Despite the claims of many on social media, 2016 was actually a pretty good year…when it comes to Alabama beer.

Not only did several new brewpubs, breweries and bottle shops come on board, craft breweries were finally able to sell its product on site to go. Of course, that was not without its own set of controversies, but at least it was progress.

Over the last couple of weeks we ran a survey asking for your input on the Best of Alabama Beer for 2016. The results are in, and we’re excited to share them with you.

An unfortunate side note… We required a Google login on our survey in an effort to combat people voting multiple times. Unfortunately, some folks are just determined to get around these things. Where we were almost certain votes were manipulated we threw those votes out and reported results without that data.

Best Alabama IPA

Big Beach Brewing Hundred Daze IPA Avondale Warning Shot

Note: Good People Brewing’s Snakehandler IPA actually got the most votes. But this was for the best NEW IPA, which Snakehandler was not. However, it’s definitely tasty.

Best Alabama Wild/Sour Ale

Note: “None” or “We’re not there yet” garnered a lot of votes as well. While Alabama’s sour/wild programs are developing, it seems as though there are still better days to come. However, all three of the above are great beers. Also, shout out to the write in vote for “My dad’s illegal brew.” We’ll be up there to sample that shortly.

Best Alabama Stout/Imperial Stout

Fairhope Brewing Company Kingslayer Big Beach Brewing Better Watch Out Stout

Note: Again, like the IPA vote, Good People’s El Gordo was the hands down winner here. But it was not a new release and was not eligible.

Best NEW Alabama Brewery/Brewpub

Big Beach Brewing Green Bus Brewing

Props to Big Beach and their fans, who definitely worked hard to make their names known on this survey! Also, a shout out to the voter who put down Founders Brewing in this category.

Best Alabama Beer Fest

The “Hey, nice try” award goes to the voter who wrote in Bud Light for every category.

Best Alabama Brewery

Good People Brewing Straight to Ale Fairhope Brewing

Best Alabama Brewpub

Best Alabama Beer Bar

Best Alabama Bottle Shop

Apparently, we need to get to Tuscaloosa more. The Target in that city got one vote.

Best Alabama Craft Beer Radio Show That Broadcasts Every Saturday at 1:00 PM on WEKI/WTKI and is Also Available Streaming and On-Demand

Totally Beer Guys Radio Beer Guys Radio Beer Guys Radio

So maybe we rigged that one a little bit. Still, it’s been an awesome year, and thank you for being part of it! Have a great New Year’s celebration, and don’t forget to DRINK LOCAL. Cheers!