Fairhope Brewing Company has released a new small-batch beer inspired by the Underhill Family Orchestra, the latest release in the brewery’s ongoing series that pairs local musical acts with custom brews created in their honor.
The beer, called Stories of Appalachia Porter, is a smoked porter brewed to reflect the sound and spirit of the eclectic Alabama band. Fans can expect a dark, roasty beer with a distinct Beechwood smoke flavor running through it, a nod to the band’s rootsy, Appalachian-tinged style.
The release continues a collaboration series that Fairhope Brewing Company started to celebrate musicians with ties to the Gulf Coast music scene. The brewery’s first release in the series was Lil’ Poison Brown Ale, created in honor of singer-songwriter Grayson Capps. Underhill Family Orchestra’s namesake beer marks the second installment, and brewery staff say the band’s own enthusiasm for craft beer made the pairing a natural fit.
Underhill Family Orchestra built a following across the region in 2014, including a standout performance at that year’s Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores that drew praise as one of the highlights of the weekend. The band’s blend of folk, bluegrass and rock influences has made it a fixture at venues and festivals across South Alabama.
Because Stories of Appalachia Porter was brewed in a small, limited batch of just 10 gallons, supply is expected to be extremely limited. Fairhope Brewing Company has encouraged fans of the band, and of craft beer in general, to visit the taproom soon if they want to try it before it runs out.
The collaboration reflects a broader trend among craft breweries along the Gulf Coast, where taprooms have increasingly leaned on local music and community partnerships to draw crowds and build loyalty among regulars. For Fairhope Brewing Company, pairing a beer release with a live performance gives fans two reasons to turn out on the same night, tying a taste of local craft brewing to a taste of the local music scene.