Mississippi went decades without a brewery. Then Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company fired up its kettles in 2005, becoming the first brewery in the state since Prohibition and opening the door for a new era of Southern craft beer. From their home in Kiln, they built a loyal following with Southern Pecan—a nut brown ale brewed with whole roasted pecans—and a portfolio that celebrates Gulf Coast flavors, hospitality, and easygoing good times. This spotlight covers what to drink, how to plan your visit, what to eat, and why Lazy Magnolia matters for the South’s beer scene.
- Address: 7030 Roscoe Turner Rd, Kiln, MS 39556
- Website: https://www.lazymagnolia.com/
What You’ll Learn
- Why Lazy Magnolia’s “first since Prohibition” milestone changed beer in Mississippi
- What makes Southern Pecan a flagship worth seeking out
- How their lineup blends Southern ingredients with classic styles
- Taproom vibe, food options, and local add-ons to round out your visit
- Practical planning tips for tours, to-go beer, and best times to stop in
Mississippi’s Modern Beer Beginning
For most of the 20th century, Mississippi drinkers didn’t have a home-state brewery. Lazy Magnolia changed that. Launching in 2005 required navigating restrictive laws, proving demand for locally made beer, and building distribution almost from scratch. That early push set a template other Mississippi breweries could follow.
Why that matters:
- Policy and precedent: A successful production model helped demonstrate that breweries could operate responsibly, attract visitors, and support local jobs—key for modernizing state rules over time.
- Local flavor as identity: Rather than mimic trends from elsewhere, Lazy Magnolia leaned into regional ingredients—pecans, sweet potato, and Gulf Coast accents—to build a beer voice that tastes like the South.
- Regional ripple effects: As the brewery grew, it showed retailers and restaurants that Mississippi beer belonged on menus. That momentum helped craft a statewide ecosystem of taprooms, festivals, and beer tourism.
Bottom line: Lazy Magnolia didn’t just open a brewery; it reopened a chapter of Mississippi culture that had been closed for generations.
The Flagship: Why Southern Pecan Works
Southern Pecan is a nut brown ale brewed with whole roasted pecans. It reads as a love letter to Mississippi’s state nut and a masterclass in balance.
What to notice:
- Aroma: toasted pecan, light caramel, and gentle cocoa
- Palate: smooth, medium body with nutty depth; sweetness stays restrained
- Finish: clean, slightly dry exit that invites another sip
Why it’s special:
- Real nuts, real nuance: Whole roasted pecans add subtle oil and toasted character without turning the beer heavy.
- Food-friendly structure: The nutty malt profile pairs well with salt, char, herbs, and a little spice—perfect for Southern cooking.
- Approachability: It’s flavorful but not dense, making it a reliable “bridge beer” for macro drinkers and a comfort pour for craft fans.
Pairing ideas:
- Fried chicken or Gulf shrimp po’boys (nutty malt meets salt and crunch)
- BBQ pulled pork or smoked turkey (caramel and pecan echo smoke and sauce)
- Pecan pie or pralines (like-with-like pairing—sweetness stays in check)
Serving tip: Pour at 45–50°F to unlock the pecan and caramel notes without muting carbonation.
Beyond the Flagship: A Southern-Tuned Lineup
Lazy Magnolia rounds out the board with beers that fit the region’s climate, cuisine, and pace—crisp for hot days, bright for seafood, and sturdy when you want comfort.
Crisp and Light: Lagers and Blonde Ales
Expect bright clarity, sturdy foam, and a snappy finish. These are your calibrators before richer pours or spicy plates.
- Taste notes: fresh grain, light herbal or floral hops, clean finish
- Pair with: oysters, boiled Gulf shrimp, fish and chips, farmhouse salads
Why it matters: Technical lagers reveal a disciplined brewhouse and give you a perfect reset between bigger flavors.
Pale Ales and IPAs: Aroma First, Clean Finish
Hop-forward options typically emphasize citrus, pine, and occasional tropical notes on lean malt frames. Bitterness refreshes but doesn’t scrape—key when pairing with salty or spicy Southern plates.
- Pair with: hot chicken, blackened catfish tacos, pepperoni pizza, Cajun fries
- Tip: Ask what’s freshest—hop aroma peaks when cans and kegs are new and kept cold.
Wheat Beers and Fruited Specials: Lift and Refreshment
You’ll find wheat-driven beers and seasonal fruited releases that favor zest and refreshment. Fruit reads natural rather than candy-sweet, with lively carbonation and a dry finish.
- Pair with: crab dip, lemony greens, goat cheese salads, key lime pie
Dark Ales and Seasonal Comforts
Expect porters, stouts, and amber-leaning seasonals with cocoa, coffee, and toasted malt—built for cooler weather or dessert pairings, but still balanced for a second round.
- Pair with: smoked brisket, blue cheese burgers, chocolate brownies
How Lazy Magnolia Brews: Balance, Place, and Freshness
- Ingredient intent: Whole roasted pecans and regional accents aren’t gimmicks—they’re integrated for flavor and identity.
- Fermentation control: Healthy yeast and tight temperature management keep profiles clean so nutty malt, hop aroma, and delicate fruit notes shine.
- Lean grists and attenuation: Drier finishes raise drinkability, keep food pairings lively, and help Mississippi heat feel manageable with a pint in hand.
- Freshness culture: Busy tap lines, refrigerated storage, and clear packaging dates protect hop oils and carbonation snap.
Result: Beers that feel expressive yet easygoing, with finishes tuned for Southern hospitality—linger, chat, order another.
Taproom Atmosphere: Gulf Coast Welcome in Kiln
The taproom at 7030 Roscoe Turner Rd captures what people love about Southern gatherings: room to relax, friendly staff, and a pace that fits a sunny afternoon.
What it feels like:
- Vibe: Laid-back and neighborly—families, road-trippers, and regulars mix easily
- Service: Approachable and informed; staff translate “nutty and smooth,” “citrusy and dry,” or “light and crisp” into the right pour
- Seating: Bar rails for solo tasters, communal tables for groups, and seasonal outdoor space when the weather cooperates
- Programming: Live music, markets, and community fundraisers appear on the calendar—check the website for event days
Family and dog notes: Policies can vary by season and area. Consult the website for the latest guidance on minors and pets.
Food: Pairing-Ready Plates, Southern-Style
Depending on the day, you’ll find in-house offerings or rotating food partners. Expect the menu to play to beer’s strengths: salt, char, herbs, citrus, and a touch of heat.
Smart matches:
- Lager/Blonde + oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, or a fried fish basket: Carbonation and hop snap tidy up brine and fry oil.
- Southern Pecan + fried chicken sandwich, BBQ pulled pork, or roasted sweet potatoes: Nutty malt and caramel notes hug savory and smoke.
- Pale/IPA + hot chicken or blackened seafood: Citrus-pine hops balance fat and spice.
- Wheat/Fruited + crab cakes or goat cheese salad: Zest and bubbles lift herbs and richness.
- Porter/Stout + chocolate chess pie or smoked ribs: Cocoa and roast meet sweet and savory.
Pro tip: Salt amplifies bitterness. If your plate leans salty (boiled peanuts, seasoned fries, smoked meats), grab a lager, wheat, or Southern Pecan before your firmest-bitter IPA.
Build a Smart Flight
Taste clean to bold to catch the details:
1) Lager or Blonde (calibrate clarity, foam, and snap)
2) Wheat or Kölsch-style (light fruit/spice, crisp finish)
3) Southern Pecan (flagship—note toasted nut, caramel, and dry landing)
4) Pale Ale or IPA (compare bitterness and aroma density)
5) Seasonal Dark or Fruited Specialty (contrast with cocoa depth or bright acidity)
Flight tips:
- Reset with water and a few sips of a crisp beer between aromatic pours.
- Side-by-side: If two hop-forward beers share a base but change hop varieties, taste back-to-back to feel each hop’s fingerprint.
Local Flavor: Make It a Gulf Coast Day
Kiln sits within easy striking distance of coastal towns, casinos, and seafood markets—perfect add-ons to your brewery visit.
Ideas to round out your trip:
- Coastal loop: Hit a Gulf beach or a local pier, then return for a lager and a basket of something fried.
- Seafood and sips: Grab fresh oysters or shrimp nearby and build pairings in the taproom if allowed; otherwise, enjoy a seafood lunch and head to Lazy Magnolia for a flight.
- Music and markets: Time your visit with a live set or a local makers’ market—check the brewery’s events page for dates.
Travel tips:
- Weekends can fill quickly—arrive early for prime tables, especially during events.
- Bring an insulated bag or cooler for to-go beer; heat dulls hop aroma and softens carbonation.
- Designate a driver if you’re planning multiple stops along the Coast.
Practical Planning
- Address: 7030 Roscoe Turner Rd, Kiln, MS 39556
- Website: https://www.lazymagnolia.com/
- Best times: Weekday afternoons for relaxed flights and staff chats; early evenings and weekends for full energy
- Tours: Availability varies—check the website or call ahead for current offerings and reservations
- To-go beer: Expect Southern Pecan, core styles, and rotating seasonals; purchase limits may apply on special releases
- Freshness check: Look for canning dates; keep hop-forward beers cold and drink them fresh
- Merch: Mississippi-forward apparel, glassware tuned to brown ales and lagers, and label-art prints for your home bar
Lazy Magnolia’s Role in the Southern Craft Scene
- First-mover credibility: Reopening the brewing chapter in Mississippi after Prohibition carried weight—policy, perception, and pride all shifted.
- A taste of place: Southern Pecan and regional ingredients gave Mississippi beer a clear identity, rather than chasing trends for trends’ sake.
- Consistency and hospitality: Clean fermentations, balanced finishes, and a welcoming taproom model built a community around the beer.
- Regional inspiration: By proving demand and quality, Lazy Magnolia helped pave the way for other breweries across the state and the broader Gulf South.
Evidence on the ground:
- Southern Pecan’s enduring presence on taps and shelves across the Southeast
- Event calendars that draw regulars and road-trippers alike
- Retailers and restaurants integrating Mississippi-made beer into their staple lineups
Sample Sessions
One-Hour “Crisp-to-Pecan” Sprint
- Start: Lager or Blonde (10–12 oz)
- Middle: Southern Pecan (note toasted nut and caramel balance)
- Close: Pale Ale or IPA (compare hop aroma and finish)
- To-go: Mixed 4-pack—one crisp, Southern Pecan, one pale/IPA, one seasonal
Easy Afternoon (90–120 Minutes)
- Begin: Lager + oysters or a fried fish basket
- Move: Southern Pecan + BBQ pulled pork or fried chicken sandwich
- Add: IPA + blackened shrimp tacos or pepperoni pizza
- Finish: Porter/Stout + chocolate dessert or pecan pralines
Conclusion: Plan Your Visit to Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company
Point your map to 7030 Roscoe Turner Rd in Kiln and check lazymagnolia.com for hours, tours, events, and current taps. Start with something crisp to calibrate, make Southern Pecan your anchor for the brewery’s voice, and add a hop-forward pour or seasonal to round out your flight. Pair your beers with seafood, BBQ, or a sweet bite, bring a cooler for to-go cans, and keep hop-forward styles cold for peak aroma. If you want a taste of how Mississippi rejoined the craft conversation—with heritage, hospitality, and a flagship that truly tastes like home—Lazy Magnolia is the place to start.
