Tap Handle #207: Back Forty - Kudzu Porter Gas Pump

This is an awesome tap and extremely rare. I love the idea of an old gas pump covered in creeping Kudzu vines. The details and colors, along with the matte finish, when combined with the rarity, make this a top tap.

Back Forty Beer Company was founded in 2007 in Birmingham, Alabama, by Jason Wilson and Zach Folmar. They were originally inspired with the idea of Back Forty Beer Company in 2003 while visiting family in the small ski town of Crested Butte, CO. While dining out one evening, the two men struck up a conversation with the Master Brewer at the town’s local brewpub. In 2007, after years of developing the concept, the duo enlisted the services of Montgomery, Alabama resident Jamie Ray as Brewmaster for the operation.  Ray had over twenty years of experience in the brewing profession, including several medals at the Great American Beer Festival.

In 2009, a deal was reached with the Alabama Budweiser network for statewide distribution of Back Forty’s products. This resulted in the creation of Alabama’s only craft brewery with distribution throughout the state. After several months were spent obtaining licenses and permits, Back Forty Beer Company offered its first public samples of Naked Pig Pale Ale at the Magic City Brewfest in Birmingham, AL.  This date was also significant, as it was the first time that craft beer that exceeded 6% alcohol was allowed to be sold in Alabama. Due to an Alabama law that prohibits breweries from selling beers on-site for consumption, Back Forty was originally contract brewed by the Lazy Magnolia Brewery in Mississippi. However, they managed to grow so quickly that they were forced to move their operations to their larger current location in Gadsden, at the former site of a Sears Roebuck appliance service center, where they now brew their own beer, which includes 4 varieties.

Kudzu Porter is blended with roasted malts and hops, with hints of chocolate, smoke, and citrus. Recommended food pairings are lamb, pork, and desserts. Weighted average on ratebeer.com is 3.27 out of 5.

Back Forty Official Website