If you’re chasing the roots of Alabama craft beer, start in Gadsden. Back Forty Beer Company helped put the state on the craft map with approachable, Southern-inspired beers and a welcoming taproom that plays up local farms, food, and community. This spotlight walks you through what to drink, what it’s like to visit, where to eat, and how to make the most of a stop at this pioneering brewery.
Quick Snapshot
- Brewery Name: Back Forty Beer Company (Gadsden)
- Location: 200 N 6th St, Gadsden, AL 35901
- Website / Contact: https://backfortybeer.com/
- Signature Beer: Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale (flagship)
- Vibe in 3 Words: Southern, friendly, farm-driven
The Beer
What They’re Known For
Back Forty earned statewide love by brewing beers that feel right at home at a fish fry, tailgate, or backyard cookout. Their lineup leans “farm-to-Southern,” meaning flavors and names nod to local ingredients, regional dishes, and everyday Alabama life. You’ll find clean lagers, easygoing ales, and a few hop-forward choices that stay balanced and food-friendly.
Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale is the calling card. Brewed with wildflower honey, it layers toasty malt with soft caramel and a floral hint from the honey. The result is smooth, medium-bodied, and highly drinkable. It’s a perfect introduction to craft beer for newcomers and a reliable classic for longtime fans.
Beyond the flagship, look for crisp pilsners and lagers, American wheats with citrus zip, and approachable IPAs that don’t overwhelm. Seasonal releases keep the board fresh—think lighter beers for hot months, malt-forward seasonals as temperatures drop, and occasional specialty projects inspired by regional produce.
Unique Brewing Styles and Approaches
- Farm-to-Southern sensibility: Recipes often highlight local ingredients or Southern culinary cues—honey, stone fruit, and herbs show up in rotating beers.
- Balanced, approachable profiles: Bitterness sits in check; malt and yeast character lead with clarity.
- Flagship focus with room to roam: Back Forty keeps core beers consistent while giving the brewhouse room for small-batch experiments and taproom-only pours.
This isn’t a place that chases trends for trend’s sake. Instead, expect well-built beers that pair with food, travel well in cans, and welcome a wide audience.
Recommended Must-Try Beers
- Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale: Start here for a baseline of Back Forty’s style—smooth, toasty, lightly floral.
- A crisp lager or pilsner: Ideal for Alabama heat and lake days; ask what’s pouring.
- The house IPA: Expect citrus-forward hops, moderate bitterness, and a clean finish.
- A seasonal or taproom-only small batch: If a fruited wheat, honey-kissed ale, or dark seasonal is on, add a 5-oz pour.
Flights and Samplers
Flights are typically available and make sense for first-timers. Build yours like this: flagship Brown Ale, lager or pils, IPA, and a seasonal. You’ll taste the range from malt to hop, light to dark, and get a feel for the brewery’s balance-first philosophy.
Atmosphere & Experience
The Taproom
Set in Gadsden’s historic core, the taproom blends industrial bones with warm, Southern touches. You’ll find polished concrete, wood accents, fermentation tanks in view, and a layout that makes it easy to gather with friends or settle into a booth for a long chat. The space feels open and bright, and the energy rises on weekends when locals and road-trippers mix.
An outdoor patio offers fresh air when the weather’s right. Expect relaxed music levels, staff who know their beer, and a steady hum of conversation. It’s photogenic without being precious—this is a working brewery and a community living room.
Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly
Back Forty leans community-first. Families are welcome during the day and early evening. Leashed dogs are often welcome on the patio; check posted policies and be mindful during busy hours and events.
Events and Happenings
You’ll see a rotating slate of community events:
- Trivia nights and themed parties
- Live music and local maker pop-ups
- Game-day watch parties and charity events
- Seasonal releases and tap takeovers
Follow the brewery’s social channels or event calendar to time your visit for live music or a new beer drop.
Vibe: Local Hangout vs. Destination
It’s both. For Gadsden locals, it’s a weekly staple. For Alabama beer tourists, it’s a foundational stop—one of the state’s early craft torchbearers that still delivers. The crowd ranges from first-time beer drinkers to seasoned craft fans, which keeps the bar conversation lively and inclusive.
Food & Pairings
Food Options
Back Forty’s kitchen focuses on Southern-forward comfort that respects the region’s farms. Expect burgers, smoked or grilled items, hearty salads, shareable appetizers, and seasonal specials that nod to what’s fresh. When the kitchen is closed or during special events, food trucks may rotate in. Either way, you won’t struggle to find a plate that plays well with your pint.
If you’re planning a visit around lunch or dinner, check the website for current kitchen hours and the latest menu.
Best Beer + Food Pairings
- Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale + fried chicken or hot honey wings: The beer’s malt and honey soothe heat and complement crisp, salty crust.
- Lager or Pils + Gulf shrimp po’boy: Bright, clean carbonation slices through fried seafood and remoulade.
- American Wheat + citrus-dressed salad or fish tacos: Wheat softness and citrus lift match fresh herbs and lime.
- IPA + smoked pork sandwich: Moderate bitterness and citrus hops stand up to smoke, fat, and tangy sauce.
- Dark seasonal (porter or stout) + chocolate brownie: Roasty malt and cocoa meet for a rich finish.
Local Collaborations
True to the farm-to-Southern ethos, Back Forty has a history of working with local producers and vendors for menu items and special events. Ask your beertender about current collabs—anything from honey partners to seasonal produce features can shape the draft list or the kitchen board.
Logistics & Practical Tips
Getting There and Parking
- Address: 200 N 6th St, Gadsden, AL 35901
- Website: https://backfortybeer.com/
- Parking: Expect on-site lot space and street parking nearby. Weekends and event nights can fill fast; arrive a bit early to park and settle in.
- Walkability: The location is convenient to downtown Gadsden attractions and the Coosa River area, making it easy to pair with a stroll or nearby shops.
Tours and Reservations
Casual visits don’t require reservations—walk in, pick a table, and order at the bar. For groups, private events, or tours, check the website and contact the team ahead of time. Production tours may be limited or event-based; planning early helps.
To-Go Beer
- Cans: Core beers and seasonals are usually available cold to-go.
- Crowlers/Growlers: Availability varies by beer; some specialty taps may be draft-only.
If you’re traveling, bring a cooler—heat and hops are not friends, and you’ll want your Truck Stop Honey to arrive home in top shape.
Merch Highlights
Back Forty’s merch leans practical and Southern-casual:
- Soft tees and hoodies with classic branding
- Caps for sunny patio sessions
- Glassware and stickers for your home bar
Merch tends to rotate with new labels and seasonal art—worth a look while you wait for your flight.
Local Flavor
Why Back Forty Stands Out
Back Forty helped jump-start Alabama’s craft beer movement by proving that local, balanced beer could win over a broad audience. Their farm-to-Southern sensibility shows up in recipe choices, food pairings, and community events, all anchored by a flagship that has real staying power. It’s a brewery that reflects its place: friendly, rooted, and built for sharing.
Nearby Attractions and Crawl Ideas
- Coosa River and waterfront parks: Pair a flight with a scenic walk or picnic.
- Downtown Gadsden shops and galleries: Browse, then circle back for a pint.
- Day-trip potential: If you’re touring Alabama beer, Gadsden sits within a manageable drive of other North and Central Alabama breweries—build a route and make Back Forty your lunch or dinner anchor.
Ask the Staff
“What’s the beer locals order when they don’t see it on the menu?” Beertenders often have the scoop on a taproom-only small batch, a fresh keg just tapped, or a limited seasonal that’s moving fast. If there’s a honey-forward variant, fruited wheat, or pilot IPA on, that’s a smart pick.
Traveler’s Notes
Why Craft Beer Tourists Should Visit
Back Forty offers a clean snapshot of Alabama craft culture: approachable, food-friendly beers made with care, a taproom that welcomes everyone, and a kitchen that respects local farms and flavors. It’s also a living piece of the state’s beer history—one of the early pioneers that helped change minds and laws by showing how quality and community go hand in hand.
Best Time to Go
- Weekend afternoons for patio weather and a lively crowd
- Weeknights for an easy-going pace and time to chat with staff
- Event nights for live music, themed menus, and new release energy
Seasonally, spring and fall are prime for patio sessions. Summer brings crisp lager cravings and busy nights. Winter shifts the board toward maltier seasonals and a cozy taproom feel.
My Recommendation
Start with a flight anchored by Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale, then add a lager, the house IPA, and a seasonal. Order a plate that suits your picks—fried chicken, a burger, or shrimp—and pay attention to how the beers lift each dish. If you find a taproom-only small batch you love, grab a 4-pack or crowler to-go. Leave room in the cooler; you’ll want extras for the drive.
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit
Back Forty Beer Company in Gadsden proves that simplicity and place still matter in craft beer. The flagship Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale sets the tone—balanced, flavorful, and built to share—while the broader lineup stays crisp, seasonal, and food-ready. With a friendly taproom, farm-forward kitchen, and deep roots in Alabama’s craft story, it’s a stop that belongs on every beer lover’s map.
Next steps:
- Check hours, events, and the current menu at backfortybeer.com.
- Plot parking or rideshare and arrive early on busy nights.
- Build a flight, order something Southern from the kitchen, and settle in.
