Birmingham, AL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Brewery Tour
Birmingham, Alabama is quickly becoming a beacon for craft beer enthusiasts, boasting an impressive array of local breweries that capture the innovative spirit of the city. The Magic City's beer landscape is diverse, offering a variety of styles and atmospheres, from cozy taprooms to expansive patios suited for live music and large gatherings. Enthusiasts can enjoy everything from core beers that have become local favorites to an ever-changing lineup of specialty and seasonal brews that showcase the creativity and expertise of Birmingham's brewers.
Each brewery in Birmingham has its own unique offerings and vibe, providing both residents and visitors with an authentic taste of the local craft beer scene. The breweries are often nested in neighborhoods, which have their own distinct character and history, enhancing the beer-tasting experience. From the historic building that houses Avondale Brewing Company, with its regular major concerts and vast selection of beers to the often food truck-frequented TrimTab Brewing with its high Untappd rating, there's a venue and a brew for every palate.
Navigating the vibrant craft beer scene in Birmingham can be as much a journey through the city's culture and history as it is an exploration of flavor. The availability of a broad range of beer styles — from traditional ales and lagers to bold IPAs and experimental brews — mirrors the city's own blend of heritage and modern flair. As Birmingham continues to grow as a hub for craft brewing, it invites beer lovers from all corners to sip and savor the local pours that are putting Alabama on the map for craft beer.
History of Brewing in Birmingham
Birmingham's storied relationship with beer reflects a journey from ancient traditions through prohibition hurdles to a modern craft beer renaissance. It illustrates the city's adaptability and passion for quality brewing.
Birmingham's Brewing Origins
Birmingham, Alabama, laid its brewing foundations alongside its industrial growth. Beer was intertwined with the city's development, with initial brewing activities documented through references indicating that recipes date back to ancient civilizations, suggesting that the art of brewing traveled to Birmingham with its early settlers.
Prohibition and Its Aftereffects
Prohibition brought brewing in Birmingham to a standstill, as it did nationwide, from 1920 to 1933. The subsequent lifting of Prohibition allowed Alabama and its cities to cautiously reestablish local brewing traditions. However, strict state laws and lingering societal hesitation kept the brewing industry in Birmingham subdued for decades.
Craft Beer Renaissance
The Birmingham craft beer scene emerged vibrantly in 2011 with the opening of several breweries that has since defined the local industry. Key players include Good People Brewing Company, Avondale Brewing Co., and Cahaba Brewing Co., which opened taprooms and invigorated the community with diverse and quality beer options. The city continues to embrace and support this thriving craft beer movement, making Birmingham a notable beer destination in Alabama.
Guide to Birmingham Breweries
Birmingham's craft beer scene is rich and diverse, with an array of breweries offering unique and flavorful beers. Each brewery has its own distinctive character and range of offerings to cater to various palates.
Cahaba Brewing Co
Cahaba Brewing Co prides itself on being a staple in the Birmingham craft beer community. Known for its creative and consistent lineup, Cahaba delivers a range of styles, with a welcoming taproom space to match.
Good People Brewing Company
As one of the pioneers, Good People Brewing Company stands as an iconic destination. Their flagship brews, particularly the Snake Handler Double IPA, have garnered a loyal following.
Avondale Brewing Co
Set in a historic building, Avondale Brewing Co provides beer enthusiasts with an eclectic mix of brews in a space that doubles as an outdoor music venue, blending great tastes with cultural experiences.
TrimTab Brewing
Characteristic of their innovative spirit, TrimTab Brewing offers beers ranked highly for their quality. Their taproom is open all week, becoming a lively spot for beer aficionados.
Ghost Train Brewing Co
Ghost Train Brewing Co is newer to the scene but has quickly distinguished itself with bold flavors and a variety of offerings, setting up an inviting atmosphere for casual sippers and connoisseurs alike.
Birmingham District Brewing Company
Birmingham District Brewing Company earns its reputation through a solid selection of craft beers. Visitors can enjoy the comfortable ambiance and frequent food truck appearances.
True Story Brewing Company
True Story Brewing Company brings a narrative to every pour, connecting the community through storytelling and shared experiences over their finely brewed selections.
Back Forty Beer Company
Back Forty Beer Company couples mouthwatering food with delicious brews, making it a must-visit spot in Birmingham for a complete culinary and beer-tasting journey.
Ferus Artisan Ales
The artisans at Ferus Artisan Ales focus on small-batch and experimental brews, showcasing their creativity and passion for finely crafted beers.
Oak Mountain Brewing
For those seeking a blend of familiar and experimental beers, Oak Mountain Brewing provides a family-friendly environment to relax and enjoy their diverse beer lineup.
Monday Night Social Club
The Monday Night Social Club, an extension of Atlanta's Monday Night Brewing, brings a unique social and tasting experience to Birmingham, focusing on community and exceptional craft beers.
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Birmingham, AL, offers an array of brewery tours and tastings that cater to craft beer enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the local beer scene through expert-led expeditions or carve their own path on self-guided brewery trails.
Guided Tours
Birmingham Brew Tours offer an immersive experience for those looking to explore the city's breweries with the guidance of beer experts. Patrons can expect to visit between three and four local breweries during a tour that lasts around 3 to 5 hours. Along the way, tour-goers will sample up to 16 different beers and enjoy a satisfying meal paired with their tasting. Participating breweries provide behind-the-scenes access, allowing guests to gain firsthand knowledge of the beer production process.
Experience: In-depth guided tours
Duration: 3–5 hours
Offerings: Up to 16 beer samples, educational insights, meal included
Transportation: Provided by the tour company
Self-Guided Brewery Trails
Those preferring to explore at their own pace can embark on self-guided brewery trails in Birmingham. This option allows individuals to create a personalized experience, selecting which breweries to visit based on their preferences. Local taprooms and breweries, such as those in the Avondale area, welcome visitors to taste their offerings, with each location boasting unique styles and atmospheres.
Avondale: Known for its diverse dining and beer options
Taprooms: Offer a variety of craft beers and unique experiences
Craft Beer: Numerous styles available for tasting
Explorers can map out their journey, ensuring they experience the variety of beers and the distinct personalities of each brewery and taproom throughout Birmingham.
Popular Beer Styles and Brews
Birmingham has fostered a diverse beer scene, with local breweries offering a range of styles from hop-forward IPAs to rich and creamy lagers. Here are some standout selections that craft beer enthusiasts will find in the Magic City.
Ales and IPAs
Birmingham's breweries excel in the Ale and IPA category, with a particular affinity for hoppy and aromatic flavors. Cahaba Brewing Co. is known for their Cahaba Blonde, an easy-drinking ale that's perfect for Southern climes. IPAs, such as the Bourbon Barrel Aged Oka Uba IPA, also showcase the city's love for bold tastes and inventive brewing methods.
Ghost Train Brewing: They offer a range of ales including their flagship IPA, known for its balanced use of hops and malt.
Back Forty Birmingham: Features a core lineup of ales and frequently rotates seasonal IPAs, only available onsite.
Lagers and Pilsners
Lagers and Pilsners may not be as bold as ales, but they are just as cherished for their crisp and clean profile. Craft beer aficionados can find these styles well-represented in Birmingham, often with a local twist that provides a unique drinking experience.
Avondale Brewing Company: Renowned for their lager selections that pair perfectly with the live music at their venue.
Birmingham District Brewing: Offers a polished range of lagers with a clean finish that appeals to a wide audience.
Specialty and Seasonal Brews
Brewers in Birmingham are not shy about experimenting, leading to a wealth of specialty and seasonal brews that often draw from local flavors and traditions. Seasonal offerings can range from summer ales to winter stouts, each with a distinct character.
Good People Brewing: They often have seasonal specialties that reflect the current season or occasion.
Trimtab Brewing: Known for a variety of specialty brews that push the envelope in terms of flavor and style.
Through these offerings, Birmingham's craft beer scene provides a taste of local tradition while embracing innovative brewing techniques.
Brewpubs and Taprooms
Birmingham boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with a plethora of brewpubs and taprooms offering unique experiences, from on-site crafted ales to live music. Patrons can enjoy a diverse array of local flavors, accompaniments, and amusements designed to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Food Offerings
Many Birmingham taprooms complement their beverage selections with a variety of food options. Avondale Brewing serves patrons from Wednesday to Sunday with their in-house kitchen menu, while others like Trimtab Brewing host frequent food trucks providing an eclectic mix of culinary delights. Breweries such as Birmingham District Brewing also offer a selection of snacks and encourage visitors to bring in food from nearby eateries.
Live Music and Entertainment
Entertainment is a staple at several Birmingham brewpubs. Avondale Brewing stands out with its own event stage, where live music performances are a regular occurrence, creating an energetic atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, places like Trimtab Brewing often have game nights and other community-driven activities, where patrons can engage with each other over a pint of craft beer.
Dog-Friendly Options
Breweries in Birmingham understand the importance of pet-friendly spaces. Many places, such as Good People Brewing, openly welcome four-legged friends, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their beer with their loyal companions by their side. These inclusive policies ensure that no member of the family misses out on the fun during a trip to Birmingham's finest brewpubs and taprooms.
The Craft Beer Culture
Birmingham's craft beer scene is vibrant and evolving, featuring a lineup of breweries that consistently deliver a variety of high-quality beers. The culture is enriched by local events and dedicated communities that celebrate the craft.
Local Beer Events
The city boasts a calendar peppered with craft beer events. These gatherings range from small taproom releases to larger festivals that showcase the best of Birmingham's breweries. They serve as prime opportunities for aficionados and beginners alike to explore the depth and breadth of the local craft brew spectrum.
Beer Enthusiasts and Clubs
Birmingham has a solid backbone of beer enthusiasts and clubs where like-minded individuals come together to discuss and share their appreciation for craft beer. These groups often organize tastings, brewery tours, and educational sessions, all of which contribute to spreading the knowledge and passion for craft brewing within the community.
Pairing Food and Beer
Craft beer enthusiasts in Birmingham, Alabama, have the unique privilege of pairing their hoppy, bitter, or malty delights with a variety of local flavors that highlight the region's culinary versatility.
Local Culinary Delights
In Birmingham's craft beer scene, pairing food with beer is elevated to an art form. Breweries like Back Forty Beer Company integrate classic pub fare such as burgers and sandwiches with their craft beers. They provide house-made pretzels and chicken wings, which perfectly accompany the malty flavors of amber ales or the hoppy notes of an IPA. For those with a penchant for a little Cajun seafood flare, options abound where one can enjoy a lager or pilsner that complements the spice and savor of the sea.
Seafood Pairing Example: Bourbon Barrel Aged Oka Uba IPA from Cahaba Brewing Co. can be matched with spicy shrimp or a hearty seafood gumbo.
Burger Pairing Example: A robust stout or porter would pair exquisitely with a char-grilled burger to create a satisfying meal.
Food Trucks and Pop-up Eateries
Birmingham's breweries also welcome a rotating selection of food trucks and pop-up eateries, offering a diverse array of dishes that pair wonderfully with local brews. The convenience and variety provided by these mobile culinary experiences mean beer enthusiasts are never short of new pairings to try.
Food Truck Pairing Example: A classic food truck might serve a fried chicken sandwich that pairs well with a light, crisp Kolsch-style beer.
Pop-up Eateries: A pop-up specializing in Cajun seafood may suggest pairing a spicy jambalaya with a beer featuring fruity and spicy notes, such as saison or Belgian-style ale.
By exploring these local offerings, one delves into an immersive experience that showcases the synergy between Birmingham's craft beers and its vibrant food scene.
Craft Beer and the Community
Birmingham's craft beer scene has become a significant thread in the community's social and economic fabric, creating a unique bond between brewers and residents.
Supporting Local Businesses
By choosing to frequent local breweries, individuals contribute to Birmingham's economy and growth. The city's craft beer movement, while relatively young, has seen a surge with establishments like Good People Brewing Company and Back Forty Birmingham. These breweries, and others within the Greater Birmingham area, serve as social hubs where the community comes together, further reinforcing the idea of buying local and supporting local.
Local breweries in Birmingham have become known for their community engagement, including hosting events and establishing themselves as places where new friendships are formed over a shared appreciation for craft beer. With a variety of offerings from seasonal rotations to steadfast core beers, these breweries are committed to providing not just quality beverages but also a quality experience. Here are some specific ways the local breweries impact Birmingham:
Economic Impact: Craft breweries contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, attracting tourism, and supporting nearby businesses.
Environmental Stewardship: Many breweries embrace sustainable practices, thus showing their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Community Connection: Breweries often collaborate on special brews or events, fostering a sense of community among beer enthusiasts and non-brewers alike.
Local breweries also emphasize a direct relationship with their patrons by maintaining an active presence on social channels, which resonates with the community-focused nature of social media. They offer a taste of Greater Birmingham's spirit and ethos, served in a pint glass.
Local Attractions and Nightlife
Birmingham's nightlife offers a dynamic scene with a variety of bars, social clubs, and nearby entertainment in thriving areas such as Lakeview, the Parkside District, and the Avondale neighborhood. The regions provide a mix of casual and sophisticated options, catering to diverse preferences.
Bars and Social Clubs
The Avondale neighborhood stands out with its rich selection of bars such as Avondale Brewing Company, a celebrated spot not only for its diverse beer selection but also for its lively outdoor music venue. It serves as a prime example of the fusion between a bar and a social club. Over in the Parkside District, one finds Good People Brewing, a local favorite known for its friendly atmosphere and robust ales.
Lakeview's district brings its own charm with cocktail bars that mix drinks with a level of artistry that's sure to impress connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. These establishments often feature patios, allowing patrons to enjoy the Southern evenings.
Nearby Entertainment
Adjacent to these drink establishments are a variety of entertainment options that enhance the nightlife experience. The Parkside District is not only famous for its taps and tastes but is also home to Regions Field, where one can catch an exhilarating baseball game.
The Avondale neighborhood doesn't fall short on entertainment, offering visitors more than just excellent brews. With regular concerts, it extends the revelry beyond its bars and into the back patios and yard areas of venues, turning them into bustling gathering spots.
These hubs of nightlife blend the enjoyment of finely crafted beverages with the vibrancy of Birmingham's social scene, creating experiences that are both enjoyable and memorable for locals and visitors alike.
Where to Buy Birmingham Brews
Birmingham has a rich craft beer scene, where enthusiasts can find an array of local brews in various retail stores and package shops, as well as at breweries that offer canning and bottling.
Retail Stores and Package Shops
In Birmingham, shoppers seeking a diverse selection of craft beer can explore local retail stores and package shops known for their stock of Birmingham brews. These shops often feature an array of bottles and cans from multiple breweries, providing a broad sampling of the city's craft beer offerings. Here, customers can purchase Birmingham-made beers to enjoy at home or as a gift for fellow beer aficionados.
Hop City
They offer an extensive range of local and international craft beers.
Piggly Wiggly
A grocery store with a notable selection of craft beers from Birmingham breweries.
Breweries with Canning and Bottling
Birmingham's breweries are not just spaces to enjoy freshly brewed beer, but they also offer options for taking their signature beers home. Many of these breweries have canning and bottling services, selling their beer straight from the source.
Avondale Brewing
Address: 201 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Their campus features an indoor taproom and they provide beers in cans and bottles.
Cahaba Brewing Co.
Notable for adventurous brews available in cans such as Bourbon Barrel Aged Oka Uba IPA and Kiwi Kolsch.
TrimTab Brewing
Known for innovative craft beers, available to enjoy on-site or at home via their canning line.
Each brewery typically has a rotation of their staple beers and seasonal specialties available in bottles or cans, so visiting them directly can be an advantage for those looking to try the newest offerings or limited releases.
Craft Beer Education and Resources
In Birmingham, the craft beer scene is enriched by educational opportunities designed for enthusiasts to deepen their appreciation and understanding. Breweries and associations offer a variety of programs tailored for a range of interests, from brewing science to sensory analysis.
Workshops and Seminars
Birmingham's breweries frequently host workshops and seminars, focusing on various aspects of craft beer culture. Cahaba Brewing Company and Avondale Brewing Company, among others, have been known to offer events geared towards educating the public on the finer points of beer tasting, brewing techniques, and the history of beer.
Cahaba Brewing Company: They hold sessions that teach about different beer styles and the brewing process, appealing to both novices and seasoned beer lovers.
Avondale Brewing Company: Avondale enriches the community with its events that often combine aspects of entertainment with beer education, such as pairing beer with live music experiences.
These seminars are typically led by experienced industry professionals. They provide an excellent opportunity for participants to ask questions, interact with skilled brewers, and gain hands-on experience. It is advisable for anyone interested in diving into the world of craft beer or considering it as a career path to attend these educational sessions.
Travel Tips for Beer Lovers
Birmingham, Alabama is a treasure trove for beer enthusiasts, offering a vibrant craft beer scene. This guide is crafted to provide travelers with the essential information on accommodations and how to navigate the city for the ultimate beer experience.
Accommodations and Transport
When visiting Birmingham, guests have a multitude of lodging options ranging from boutique hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. For those who wish to stay close to the brewery action, the Parkside district is highly recommended. Not only is it home to some of the top breweries, but it also provides easy access to other local attractions.
Accommodation Type Recommended Area
Hotels Parkside district, Avondale
Bed-and-Breakfasts Highland Park
Vacation Rentals Downtown, Five Points South
Transport in Birmingham is convenient for visitors. The city has a network of buses and a trolley service that connects most of the tourist spots and breweries. However, renting a car could be more convenient for visitors who plan to visit multiple breweries across the city.
Mode of Transport Notes
Bus Connects major areas; check schedules in advance
Trolley Services popular spots; mainly within downtown
Car Rental Best for flexibility; recommended for extensive brewery tours
Beer lovers should also consider the proximity of breweries when booking their stay. Many breweries are situated within walking distance of each other, which allows for a safe and enjoyable beer crawl through Birmingham's historic neighborhoods. Always plan for a designated driver or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft if planning to indulge in the local offerings.
Conclusion
Birmingham's vibrant beer scene reflects its dynamic cultural evolution. The city's breweries showcase a dedication to craft and creativity, offering an array of styles that resonate with both newcomers and aficionados. Establishments like Good People Brewing Company and Cahaba Brewing Co. highlight the local passion for quality and innovation.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the breweries to not just taste the beer, but to also engage with Birmingham's community, each brewery telling a part of the city's story. The variety spans from traditional ales to experimental brews, ensuring there is something for every palate. Understanding the craft beer culture in Birmingham involves more than sipping on a selection of beers; it's about the experiences each brewery creates.
Birmingham Craft Beer Recommendations:
Good People Brewing Company: Renowned for well-crafted staples.
Avondale Brewing Co.: Offers a selection of brews in a historic setting.
Cahaba Brewing Co.: Known for adventurous selections like the Bourbon Barrel Aged Oka Uba IPA.
The hours of operation vary, with many breweries opening their doors seven days a week, catering to the thirst for local brews beyond the typical workday. One will find community pitches within, where food trucks often enhance the tasting experience.
For those seeking to delve into Birmingham's craft beer adventure, the city's breweries stand as a testament to its flourishing beer culture. They represent the fusion of tradition and modernity, inviting residents and tourists alike to be part of the continuously unfolding story of Birmingham, AL.
