“Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.” –Arnold Schwarzenegger

As the Running Man himself once said, “Grown ups love beer.” Especially in a hot Alabama summer, nothing refreshes quite like it. Now the biggest thing to hit Alabama’s shelves since high gravity beers arrived on August 1, large containers also called “bombers” have arrived, bringing with them many beers from your favorite breweries that might be unavailable in smaller sizes. These beers are often some of the most fun and funky craft beers, and those in the know will surely be tantalizing their taste buds this weekend with full-on flavor.

From right here in the south we have local Alabama breweries debuting bomber bottles this week. Blue Pants Brewery in Madison is debuting a Highwater Hoppy Tripel and also bringing to the market its popular Slip Rose Strawberry Saison. Huntsville’s Straight to Ale, a runaway star of Birmingham’s Magic City Brewfest, is joining the big bottle party with a unique offering called Verner’s Wheatwine. Wheatwines are American strong ales, which have a softer flavor than their more popular cousin, Barleywine. From our neighbors in Georgia, Terrapin will make their bomber debut with Big Daddy Vlady Russian Imperial Stout, as well as their Phlux Capacitor Strong Ale and TomFoolery Black Saison, the latter of which is made with rye and dark malts making a spicy slightly molasses like beer. Rounding out some of the big southern names is Abita with an Abbey Ale and their 25th Anniversary Ale. For the latter think Turbodog with bigger flavors and vanilla bean.

The Big Boys of Craft are getting into it to as well. Samuel Adams is bringing in some very unique offerings you may have tried at Brewfest, like Tasman Red a quirky IPA and Dark Depths an evolved English porter. Alongside your favorite Samuel Adams in large sizes, Norse Legend is also coming. This a rare Sahti style beer that has origins in Scandinavia. Gin lovers rejoice and run to find this juniper-infused brew with gusto. Rogue ales are widely regarded around the country but their best beers are only available in bomber bottles. Look for the popular chocolate and double chocolate stouts, as well as a double version of the Dead Guy ale. Iron Chef fans will rejoice as Chef Morimoto’s Rogue Ales, such as the Imperial Pilsner, will be available in beautiful ceramic flip top bottles.  The Chatoe Series will be some of my first purchases, look out for Single Malt and Dirtoir Black Lager. Other big names in craft like the Boulevard Smokestack Series, The Shipyard 4x IPA and Smashed Blueberry will appear as well, with the much-requested Highland Mocha Stout showing up later this month. 

Yours truly is particularly jazzed about Clown Shoes beers coming to town, with odd names like Tramp Stamp, a malty, hoppy, Belgian IPA with notes of orange, Pecan Pie Porter, something you can’t help but drool over if you’re a southerner. Eagle Claw Fist, a kung fu kick of bitter Hops and sweet malt, and Lubrication, a balanced black ale that that oils you instead of your car. I can’t leave out my favorite, the Vampire Slayer. This big Smoked Imperial Ale doesn’t sparkle, it explodes evildoers with hickory and ash smoked malts, centennial hops and holy water.

Many new imports will be arriving in cork-topped finery along with your favorite mass market offerings. Though initially they may not be at your local grocer. For best results check on stores like Piggly Wiggly, Western, and independent package stores. A trip to Birmingham may be necessary at first, but if you’re interested in these beers ask your local grocer or purveyor of good brew to start carrying these products. Whatever you do enjoy them responsibly, savor the unique flavors of cool kooky beers with friends and family. Many of these brews are limited releases, so keep your eyes op