  I hope to see you there.  You can buy tickets at the local Birmingham Piggly Wigglys and at the J.Clyde.  This event is close to selling out and you don’t want to miss it.

Cheers!