North Alabama, with its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, offers a thriving scene for beer enthusiasts and social butterflies alike. From cozy corner pubs to bustling breweries, there's no shortage of places to unwind with a cold one. On the latest episode of Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama, founder of the Back Forty Beer Company Jason Wilson talks about the history of breweries in Alabama. In this blog post, let's raise our glasses and go on a journey through some of North Alabama’s top spots.
Listen to the Back Forty Beer Company episode:
Athens Alehouse
The Athens Alehouse will offer on and off premise craft beer and wine with charcuterie boards in downtown Athens. We will have a self-serve tap system with 6 rotating options on draft including wine. Sit and sip or take your favorites to go.
Back Forty Beer Company
The Back Forty Beer Company stands as a beacon for craft beer aficionados. Founded in 2009, this brewery has garnered acclaim for its innovative brews and commitment to quality. With a diverse lineup of beers ranging from their flagship Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale to seasonal delights like the Paw Paw's Peach Wheat, there's something to suit every palate. At Back Forty, there’s so many ways to enjoy your favorite drink. Savor your beer while enjoying some live music in their tap room or watch the trains go by while sipping on your drink in the outdoor garden. The Back Forty Beer Company isn't just a destination; it's an experience.
Busted Oak Bourbon Society
Busted Oak Bourbon Society pays tribute to the Prohibition era in U.S. history during the 1920s - an era where the mafia thrived and speakeasies proliferated through the trade of illegal alcohol. Serving specialty cocktails, whiskey, beer, Brandy-Tequila, wines, and small bites. Enjoy cigars? They have an excellent selection and a private smoking lounge. Open: Tuesday - Thursday 2pm-10pm, Friday 2pm-12am.
Goat Island Brewing
Goat Island Brewing was founded on friendship and the art of making good beer. Two of our founders, Mike Mullaney and Gery Teichmiller met during the Cullman Oktoberfest Celebration in 2012. Both were avid home brewers and loved to design and perfect beer recipes. Both had a faithful following of friends and family who loved their beers. When the two of them began to collaborate and brew together the synergy took their beer recipes to a new level. When the two of them got an opportunity to help start the first brewery in Cullman since the 1880s, they jumped at it. They along with John Dean and Brad Glenn formed the Blue Moose Brew Crew. They brewed their beers and served them at the Blue Moose Café and Brewpub in 2013. The beers were a huge success. The success of this venture convinced the four friends to open their own brewery. In early 2015 Goat Island Brewing was formed.
Main Channel Brewery
Located in Guntersville Alabama, the Main Channel Brewery taproom is located in the original Jitney Jr. store location on Hwy. 431. Affectionately known locally as “The Jit,” what was once a sleepy little convenience store, soon became the local hangout for Guntersville teens and the surround towns towns alike. No one knows why these young folks would go to a parking lot instead of hanging out by the lake but the stories and the memories make everyone smile.
Straight to Ale
Another gem in North Alabama's brewery scene is Straight to Ale, located in Huntsville. Housed in a former middle school building, this brewery seamlessly blends history with modernity. We love their diverse array of beers, like the popular Monkeynaut IPA and the decadent Laika Russian Imperial Stout. Voted one of Huntsville’s best restaurants by Southern Living Magazine, Straight to Ale offers an array of delectable small bites and bar food along with its impressive beer selection.
Yellowhammer Brewing
Situated in Huntsville's historic Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex, Yellowhammer Brewing is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Yellowhammer is a brewery focused on creating premium ales and lagers that draw on classic brewing traditions with a Southern interpretation. Be sure to try their Rebellion Red Ale, a local favorite with its balanced blend of malt and hops. With live music events and food trucks often gracing their premises, there's always something exciting happening at Yellowhammer Brewing.
North Alabama boasts a diverse and dynamic beer scene, with bars and breweries that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you're sipping a cold brew at the Back Forty Beer Company or exploring the craft beer offerings at Straight to Ale, one thing's for sure – you're in for a memorable experience. So, grab your friends, raise your glasses and toast to the thriving beer culture of North Alabama. Cheers!
