Tonight I went to Kroger with no idea what sort of beer I would try, because Kroger doesn’t always have the best selection. (I was in a hurry though, and was going to have to be happy with what they had). This particular Kroger had more than I expected (this one even had Brooklyn Brewery’s Lager) and I ended up picking up Lazy Magnolia’s Southern Pecan, an English-style brown ale brewed with whole pecans.
About the brewery
Founded in September of 2003, Lazy Magnolia is Mississippi’s first brewery offering locally brewed beer to Mississippians and visitors to our state at all of their favorite restaurants. Located in the Bootleg capital of Mississippi, we break with tradition by offering legal brew to our customers!
Lazy Magnolia is dedicated to providing the best possible products through our tireless efforts, our superior motivation, and our Southern heritage. We offer our customers a line of refreshing beverages, made in true Southern Style, complementing the traditions of the South and remaining true to Southern tastes.
About the beer (according to the brewery)
Southern Pecan, the Original Pecan Nut Brown Ale, is the first beer in the world made with whole, roasted pecans. Using a careful balance of the finest malts, aromatic hops and roasted pecans, Southern Pecan is delightfully smooth and warm, with a nutty sweetness that accentuates a delightful depth of flavor.
The Pour
This beer pours to a deep amber/amber brown color with a definite coppery appearance. The head that develops on this beer is about two fingers thick and a beautiful tan color. The head dissipates fairly quickly and the beer itself seems quite clear.
The Nose
The nose is far milder than I expected with this beer. I expected a nasal assault of pecan, but was greeted instead by subtly sweet nutty notes and buttery hints, layered atop a malty foundation.
The Taste
This beer had a heavier body than I expected. For some reason I expected it to be a pretty light bodied brew. The beer is also smoother, sweeter and tastier than I expected. It has a slightly oily and syrupy, buttery mouthfeel, but it is not at all overdone. The overall effect of the mouthfeel is a pleasant one. The flavors of this beer are mostly as subtle as they appear in the nose. Slightly sweet pecan nuttiness and some buttery notes make themselves known, and as the beer warms, a bite of real pecan flavor develops on the finish. The buttery mouthfeel and nutty flavor linger long after the finish.
Overall
In a nutshell (sorry, I couldn’t resist!), this is a very unique and tasty beer. I wouldn’t say this is a session beer, despite its 4.5% ABV, because the mouthfeel and flavor are so buttery and unique. This is definitely a beer to appreciate, though.
Recommended
Definitely…this is very unique and quite tasty. With its buttery and nutty notes, this is like the chardonnay of the beer world. I wouldn’t say this is a beer to have all the time though…more an occasional treat.
Price: $8.99/6-pack
ABV: 4.5%
