Jackson Free Press

Back in the days of bootlegging moonshine, the town of Kiln became known as the bootleg capital of Mississippi. Given its secluded location and proximity to the Gulf Coast, it was the perfect site for distributing illicit libation made around the state. Even though alcohol is no longer illegal, in most counties at least, the reputation that Kiln acquired during prohibition lives on to this day.

This reputation is the main reason the founders of Lazy Magnolia decided to establish a brewery in Kiln. Founded in September, 2003, in what used to be a warehouse, Lazy Magnolia is Mississippi's first craft brewery. Many are unaware that there is a deep heritage of brewing in the South, especially since moonshine is created by the same process as beer. Coupled with the wonderful food that is such a prominent feature in Southern culture, Lazy Magnolia fits into the landscape perfectly.

Lazy Magnolia is not a brew pub, nor is it a distributor. All of their efforts are focused on one thing: great-tasting beer that is uniquely Mississippi. Until recently, Lazy Magnolia was only available in South Mississippi. Luckily, the good folks at Capital Beverages are set to expand distribution into the Metro Jackson area within the next few weeks. While individual retailers have yet to be determined, one could expect it to be available at McDade's.

At the moment, Lazy Magnolia brews four standard varieties that are available year round along with five seasonal beers. Standards include Southern Pecan, Amberjaque, Blue Heron and Par 3. Seasonal beers, such as Gulf Porter, Jefferson Stout, Harvest Moon and Lighthouse Pale Ale, round out the varied taste of Lazy Magnolia.

Lazy Magnolia describes Southern Pecan as "The original Pecan Nut Brown Ale." Brewed with toasted Southern Mississippi pecans (the best pecans in the world, I might add), Southern Pecan pours a copper brown color with a slightly foamy head. The rich taste has a malty sweetness, and the finish is smooth and mild. This beer is absolutely delicious and is one of the best nut brown ales I have ever tasted. The perfect meal to go with this choice ale would be barbecue pork ribs, slow baked beans with molasses and a slice of homemade pecan pie.

The cleverly named Amberjaque is Lazy Magnolia's light amber ale. Made with pale rye and caramel malts, it pours a nice amber color with a tan head and foam lacing. Amberjaque has a lighter body than most other ambers, but it is quite refreshing with sweet, approachable malty flavors. Sharp cheeses, such as blue and cheddar, grilled seafood or baked chicken would all taste great with this beer.

Blue Heron is a classic wheat beer, brewed in the Crystal Weissen tradition. Although it is darker than most beers in this category, it pours a nice golden brown color with a slight head and effervescent body. With its sweet banana and clove undertones, it goes perfectly with a slice of orange or lemon. As for food, it would pair best with tangy cheeses such as feta, edam or gruyere, crabmeat salad or grilled chicken with a mustard tarragon sauce.

Par 3 is also a wheat beer, but it is American Style which makes it much lighter and crisper than Blue Heron. It has a sparkling golden color with a minimal head and light body. The taste is very refreshing, with slight malt and rye flavors that finish nicely. Marketed as "perfect for outside work or play," this beer is meant for lighter fare such as salads, jerk chicken or plantains.

Lazy Magnolia's seasonal beers are even more adventurous than their standard offerings. The darker colored Gulf Porter, with its hoppy taste, and the hearty Jefferson Stout are by far the most exotic beers of the lot. Harvest Moon is a pumpkin-flavored, dry-hopped fall seasonal, while the Lighthouse Pale Ale is Lazy Magnolia's warm-weather beer. They even make a non-alcoholic Hard Cranberry Ginger Ale, also a perfect choice for a hot summer day.

Luckily, the brewery only sustained relatively minor damage during Hurricane Katrina, with production interrupted only for a six-week period. Now that operations are back to normal, tours are encouraged. For more information, contact Lazy Magnolia at 228-467-2727. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for Mississippi's homegrown brew.

Previous Comments

ID

84500

Comment

YES YES YES, i talked to them a couple weeks ago and they were hush hush as to where it would be carried. I don't know if it will be at mcdade's though i don't think they bottle it.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2006-02-23T09:40:31-06:00

ID

84501

Comment

I hope it's at McDade's. That's become the Beer Stop for good beer.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T10:07:38-06:00

ID

84502

Comment

Danke, JFP! Thanks for this article and thanks listening to your readers!

Author

millhouse

Date

2006-02-23T16:47:58-06:00

ID

84503

Comment

Hey, you asked for it. We aim to please. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T17:07:52-06:00

ID

84504

Comment

If we asked for a JFP beer tasting party how far would we get?

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2006-02-23T17:21:02-06:00

ID

84505

Comment

it could be like a ticket thing, 20 bucks, shuttle, all the lazy magnolia you can drink? Be a good way to get the word about MS beer out, along with lots of loud MS beer belching.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2006-02-23T17:23:53-06:00

ID

84506

Comment

I think that's a great idea. Feel free to share more ideas here, or in e-mail.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T18:15:02-06:00

ID

84507

Comment

I am not going to get all proprietary i think that would be awesome. one thing to consider can't have it at hal and mal's they would probably get all proprietary.(micro vs micro) Speaking of which they need to get those taps working again WTF?

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2006-02-24T09:37:41-06:00

ID

84508

Comment

FYI, Lazy Magnolia won TWO bronze medals at this year's World Beer Cup in Seattle. Quite a huge accomplishment considering they've only been selling beer for a year and they were going against the largest field in the WBC's history. Knock 'em out, LM! Y'all make some great beer.

Author

millhouse

Date

2006-05-22T18:17:15-06:00