FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2024
For More Information: Kelly Marshall | [email protected] | 205-540-7385
Alabama Beer Company Launches New Local Beer with a Special Fund to Protect Alabama’s Waterways
Alabama LIGHT launches December 2024, along with the new DRIFT Fund Program
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Alabama Beer Company, the newest name in local brewing, is excited to announce the release of Alabama LIGHT and the launch of its DRIFT program (Defending River Integrity For Tomorrow), a unique collaborative initiative dedicated to supporting water conservation efforts across the state.
Alabama Beer Co. will be available statewide in December, in partnership with Alabev, offering a locally produced beer that connects Alabamians with their communities and the state’s natural beauty. Founded by Stephen Gann, Alabama Beer Company was born from a desire to create a beer for the people of Alabama—just as iconic beers in other regions have become part of their local identity. “I wanted to make a beer that reflects the spirit of Alabama, something simple, affordable, and made right here at home,” said Gann. “Alabama LIGHT is a tribute to this state and all the people who call it home.”
In addition to creating great beer, Alabama Beer Company is passionate about protecting the state’s waterways. Through the DRIFT Fund program, Alabama Beer Company will donate a portion of every beer sold to the fund supporting urgent water conservation efforts. The DRIFT Fund is a partnership between Alabama Beer Company and Alabama’s active river protection movement and is administered by the Alabama Rivers Alliance. The Fund has been created to support emergency grants to organizations working to maintain and restore Alabama’s rivers, lakes, bays and watersheds.
“The quality of the beer we produce is rooted in the quality of the water we use,” Gann said. “We wanted to take that connection a step further by supporting efforts to ensure Alabama’s waterways remain clean and healthy for generations to come. Our DRIFT program helps organizations address urgent needs in their communities by providing rapid funding when unexpected challenges arise.”
“For years, we’ve dreamed of blending two of Alabama’s best things—clean water and amazing local beer—to create a grant program that supports our partners in times of urgent need,” said Cindy Lowry, executive director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance. “Thanks to the passion and support of Alabama Beer Company, that dream is now a reality! We’re thrilled to see this partnership make a real impact for Alabama’s 132,000 miles of rivers and streams and the people and wildlife that call them home.”
Taking the connection between clean water and great beer a step further, the beer’s distinctive branding and design, created by award-winning digital artist Shannon Clarke, incorporates symbols from Alabama’s folklore and environment. The design features two mythical protectors: the Moon Maiden on the 12 oz can, who safeguards the state’s waterways, and the Bigfoot creature called the “Alabama Tallboy” on the 16 oz can, who watches over the land. These characters embody Alabama’s deep connection to its natural resources and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
About the DRIFT Fund
The DRIFT Fund has been established to provide emergency or rapid funding for organizations working to protect Alabama’s waterways. Funded by a portion of sales from Alabama LIGHT, the DRIFT Fund is designed to assist organizations facing unexpected challenges that require quick financial support. The Fund is administered by the Alabama Rivers Alliance and supported by a grants committee that includes Alabama Scenic River Trail, Alabama Cup Races and Waterkeepers Alabama.
The DRIFT Fund’s goal is to provide financial relief to groups involved in projects, campaigns, or unplanned or unbudgeted activities. This includes addressing unforeseen pollution problems, urgent water safety issues, or community organizing around environmental threats. Funding applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, with the Committee striving to approve grants within one month of receiving the request.
The Fund will support various needs, including:
- Water testing after pollution spills or newly identified contamination issues.
- Organizing efforts against unexpected industrial or environmental threats, such as water pollution permits or harmful projects.
- Water Watch testing kits for newly trained monitors or for replenishing supplies for long-time monitors whose funding has fallen through.
- Water safety initiatives including signage, hazardous obstacle removal or improvements to water access points.
- Outreach or fundraising events to support conservation efforts, including new events or events where previous funding sources have yet to be received
- Program expansion or funding for new staff members to increase an organization’s impact.
To find Alabama LIGHT Beer near you, or to apply for the DRIFT Fund, please visit www.AlabamaRivers.org/DRIFT.
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Additional information, including images, available upon request
About Alabama Beer Company
Alabama Beer Company is a Birmingham-based beer company dedicated to producing quality beers at everyday affordable prices. Founded in 2024, the brewery’s mission goes beyond brewing great beer; it is committed to safeguarding Alabama’s waterways through the DRIFT program—a partnership with local environmental organizations to support water conservation efforts statewide. For more information, click here.
About Alabama Cup Races
The Alabama Cup Races, founded in 1982, are comprised of the Mulberry Fork Canoe & Kayak Races, the longest running slalom race in the US., and the Locust Fork Invitational, The races are managed and promoted by the Alabama Cup Racing Association (ACRA). Each race is managed by a committee of individuals drawn from state paddling organizations, conservation groups, your average everyday paddlers, and others in the community willing to volunteer for these exciting events. For more information, click here.
About Alabama Rivers Alliance
Alabama Rivers Alliance is a statewide network of groups working to protect and restore all of Alabama’s water resources through building partnerships, empowering citizens, and advocating for sound water policy and its enforcement. For more information, click here.
About Alabama Scenic River Trail
The mission of Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) is to enhance community development in areas of recreation and tourism with an emphasis on opportunities throughout more than 6,000 miles of rivers and streams with the longest historic water trail in the United States. ASRT encourages and promotes safety and education to all levels of the public that utilize Alabama’s waterways as a gateway for camping, fishing, and recreation. For more information, click here.
About Waterkeepers Alabama
Waterkeepers Alabama, a Regional Entity of Waterkeeper Alliance, launched in 2018 to further connect and support Waterkeeper organizations on waterways that flow through and across Alabama. For more information, click here.