Good People

Legally brewed since 2008.  That's what it says on the can.  The story goes back to the Prohibition era, when many states -- such as Alabama -- passed laws prohibiting the brewing of alcoholic beverages in one's home, along with laws prohibiting the production of beverages with alcohol contents over a very low threshold.  If someone were to brew a beer, like an India Pale Ale with an ABV of 7.1%, that person would be violating not one, but two laws.  Laws that carried fines and prison time as punishment. 

However, Alabama is no different than any other state when it comes to craft beer.  There are people who want more than the High Life. They would prefer that it is Imperial.  In 2008, craft beer lovers were able to get the Prohibition era laws repealed, opening the way for craft brewers to begin brewing anything from a session beer to a Russian imperial stout.  This set the stage for Good People to emerge.

Good People sold its first keg on July 4, 2008.  Since then, the brewers have developed an offering that includes a pale ale, brown ale, an India Pale Ale, a double IPA, and a stout.  Recently, my beautiful Angel's father brought a six pack of the IPA for us to enjoy during our family vacation. 

The brewers at Good People produce the IPA with 2-Row malts and 5 specialty grains, along with 5 different types of hops.  The hops are Columbus, Willamette, Cascade, Simcoe and Citra.  Add a Californian ale yeast, and the end result of the brewing process is a beer with a hazy, golden color and a strong, thick foam.  The five hops make their presence known in the aroma and taste of the beer.  Citrus notes, such as grapefruit and tangerine, are in the nose of this beer.  Some malt notes can be detected in the background, but the aroma is hop driven.  As is the taste.  When I first tried this beer, I could easily detect the citrusy notes of grapefruit and lemon.  However, I also sensed a sweetness in the beer, which could have been the result of the grains used in the malt.  As I drank the beer, the hop-centric elements of the flavor became much more prominent and that sweetness faded into memory.

Good People beers are available in Alabama and have a limited distribution.  If you are lucky enough to have someone who can get his (or her) hands on a six pack of the IPA, it is definitely worth it. 

ENJOY!