What began as conversations between friends who share a love for Lake Martin has become a new beer inspired by one of Alabama’s most beloved destinations. Lake Martin Light was created to capture the easygoing spirit of life on the water and the strong sense of community that keeps people coming back year after year.
That sense of community is what inspired Lake Martin Light, a new extra-light lager created through a partnership between SoulGrown founder, Ellis Terry, SoulGrown owner, Paul Shashy, Lake Martin Life founder Michael Bird, and the expertise of the brewing team at Cahaba Brewing Company.
For Terry, Shashy, and Bird, the project is personal. Their shared love of Lake Martin—and the friendships and traditions that have grown around it—inspired them to create a beer that feels right at home on the water.

(Lake Martin Light/Contributed)
At 3.5% ABV, Lake Martin Light was designed for long afternoons on the lake, sunset cruises, dockside gatherings, and easy weekends spent with family and friends. While many beers in the light lager category can sacrifice flavor in pursuit of a lower alcohol content, Lake Martin Light was crafted with high-quality ingredients that give it a richer, more balanced flavor profile while remaining crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink.
The beer is ultimately a reflection of what makes Lake Martin special. Beyond its nearly 900 miles of shoreline and 40,000 acres of water, the lake has built a culture all its own—one centered on community. From beloved marinas and waterfront restaurants to annual traditions and generations of families returning season after season, Lake Martin has a unique way of bringing people together.
Whether it’s pulling up to a favorite dockside restaurant after a day on the water, gathering with neighbors for a holiday weekend, or spending an afternoon with lifelong friends, the lake creates connections that extend far beyond the shoreline. That sense of belonging is what Lake Martin Light aims to capture.
Lake Martin Light will be available exclusively around the lake at select local destinations, including Chuck’s Marina and Niffer’s Place Lake Martin.
More than just a new beer, Lake Martin Light is a celebration of a place that holds a special place in the hearts of so many Alabamians. It’s a toast to lake days, summer traditions, lifelong friendships, and the community that keeps people coming back to Lake Martin year after year.
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