Walking into the campus of the University of Mississippi with a cooler in tow awaits a tailgating experience of renowned acclaim - the Grove. Sitting in the middle of campus is a 10-acre oak forest that is the canvas for the nation’s crown jewel of tailgating.Here in the vast landscape of tents and toddies, initiates autumn’s unmistakable crisp air and College Football season. Fried chicken, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, and deviled eggs are Southern staples that must be accompanied by libations as Bloody Marys, mimosas, bourbon, and definitely some mixed brew.
So what brew to drink? Typically, before visiting a town that I’ll be staying in for a few days I will search online for unique restaurants (dine.com) and local breweries or brewpubs (beeradvocate.com/beerfly). I planed ahead and bought a few mixed 6-packs at Miller’s Liquor and some seasonal brew at Spec’s. This allowed those who wanted beer at the game to sample something different but enjoyable - leaving room for local beer if any could be found.
The void in the cooler was filled with a local brewery, Lazy Magnolia that makes an amazing ‘Southern Pecan’ Brown Ale. Also, in the mix was a darker seasonal brew, ‘Autumn Ale’ created by Breckenridge Brewing Company. Darker ales are perfect companions to the brisk fall days that have changed from the blonde ales of summer to heartier and deeper brews like porters and brown ales.
My top picks for local brew to add to your next tailgate cooler:
Austin - Real Ale, Live Oak (growlers), Independence
Baton Rouge- Abita
College Station - Southern Star
Dallas/Ft.Worth - Rahr & Sons
Houston - Saint Arnold’s
Lubbock - Triple J Chophouse (growlers)
Beaumont - Gulf Coast Brewing Co. (soon!)
In addition to local brews try these fall picks: Abita’s ‘Pecan Harvest’, Paulaner Oktoberfest—Märzen’, Dogfish Head ‘Punkin', Rogue Chocolate Stout
Beaumont was represented well at the Grove and many stayed to watch the Ole Miss & University of South Carolina game on pay-per-view and listen to the live band that was playing at the tent. Although Ole Miss lost the football game - the party still continued till the evening. Christy & Mike Persia III conduct impeccable entertaining, helping to remind all that the Grove is first-and-foremost a haven to let loose and enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family. Cheers!
Southern Pecan Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company
Kiln, Mississippi
LazyMagnolia.com
Pours medium to pale caramel color with garnet highlights and displays a tan crown that dissipates quickly. Pleasantly sweet aroma of roasted nuttiness and a soft fruitiness. Rustic bread crust, roasted pecans, maple syrup, and light caramel along with balanced hop bitterness help round out the flavor profile. Not much carbonation and a medium bodied mouthfeel. An outstanding ale that is amazingly drinkable. When in Oxford, Mississippi, head to Murff’s and get a pint of this brew with a Muff Burger and fried egg.
Appearance: 3
Smell: 4
Taste: 4
Mouthfeel: 3.5
Drinkability: 4.5
Overall = 3.8
Style: English/American Style Brown Ale
Alcohol By Volume : 4.02%
Availability : Year Round
Sample Size: 12oz. brown bottle
Pairings: Cheese: Camebert, Fontina
Cuisine: BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Glassware: Pint glass
Price: $7.99 six-pack
Autumn Ale Breckenridge Brewing & BBQ
Denver, Colorado
Breckbrew.com
Deep dark brown that is translucent to opaque with ruby highlights that holds a tan ecru head then sticks around with sticky lacing. Nose is molasses and chocolate malt with a subtle nuttiness. Taste is a bit complex of toasted almonds and dark fruits like sugar plums and raisins which yields an alcohol warmth and low carbonation perfect for cozy, crisp evenings. I suggest this brew as a digestif - don’t let this beer be the only one for the evening as it is not sessional, leaving lackluster and wanting to quaff something less heavy.
Appearance: 3.5
Smell: 3.5
Taste: 4
Mouthfeel: 3.5
Drinkability: 2.5
Overall = 3.6
Style: Old Ale
Alcohol By Volume : 6.70%
Availability : Fall Seasonal
Sample Size: 12 oz. brown bottle
Pairings: Cheese: Gouda, Havarti
Cuisine: Digestif
Glassware: Pint Glass or Snifter
Price: $7.99 six pack
