By JOEY LEE • Photography by AUSTIN BRITT
Clarksdale’s new brew hub is serving up bold, locally inspired brews that are drawing in curious travelers and thirsty locals alike
Located in a historic building in downtown Clarksdale, Red Panther Brewing Co. fermented from a simple yet powerful vision: to create a gathering place that celebrates the unique essence of the Mississippi Delta. Ann Williams and Chuck Rutledge founded the brewery, inspired by an unlikely source—a magazine article about what makes small rural communities thrive.
“We read about how successful small towns share certain characteristics,” Ann explained. “And surprisingly, a local craft brewery was one of them.” This, along with constant questions from travelers about local beer, inspired them to create a brewery that would serve exceptional brews and act as a community hub.
Williams recalled, “Travelers come here from all over the world and ask what our local beer is.”
The name Red Panther is a tribute to the Delta’s heritage. Clarksdale is in Coahoma County, a name that comes from the Choctaw words “kowi homma,” translating to Red Panther.
This connection to some of the Delta’s original residents is central to the brewery’s identity. As Head Brewer Amos Harvey emphasized, “An important part of Red Panther is where our name came from; it’s important to us to help people learn about those who came before us and had the land before us.”
Harvey is a Mississippi native with a background as eclectic as it is impressive. In his twenties, Harvey’s passion led him from Water Valley to Boise, Idaho, where he cut his teeth at the Bighorn Brewing Company.
His path then meandered to Abita Springs with Abita Brewing Company and saw him managing tours for bands like LCD Soundsystem and TV On The Radio. But the call of brewing was relentless, and he returned to the hops. After helping establish Yalobusha Brewing in Water Valley, Harvey was tapped to lead Red Panther’s brewing operations.
Their beer lineup is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Their flagship brews, the Delta Kölsch and Clarksd’Ale, have quickly gained fame among beer lovers. The Delta Kölsch, a German-style ale, is light, crisp, and perfect for our sultry Delta afternoons. The Clarksd’Ale, an extra pale ale, offers a balanced bitterness with aromatic hops, making it a favorite among hop enthusiasts.
The taproom serves as a playground for experimentation with a one-barrel pilot system, allowing Harvey and his team to flex their creative brewing muscles, crafting unique offerings like the juicy Elani Haze Hazy IPA, a distinctive Black Rice Lager and variations like Lemon and Blueberry Kölsch.
Harvey’s globetrotting has heavily influenced his brewing philosophy. He noted, “In my travels and touring all over the world, I’ve come across really great beers. …. The styles that speak to me, I remember, research, and try to make my own.”
If you want to bring your kids to the taproom, or you’re the designated driver, Red Panther offers homemade ginger and root beers. Harvey shared, “I’ve been told the root beer is world-class by more than one person.” These non-alcoholic options ensure that everyone feels welcome, regardless of their beverage preference.
The Red Panther taproom reflects Clarksdale’s soul—unpretentious, warm, and inviting. It has a cozy living room setup, complete with couches and chairs and a jukebox boasting the best of New Orleans and Memphis R&B and blues. It’s a space that allows visitors to relax and stay awhile. The adjoining courtyard, adorned with seasonal plants from Williams’s other business, Collective Seed, offers an outdoor experience that’s hard to beat.
The taproom isn’t just about beer; it’s about community engagement. Plans include hosting weekend food trucks, trivia nights, brewery yoga sessions, and live music events. Ann envisions it as a gathering place, “I love this community, and my favorite thing about the brewery is the opportunity it presents to bring people together.”
Since brewing its first batch in April 2023, Red Panther has been on an upward trajectory. Their beers are now distributed in seventy to eighty bars and restaurants across North Mississippi, with plans to expand further. You can even find their two signature beers in cans in select retail outlets.
As they continue to grow, the commitment to honoring Mississippi’s people and land remains unwavering. Whether sourcing local ingredients or creating brews that tell a story, Red Panther Brewing Co. is more than a brewery—it’s a testament to Clarksdale’s rich tapestry and a beacon for its bright future.
That magazine article about thriving small towns needing great local breweries? Nailed it. Clarksdale’s future is looking bright. Stop by the taproom, and you’ll see Red Panther’s not just serving great beer; it’s serving up a taste of what makes this Delta town special, with plenty more good things brewing on the horizon.
