Trim Tab Brewing

Going 0 for 5 at the brew competition did cast a dark cloud over the weekend in Birmingham, but let's not forget a silver lining to the trip, a visit to Trim Tab Brewing. This place was great. The hulking bar was made solid wood that looked sturdy enough for the hardiest of drinkers, but at the same time refined, with a nice mahogany stained finish. The other seats and areas in the spacious tap room gave a modernist feel with sleek subtle lines. The industrial white brick walls were adorned with unique paintings. A very different feel than the bar like qualities of most tap rooms. We were welcomed to the Trim Tab, ahem, "Tasting Gallery." Oh, pardon. We settled into our bar stools, and perused the beer bill of fare with our shirts slightly puffed out. Then our swanky noses in the air were dialed down, when the bartender informed, that the "Tasting Gallery" space was designed to give local artists a venue to display their work. "Oh, that explains it," I thought, "Now I get it, Cool." We checked out the beers on tap again. Right away, I was sold on the "Nitro Nilbog," a traditional Barleywine served on nitro. The sinfully seductive dark reddish-brown hues, sweet maltiness, and smooth creamy head did not fail to satisfy all the way to the last drop. Next up was a cask conditioned Rye Brown Ale. Yes! I was in maltmouth heaven. As we praised the good artisans that brewed these wonderful elixirs, we were graciously offered an impromptu tour of the facilities. Amazing, this place could do no wrong. They took us through the looking glass, and showed and told us all we wanted to know from start-up to now. I was amazed by their set-up. They even had a refurbished Airstream trailer in the back for those late night brew sessions. I thought about how Frank and Andy Brewing has progressed through the start up phase, as we gawked at their fermentors, and I could visualize many parallels. Yes, I've pictured giant stainless steel vats, but ideas, concepts, and execution. I looked around Trim Tab, and felt little bit in a crystal ball for Frank and Andy. Of course not exactly, but maybe similar execution, similar style, similar vibe. Great beer, great place.