More than 15 years ago, a grassroots movement changed the face of Alabama with the introduction of brewpubs. And more recent changes have opened the door to creating some of the best local breweries in the area. From Florence to Orange Beach, Tuscaloosa to Opelika, more than 40 local breweries are tapping some of the best brews in the Southeast.
Today, those breweries also serve as gathering spots for weekend and weeknight social events, from tastings and food trucks to art shows and trivia nights. And while Alabama beers may have gotten a late start joining the craft movement, they are certainly winning their share of awards these days. You can find most Alabama favorites at stores and restaurants across the state and the region, but you may discover they all taste just a little better when your "beertender" pulls a draft for you right there at the brewery. Here are some of our favorite spots for some of the state's best brews:
Goat Island Brewing – Cullman
A member of the North Alabama Craft Beer Trail, Goat Island Brewing makes a wide variety of beer styles ranging from Belgian and German to English and American ales to lagers. Their Big Bridge IPA is a past winner of the Cullman Brewers Guild Pale Ale Contest. The Richter's Pilsner was named one of the "Nine Best Craft Brews in North Alabama" by the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. In addition to award-winning brews, the taproom offers live music and karaoke, open mic night, and special events like regular crawfish boils.
Oak Mountain Brewing Company – Alabaster
Oak Mountain Brewing Company is still a few weeks away from its first batch of brews, but don't let that stop you from hanging out in the taproom to enjoy some of the region's best brews and wines. Oak Mountain Brewing Company expects to release its first batch of beers this spring, offering four core beers that will be available at the brewery as well as local restaurants and bars. Until then, come for trivia night, live music, and local favorite food truck eats from the likes of Wasabi Juan's (sushi burritos), Stacked & Stuffed (next-level nachos), and Itz a Wrap(gourmet wraps plus mobile karaoke).
Ferus Artisan Ales – Trussville
Ferus Artisan Ales is committed to creating amazing beers, from hoppy IPAs to hearty stouts. And that commitment landed them on Alabama's "Best Beer in Every State" in 2020. They take particular pride in their wild and unique sour beers, crisp pilsners, hop-forward IPAs, flavored stouts, and barrel-aged beers. Unlike many local breweries, Ferus doesn't rely on food trucks for fun and exciting food choices. Instead, they offer a chef-curated eatery menu along with outdoor entertainment for a lively brewery and restaurant experience. The outdoor space is perfect for enjoying a sunny spring day or warm summer evening, and their beers will certainly be among the ones you tell all your friends about!
Trim Tab – Birmingham
Named one of the 10 Best Breweries of 2019 nationally, TrimTab has built its reputation on a solid foundation of experimental IPAs, expressive stouts, and fruited sours. They continue to innovate with new creations like their line of tiki and cocktail-inspired sours, a Japanese lager, a West Coast IPA, and even a Berliner that tastes like Lemon Berry Icebox Pie (talk about deeply Alabama!). Of course, Trim Tab's small-batch brews and impressive stouts are still a crowd favorite. Just in time for gorgeous summer days, the brewery has recently expanded its patio for outdoor socializing, sipping, and live entertainment.
Of course, these breweries are some of our favorites, but you're bound to find a few of your personal must-haves for unique craft beers, good vibes, and great food. Be sure to try them all!
