82 | B I R M I N G H A M T R AV E L G U I D E

SP OTLIG HT: CRAFT BEER

WELCOME TO BEERMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM HAS A HISTORY OF local breweries spanning 200 years. First, there was the local brew house Birmingham Brewery, in the 1800s. That was followed by Birmingham Brewing Co., which supplied the city from 1992 to 1998. City Brewery replaced Birmingham Brewing Co., but closed in 2000.

Opening and running a successful brewery was no easy task given Alabama s strict beer laws. And for nearly a decade, there was no beer production in town and certainly no signature brews to o er outsiders on a thirst-inducing day.

Then something of a revolution happened. In 2004 a group of concerned citizens gathered to discuss Alabama legislation; the topic was one of an e ervescent nature. Nearly eleven years and hours upon hours of volunteer manpower later, the Magic City is now a diamond in the rough where the craft beer scene is concerned, with a thriving community boasting four local breweries and two of our favorite watering

holes where you ll fi nd one-of-a-kind styles and fl avors. Birmingham is witnessing a new industry form that is changing the face of burgeoning neighborhoods and giving residents something to toast about.

It s something we re proud of and we celebrate it as often as possible with annual events, tours and just plain relaxing after work with a pint.

Here, we introduce you to our own family of local breweries and some businesses that support them. Each of the breweries in this section have not only crafted their own unique brews, but they each have a distinct character and personality when you visit their taprooms. However, there are a few themes you will fi nd that they all share: love of their product, love of people and love of their city.

Please visit each of these places and mention that this guide pointed you in their directions and be sure to take home some swag!

Your Insider s Guide to Birmingham s Craft Beer Community