The craft beer scene in Birmingham has garnered attention for its vibrant and innovative approach to brewing, positioning the city as an emerging hot spot for beer enthusiasts. Driven by local pride in Birmingham’s craft beer community, experimental approaches and unique flavors, have made Birmingham a craft beer destination. Breweries have been written about in various articles, blogs, social media posts and features, highlighting the unique flavors of the region.
By Rachel Reilly/Photos by Chuck St. John
Craft beer in Birmingham is seeing a renaissance, reawakening a tradition that had long been dormant. A variety of local breweries offer unique and artisan brews. This trend includes a focus on local ingredients, experimental brews, and community-centric brewery experiences. The rise of craft beer has also influenced local food pairings, with breweries often collaborating with restaurants to create exclusive beer and food experiences. Believe it or not craft beer brewing and selling in Birmingham didn’t become legal until 2009. This pivotal change in laws marked the beginning of a new era for craft beer in Birmingham.
The first brewery to make its mark in Birmingham’s renewed craft beer landscape was Good People Brewing, founded in 2008 and opened its doors in 2010. This establishment set the stage for a burgeoning local craft beer scene that would eventually include a diverse array of breweries.
Michael Sellers and Jason Malone founded Good People Brewing Company in Birmingham in 2008. The two began home-brewing in the early 2000s before Alabama legalized it in 2008, which is why the brewery’s slogan is “Legally Brewed Since 2008”. On July 4, 2008, they tapped their first keg of Good People Brown Ale. Today, Good People Brewing Company is Alabama’s largest and oldest brewery, and its beer is available in restaurants, bars, and groceries throughout Birmingham, as well as in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. The brewery features an outdoor area, beer on tap, frozen seasonal specials, kombucha, and food truck pop ups Wednesday-Sunday. Bring friends and try the Funk Farms sour beers aged in wine and bourbon barrels.
Good People Brewery quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional beers and community focused approach. Their flagship beers, such as the Pale Ale and Brown Ale, became staples in local bars and restaurants, earning them a loyal following. The brewery’s success also inspired a new generation of brewers and beer enthusiasts in the region.
The culture of brewing beer in Birmingham has evolved significantly since Good People’s inception. The city’s beer scene now reflects a blend of innovation and tradition, with breweries embracing a wide range of styles and brewing techniques.
Good People Brewery has played a crucial role in shaping this culture, fostering a sense of camaraderie and creativity among local brewers and consumers alike. Good People has branched off to offerings of sour beers in wine bottles, spirits, signature cocktails and planted in various locations across the Southeast.
The Current Landscape of Birmingham Breweries
Today, Birmingham boasts a dynamic and diverse brewing scene. Here’s a list of some of the prominent local brewing companies contributing to the city’s vibrant beer culture:
Avondale Brewing Company
201 41st St S, 35222
With its roots in the historic Avondale neighborhood, this brewery offers a range of beers with a local twist. Want to try a Sour, head to the Sour Room their taproom on campus offering sour beers and cocktails, Blueberry Wheat, Slush, Blueberry Boyfriend or Topicals. They offer a huge outdoor space for concerts and events, as well as, an upstairs space for more intimate events. They serve amazing food and even offer Cinderella Story, an indoor golf simulator with private lounge to tee away with your friends. Dogs and families always welcome.
Back Forty Brewing Company
3201 1st Ave N, 35222
Back Forty crafts traditional and experimental beers with a Southern flair. This brewery is right next to the historic Sloss Furnaces. Offering American and European style craft beers, try a Truck Stop Honey brown ale or a Bama Mosa. This campus offers a huge outdoor space, plenty of festivals and events and delicious food. The beer and food
are all made on site. They offer more then 50 beers introduced annually and over 25 different options on tap. Dog and family friendly.
Birmingham District Brewing Co.
2201 2nd Ave S, 35233
A newer addition to the scene, Birmingham District focuses on brewing classic and experimental beers. Birmingham District is part of the Battery project in Southside. Try a flight of their brews, Oatmeal Stout, the popular Pit Viper or the Summer Jam Sour. The team at Birmingham District have over 20 years of brewing experience and wanted to pay tribute to the people that formed Birmingham. They offer a fun indoor and outdoor
experience. Dog and family friendly.
Cahaba Brewing Company
4500 5th Ave S, 35222
This brewery, which opened in 2011 inside Pepper Place quickly outgrowing the location, is recognized for its approachable and well-crafted beers, contributing to the city’s growing beer culture. Cahaba offers more then 26 options on tap and an in-house distillery. Stop in for an event, concert, food truck festival, or just to hang out. Offering one of the largest spaces that
includes a full pin ball room, free skee ball, and indoor and outdoor space. Make sure you try the Cahaba Blonde, Oka Uba, or DD’s Cherry Hibiscus Sour. Families and dogs Welcome. Be sure to check out the firetruck museum next door when visiting.
Dread River Disillery
2400 7th Ave S, 35233
Dr. Jeff Dugas and John Cubelic began the Dread River journey in the spring of 2017. Their initial business concept was a small craft whiskey distillery, which has since evolved to include a bar and tasting room serving the full line of Dread River products, a full-service kitchen, merchandise store, and 4,000 sq. foot event space.
Good People Brewery
114 14th St S, 35233
Known for their flagship Pale Ale and Brown Ale, Good People remains a cornerstone of Birmingham’s craft beer community.
Hi Wire
2901 4th Ave S, 35233
Hailing from Asheville NC, this brew pub opened a taproom in 2022. They offer an indoor and outdoor space that is pet friendly, family friendly and has lots of games, fire pits and a great location by a creek. Their flagship brews are Mountain Water, hi & lo
pitch IPAs, and a hazy pitch IPA.
Monday Night Brewing Social Club
14 12th St S, 35233
Hailing from Atlanta, Monday Night offers a full menu with beer on tap and specialty in-location brews. The fun neon and acrylic ambiance of this brewery makes it a must-stop.
If your looking for award winning and social media worthy shares this brewery is always topping the charts with awards for their brews and nods in craft beer articles. Try Taco Tuesday, Blind Pirate or Dr. Robot. It’s a must visit along the craft beer trail. Families welcome and Dogs welcome outside.
TrimTab Brewing Company
2721 5th Ave S, 35233 Established in 2013 TrimTab is celebrated for its innovative beers and creative approach to brewing. A top destination for brews, and events this brewery is making headlines as one of the best brew pubs in Birmingham. In addition to their brews, they were the first to introduce their own hard sparkling water line and have quickly expanded across state lines and continue to grow. Make sure to try Trim Tab IPA, Breakfast Hero crafted with maple syrup and coffee or Paradise Now (Raspberry Berliner Weisse). Dog and Family Friendly.
True Story Brewing Co.
5510 Crestwood Blvd 35212
Brewing beers since 2018 True Story was named by the fact that after a few drinks True Story is just what you might say. This small but mighty “nano-brewery” brewery offers a mix of experimental beers. The outdoor seating and many events draw all locals to the brewpub. With menu offerings like hot dogs, nachos and hamburgers you’ll
find something to pair with your brew. People come for the music, karaoke, open mic nights and events. Stay and try the Volcano Sauce, Vanilla Cupcake Porter or ask about what they have brewed this week.
Uproot Brewing
2616 3rd Ave S, 35233
After taking over the old Ghost Brewing building, Uproot has quickly grown into a popular craft beer destination. Uproot offers a tasting room, outdoor seating and unique brews.
The brain child of Uproot was the head brewer at Ferus Artisan Ales and when he wanted to expand he knew the old Ghost Brewing building was the perfect
location to make his home. Starting with six unique to Birmingham Brews this brewery is quickly catching on as a must stop location for craft beer enthusiasts. Try the Nectar Sour, the Big Drip, or Decay Lane Cake, boasting 10.5% ABV. Dog friendly.
Breweries off the normal path but worth the Uber
Steele Hall
227 Main St, Trussville, 35173
Ferus Artisan Ales
101 Beech St, Trussville, 35173
The Grocery Brewpub
2823 Central Ave, Homewood, 35209
Brocks Gap
500 Mineral Trace, Hoover, 35244
Oak Mountain Brewing Pelham
110 Cahaba Valley Rd, 35124
The Beer Hog
2408 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124
Hop City
2924 3rd Ave S. 35233
Beer has become more than just a beverage in Birmingham; it represents a cultural renaissance and a connection to the city’s past and present. The craft beer movement in Birmingham reflects a broader trend of local pride and community engagement.
Breweries like Good People Brewery have not only revitalized the local beer scene but also contributed to the city’s sense of identity and place.
As the city continues to embrace and celebrate its craft beer heritage, the future looks bright for both brewers and beer enthusiasts alike
