Why Mississippi Wasn't a Craft Beer State, Until Now

Mississippi's relaxed brewing regulations are fostering craft brew growth in the state and beer sales elsewhere around the country.

In 2012, Mississippi was home to one craft brewery. Today, the state counts 10, with several more forthcoming. Compared to the overwhelming number of craft breweries proliferating across the country, the "hospitality state" of Mississippi has, until recently, been stifled by archaic laws that have prevented residents from partaking in the domestic craft beer revolution. But, the money to be made in craft beer is causing states to reconsider how brews affect their bottom line.

As one of Mississippi’s craft beer pioneers, Simmons has also been able to make meaningful partnerships with restaurateurs and chefs who are fellow beer lovers, like Jesse Houston of the notable Jackson restaurant, Saltine.

Houston has loved good beer since his Le Cordon Bleu days in Austin, Texas, which is why moving to Mississippi in 2010 with its limiting beer laws was initially disheartening. "When I got to Mississippi, I was pumped to see a ton of beers I hadn't had before, but after sampling my way through them, was quickly disappointed," Houston says. "With the exception of a few stars—I drank the heck out of Lazy Magnolia Indian Summer when I first moved here—I was overall let down, and I switched my attention away from beer and onto craft cocktails."

However, after the ABV increase, Houston was able to get creative with the beers he offers at Saltine, including a "Saltine Stout"—a proprietary imperial oyster stout for the restaurant made by Lucky Town using gulf oysters and saltine crackers.

Full Article at Eater.com