Back Forty Beer Company’s name is inspired by an old agricultural term referring to the 40 acres of land situated furthest from the barn. The back 40 acres are historically the most challenging land to maintain and are often overlooked due to their remote location. Likewise, Alabama is widely seen as the wasteland for craft beer in America. With mass produced light beer being the drink of choice for many Southerners, the craft beer market here has been largely ignored.
However, if you dig a little deeper into the story of the back 40 you will see that because the soil is rarely used, it’s very fertile and is actually capable of producing a tremendous yield. And just like the farm, the Deep South’s craft beer culture is fertile and primed for harvest.
THE BEER: Back Forty Kudzu Porter
This medium-bodied Porter is brewed with a unique blend of roasted malts and fresh hops. Chocolate, smoky notes are abundant throughout and the citrus aroma provides a refreshing twist to this old world beer style. Careful, it will grow on you!
TASTING NOTES: from Craft Beer Advent Calendar
Today’s porter has a softer nose with a very nice hoppiness enhancing its malt aromas. The flavour is roasty, nutty and chocolatey. Back Forty is the first beer from Alabama to come north of the border. If you enjoyed it, pick up some Naked Pig Pale Ale or some Freckle Belly IPA, both by Back Forty and available in western Canada. And if it’s more porter you’re after, look for Renaissance Elemental Porter (from New Zealand), which rates a 99 on RateBeer.com, at your favourite liquor store.
REVIEW: 4/5 from Untappd
It’s a straight ahead porter. Nothing fancy, or overpowering, it’s just a dark glass of beer. Nice and comfortable.
Dad. Broadcaster. Writer.
Three time Guinness World Record Holder.
I run the world for Team Diabetes.