Meet Eat Jackson’s Beer of the Month: Freckle Belly India Pale Ale from Back Forty Beer Company in Gadsden, Alabama, distributed locally by Southern Beverage Co. And according to the handsomely designed packaging on this Deep South brew, our Beer of the Month is nothing short of “liquid folk art.”
We couldn’t help but wonder why, so we bellied up the bar to see what all the fuss was about. And now we can say with some authority: this is an interesting and enjoyable beer that pairs really well with a variety of foods, making it yet another reason that the craft beer craze in the Deep South isn’t going to slow down anytime soon.
Freckle Belly pours a burnt copper orange or dark amber color with an off-white head. The smell definitely says citrus first, but you’ll also pick up a grassy pine scent, and enjoy the malty aroma. Back Forty calls Freckle Belly a full-bodied IPA. We think it’s well-balanced, considering the brew has an alcohol by volume of 7.5%; in our opinion, especially when paired with some bold foods, the strong hops do not overwhelm the palate, regardless of where you fall on the “love of hops” scale. However, if you are a hops lover, this beer is for you!
Food Pairings for Freckle Belly IPA
We recommend pairing Freckle Belly IPA with spicy foods like Mexican, Thai, or Indian… or try it with a big, bold hamburger topped with some gorgonzola cheese for a really great, savory pairing – we’re thinking maybe the Butter Burger at Mint the Restaurant might just do the trick as well. You won’t be disappointed.
Who knew you could brew folk art in a bottle? Awesome!
Where to Find Freckle Belly IPA in the Jackson Metro area
Southern Beverage Co.* told us that Freckle Belly IPA is available at all local McDade’s Market locations (both 12 oz bottles and 22 oz. bombers), Hops & Habanas in Madison, Babalu Tacos & Tapas in Fondren, Julep Restaurant & Bar in Jackson (22 oz bombers), Mint the Restaurant in Ridgeland (22 oz. bombers), Georgia Blue in Madison and Scrooge’s in North Jackson.
Eat Jackson’s Beer of the Month sponsored by Southern Beverage Company
*Editor’s Note: Southern Beverage Co. is a Culinary Patron of Eat Jackson, and as part of their sponsorship, they help us identify great new craft brews to spotlight each month. The opinions and commentary on the beer are our honest assessments and are not the opinions of Southern Beverage Co – and have not been pre-approved by them. But we really appreciate their support of great local food and drink in the Jackson metro, so head on over to their Facebook Page and leave a comment letting them know we appreciate them!
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Haven’t tried it yet but live trying new beers!!
Citrus followed by “grassy” actually sounds like a refreshing mix, express orally with a 7.5%. Where can I get one?
One of my fav beers on the market!!
After reading this article today and realizing that a Georgia Blue is opening here in Flowood soon, my husband and I decided to try out the one in Madison.The food was excellent!! We aagreed the tamales are the best we’ve had anywhere. I had the sliders (3 dif varieties of their burgers) with onion rings…excellent!! My husband really enjoyed the ribeye!! We brought lots of leftovers home. I ordered the Freckle Belly and we did NOT like it!! (very strong pine taste).Our waiter, who was very good, graciouly took it back, and I liked the Andygator.We definitely plan to visit the Flowood Georgia Blue when it opens in about 2 weeks!!
ive had them all and enjoyed them!!
A good cold Freckle Belly sounds delicious!
Can’t wait to try this
I need to add this to my list of craft beers to try. Delicious!
Wonder would this pair well with crawfish? Guess I know what I’m doing this weekend!!
love the Back Forty beer names. I’m partial to Truck Stop Honey
Truck stop honey is my favorite back 40 so far, but I haven’t tried freckle belly .. . Yet!