Well, my friends, let me be frank here: Lazy Magnolia Timber Beast Rye IPA is the strongest beer I’ve ever had from the state of Mississippi. Not that I’ve had that many beers from Mississippi, of course. All the Mississippi beers I’ve ever tasted have come from the Lazy Magnolia brewery, with good reason. Lazy Magnolia, founded in 2003, was the first brewery to open in the state since Prohibition.

When it comes to beer, Mississippi has always been behind the times. It was one of the last states to legalize brewpubs, and to “pop the cap” on alcohol content to make it legal to sell beer stronger than 5% alcohol by volume. The latter only occurred in 2012, and unbelievably, homebrewing beer is still illegal in the state as I type, though that changes as of July 1^st 2013. Curiously, it is legal to make your own wine.

When I took my first sip of Timber Beast, it seemed that all those years of pent up frustration over not being able to brew a good strong ale were released by the fine folks at Lazy Magnolia. This delicious double/imperial rye IPA came roaring right out with flavor. The beer’s alcohol content reflects my thesis, too, at a formidable 9% by volume.

From the label:

Timber Beast is the first in Lazy Magnolia’s Back Porch series. A spicy, full bodied Imperial Rye Pale Ale balanced with a generous dose of Zythos hops. Retreat to the Back Porch and be a little Lazy. Big cheers Y’all!

Lazy Magnolia Timber Beast pours to a beautiful orange amber color with a thick creamy head of rocky foam and a spicy resin and citrus hop nose. Taking a sip, I get a chewy caramel malt body up front quickly followed up by a very resiny and slightly citric hop aroma and flavor. I feared the rye might be lost, but if you try a bit you can find it in all its spicy glory somewhere beneath the hops. Just a bit mind you, but it’s there. In the finish, this one becomes mouth-puckeringly bitter, almost incredibly so. One of the best such beers I’ve ever tasted.

I would certainly buy this delightful beer again, though I wish it were sold in six-packs rather than 4 for the $9.99 price. A half star off for that, but otherwise an exceptional brew.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

(G)=Growler

 

Home