Ohio Golf Journal 2018 Winter Travel Issue

With the proliferation of micro-breweries in the United States, Alabama has taken the craft beer fascination to a whole new level. Alabama already boasts one of the most recognizable golf tours for Golfaholics, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Of course, what goes better with golf than beer? Everyone knows that golf is just another reason for aficionados of the golden nectar to consume it outdoors. Given the thousands of golfers that flock to the RTJ Golf Trail each year, it was only natural for a host of breweries to open their doors and provide the very best in beer production and variety. According to the Brewers Association, Alabama breweries now produce over 60,000 barrels of craft beer annually and are the fastest growing producer of beer in the nation. The North Alabama Craft Beer Trail ( www.northalabama.org ) includes 12 different breweries in the northern portion of the state alone. Featuring beers to soothe every taste bud from the Amber Ale and Chocolate Oatmeal Porter at the Blue Pants Brewery in Madison, to the Yellowhammer Brewery, in Huntsville, featuring brews with a Belgian and German tradition. Or perhaps you may prefer the Salty Nut Brewery’s Moustache Red, Dahkness South or Nom Nom Porter, all enjoyed in their renovated taproom in Huntsville, featuring recovered wood and tin from an old Kentucky tobacco barn. Nothing goes better with a tasty beer thansomespicybarbeque. How about enjoying Dr. BBQ’s delicious fare, while sampling the 12 taps at Mad Malts Brewing. Downtown Gadsen is home of the Back Forty Beer Company, with choices named, Truck Stop Honey Brown and Freckle Belly India Pale. Their ingredients are all locally sourced. If the previously mentioned don’t offer sufficient variety, you can check out Goat Island Brewing, Cross-Eyed Owl, Bluewater, Singin’ River, Main Channel, Rocket Republic, or Straight to Ale brewing companies. Matter of fact, who needs golf, it would take valuable time from tasting more beers. Man does not live by golf alone and Alabama’s Craft Beer Trail provides the perfect off-the-course respite for golfers winding their way along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. If you consider yourself a Beer Connoisseur, you must try the Alabama Craft Beer Trail. Alabama’s Craft Beer Trail Fits Perfectlywith Gol f By: Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal