A New Birmingham Brew with a Purpose
Get ready, Birmingham beer lovers! Alabama Beer Co. has officially arrived, and you know where to find it—Piggly Wiggly Birmingham.
Founded in 2024, this Birmingham-based brewery has already made waves with its flagship brew, Alabama Light Lager – a clean, crisp, and affordable beer that’s quickly becoming a local favorite. But Alabama Beer Co. isn’t just about great-tasting lagers – it’s also about giving back to the community and protecting Alabama’s natural resources. Let’s dive into what makes this new brewery a standout in the Alabama craft beer scene. Please note: You must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. Drink responsibly.
Born and Brewed: The Alabama Beer Co. Story
Alabama Beer Co. was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to create an easy-drinking, everyday lager that Alabamians could proudly call their own. CEO Stephen Gann, along with partners Michael Clarke and Shannon Clarke, launched the company in 2024 with a vision to reflect the spirit of Alabama – straightforward, affordable, and brewed right at home. Operating downtown on 2nd Ave in Birmingham, the brewery focuses on perfecting light lager styles that appeal to a broad audience.
Gann’s inspiration was to create a local beer that could become as iconic in Alabama as Lone Star is in Texas or Rainier in the Pacific Northwest. As a native Alabamian, Gann wanted to build a brand that not only delivers great-tasting beer but also contributes positively to the community. That’s why, from day one, Alabama Beer Co. embedded environmental stewardship into its mission – a commitment that continues to grow alongside its product lineup.
The Flagship: Alabama Light Lager
At the heart of Alabama Beer Co.’s lineup is its first and only release (for now) – Alabama Light Lager. This American light lager is brewed with just three ingredients: hops, barley, and Alabama’s pristine water – that’s it! With no additives or fillers, the result is a crisp, clean, and easy-drinking lager that’s perfect for everything from tailgates to backyard BBQs.
Why It’s a Standout:
- 4.2% ABV – Light and sessionable, making it ideal for any occasion.
- Formats: Available in 12 oz “Moon Maiden” cans (12-packs) and 16 oz “Alabama Tallboy” cans (4-packs), each featuring unique, Alabama folklore-inspired artwork designed by Shannon Clarke.
- Moon Maiden Cans: Depict a mythical guardian of Alabama’s waterways, emphasizing the brewery’s commitment to conservation.
- Alabama Tallboy Cans: Feature a Bigfoot-like figure watching over the land, representing stewardship of Alabama’s natural beauty.
Alabama Light Lager debuted on draft in select bars and restaurants across Alabama in November 2024, followed by the release of cans in December 2024. Since then, the beer has been gaining popularity and earning positive reviews for its crisp taste and local pride.
Save Water. Drink Beer: A Brand with a Mission
Alabama Beer Co.’s tagline, “Save Water. Drink Beer.”, isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s a core part of the company’s identity. Every can of Alabama Light sold contributes to protecting Alabama’s rivers and waterways through the brewery’s DRIFT Fund (Defending River Integrity For Tomorrow).
How It Works:
- A Portion of Every Sale Goes to the DRIFT Fund, supporting organizations working to preserve and protect Alabama’s 132,000 miles of rivers and streams.
- Partnerships with Local Environmental Groups – The DRIFT Fund is administered in partnership with the Alabama Rivers Alliance and supported by groups like Waterkeepers Alabama and the Alabama Scenic River Trail. These organizations use the fund to provide rapid-response grants for environmental challenges affecting Alabama’s waterways.
As of early 2025, the DRIFT Fund had already raised over $8,500 for Alabama’s environmental protection efforts – and that number continues to grow with every Alabama Light enjoyed.
Community Connection: Events, Sponsorships & Local Love
Alabama Beer Co. isn’t just about making great beer – it’s about building a community. Since its launch, the brewery has been actively involved in local events, sponsorships, and collaborations that bring people together and celebrate Alabama’s vibrant culture.
- Sponsorships & Events: Alabama Beer Co. has teamed up with local venues like Saturn Birmingham for the Saturn Annual Pass, which offers access to shows and events throughout the year. These community-driven efforts not only boost brand visibility but also reinforce the company’s commitment to supporting local businesses and culture.
- Local Partnerships: Alabama Beer Co.’s beer can be found at bars and restaurants across Birmingham, including fan favorites like The Collins Bar, which proudly featured Alabama Light shortly after its launch.
Statewide Availability: Where to Find Alabama Light
One of the key strengths of Alabama Beer Co. is its wide availability across the state. Thanks to a partnership with AlaBev, Alabama Light Lager can be found in bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and package stores throughout Alabama. The brewery has made it a priority to ensure that Alabama Light is accessible to as many people as possible, with the goal of becoming Alabama’s go-to light lager.
Where to Look:
- Piggly Wiggly Birmingham: As part of its commitment to supporting local brands, The Pig Bham proudly stocks Alabama Light Lager in its award-winning beer section.
- Bars & Restaurants: Check out your favorite local watering holes – Alabama Light is popping up on draft lists across the state..
Early Reviews: What Customers Are Saying
Customer response to Alabama Light Lager has been overwhelmingly positive. On Untappd, a popular beer rating platform, Alabama Light holds an average rating of 3.7 out of 5, which is impressive for a light lager style. Drinkers praise its clean, refreshing taste and appreciate that they can support Alabama’s rivers while enjoying a cold one. Local bars and restaurants have also embraced the beer, with venues like The Collins Bar proudly showcasing it in their lineup.
What’s Next for Alabama Beer Co.?
While Alabama Light Lager is currently the only beer in the brewery’s lineup, the team at Alabama Beer Co. has hinted at plans to expand its offerings in the future. As the brand grows and solidifies its place in the Alabama craft beer scene, beer lovers can look forward to more styles and seasonal releases that stay true to the company’s mission of simplicity, affordability, and community impact.
Why Alabama Beer Co. Stands Out
In a crowded craft beer market, Alabama Beer Co. differentiates itself in several key ways:
- A True Local Lager: Brewed in Huntsville, Alabama Light Lager offers a homegrown alternative to big domestic brands.
- Affordability with Quality: Priced competitively with national brands, Alabama Light provides a quality, affordable option for everyday beer drinkers.
- Conservation with Every Can: Through the DRIFT Fund, every purchase supports Alabama’s environment, giving consumers a chance to do good while enjoying a cold beer.
- Eye-Catching, Story-Driven Design: The Moon Maiden and Alabama Tallboy can designs not only look great but also tell a story about Alabama’s natural heritage.
Drink Local, Give Back: Alabama Beer Co. is Here to Stay
With its commitment to quality, affordability, and community impact, Alabama Beer Co. is quickly becoming a beloved name in Alabama’s beer scene. Whether you’re raising a can at a BBQ, cheering on the Tide, or just relaxing after a long day, Alabama Light Lager offers a crisp, clean taste that’s made right here in Birmingham – and every sip helps protect Alabama’s rivers. So next time you’re in the beer aisle or at your favorite bar, choose Alabama Light and join the movement to “Save Water. Drink Beer.” Cheers to Alabama’s newest brew and the good it’s doing for our great state!
