List of breweries in Alabama explained

Breweries in Alabama produce a wide range of beers in different styles that are marketed locally and regionally. In 2012 Alabama's then 17 breweries, importers, brewpubs, and company-owned packagers and wholesalers employed 60 people directly, and another 12,300 in related jobs such as wholesaling and retailing.[1] Including people directly employed in brewing, as well as those who supply Alabama's breweries with everything from ingredients to machinery, the total business and personal tax revenue generated by Alabama's breweries and related industries was more than $259 million.[1] Consumer purchases of Alabama's brewery products generated another $205 million in tax revenue.[2] In 2012, according to the Brewers Association, Alabama ranked 49th in per capita craft breweries with 10.[3]

For context, at the end of 2013 there were 2,822 breweries in the United States, including 2,768 craft breweries.[4] In that same year, according to the Beer Institute, the brewing industry employed around 43,000 Americans in brewing and distribution and had a combined economic impact of more than $246 billion.[5]

By 2017, there were over 27 breweries in Alabama (27 in the Alabama Brewer's Guild and at least 1 not) [6]

Beer brewing was thriving in Alabama prior to 1909, when Prohibition laws banned the industry.[7] As a result, for much of the 20th century, and until the law was changed in 2009, beer with an alcohol content greater than 6% (alcohol by volume) was unlawful in the state. The Brewery Modernization Act was signed into law in 2011, reforming many former restrictions on breweries' ability to provide a tap room and restrictive regulations regarding brewpubs. The Legal ABV limit of beer in Alabama is currently 13.9%. According to The New Yorker when discussing beer production, "from 2011 to 2012, annual production grew faster in the South than just about anywhere else, with the fastest-growing producers including Alabama (first out of all fifty states)..."[8]

Breweries

Closed breweries

Beer regulation

The Code of Alabama defines beer as being fermented malt liquor containing between 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) and 13.9% ABV.[90] Before 2009, beer in Alabama was limited to 6% ABV or less.[91] The only other states with similarly low limits were Mississippi and West Virginia.[92]

Beer, except draft or keg beer, sold by retailers must be sold or dispensed in bottles, cans or other containers not to exceed 25.4 ounces (750 ml). Prior to the passage of legislation in 2012, container size was limited to 16 ounces.[93]

Brewpubs

Brewpubs in Alabama must be located in an historic building or site,[94] in a wet county or wet municipality, in which county beer was brewed for public consumption prior to the ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1919.[95]

By law, beer brewed by a brewpub cannot be possessed, sold or dispensed except on the premises where it is brewed. Brewpub beer also cannot be packaged or contained in other than barrels from which the beer is to be dispensed.[96]

The brewpub must contain and operate a restaurant with a seating capacity of not less than 80.[97]

"Free The Hops" movement

In 2006 and 2007 a grassroots lobbying organization called "Free The Hops"[98] introduced bills in the state House and Senate, intending to raise the limit on beer to 13.9% ABV. The bill was passed and signed into law in May 2009.[99]

The movement to raise the ABV limit on beer in Alabama followed similar movements in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Those states also had 5% and 6% ABV limits on beer until recently: Georgia raised its ABV limit to 14% in 2004,[100] North Carolina raised to 15% in 2005,[101] and South Carolina raised to 17.5% in 2007.[102]

In May 2011, the Brewery Modernization Act was signed into Law, which allowed breweries to sell on-premises like a brewpub, or to wholesalers, or to both, and removed the crippling restrictions which prevented new breweries and brewpubs from opening.[97]

In May 2012, the Alabama house passed Senate Bill 294, allowing the sale of beer containers up to 25.4 ounces (750 milliliters), effective August 1, 2012, into law. Governor Robert Bentley signed the bill on May 16, 2012.[103]

In May 2013, Free the Hops supported the Alabama Homebrewers Association's[104] home brew bill which was signed into law ending Alabama's status as the last state in the nation that banned the making of beer and wine at home.[105]

In March 2016, Free the Hops supported the Alabama Brewers Guild's Growler Bill which was signed into law; allowing breweries to sell a small amount of product directly to the public "to go", removing some unusual location restrictions on where breweries could locate, and allowing for charitable donations to be made directly to a non-profit event. The law went into effect 1 June 2016.[106]

Homebrewing

On May 9, 2013 Alabama governor Bentley signed HB9 into law,[107] allowing Alabama residents to legally homebrew beer. Alabama became the 49th state to legalize homebrewing. Mississippi's legislature passed a law to legalize homebrewing, however it took effect months after Alabama's law did. Alabama residents are limited to 15 gallons of production per quarter and no more than 15 gallon on premises at one time. However, residents of dry counties, dry municipalities, minors and convicted felons are still prohibited from producing homebrewed beer.[108]

Brewers Association

Formed in 2009, the Alabama Brewers Guild exists to promote the common interests of its members and the craft brewing industry in Alabama. The core membership of the guild consists of licensed Alabama breweries and brewpubs actively engaged in the brewing of craft beer at a facility located in the state of Alabama.[109]

See also

External links


Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Economic Impact of the Beer Industry--State Legislative & Congressional District Data, Alabama. The Beer Institute. 14 May 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140203091325/http://www.beerinstitute.org/br/economic-impact/economic-impact. 3 February 2014.
  2. Web site: The Economic Impact of the Beer Industry--2012 Data, Alabama. The Beer Institute. 14 May 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140203091325/http://www.beerinstitute.org/br/economic-impact/economic-impact. 3 February 2014.
  3. Web site: Capita per Brewery. Brewers Association.
  4. Web site: Brewers Association Announces 2013 Craft Brewer Growth. 13 March 2014. 14 May 2014.
  5. Web site: Beer Serves America. The Beer Institute. 14 May 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140203091325/http://www.beerinstitute.org/br/economic-impact/economic-impact. 3 February 2014.
  6. Web site: Brewing Members . October 12, 2017.
  7. White. Richard. Death and re-birth of Alabama beer. Business History. 2016. 58. 5. 785–795. 10.1080/00076791.2015.1024230. 154086178.
  8. Fromson . Daniel . Idea of the Week: Mapping the Rise of Craft Beer . . 6 June 2013 . June 7, 2013.
  9. Web site: Avondale Brewing Company bringing life to a historic Birmingham neighborhood . Press-Register . Alabama Media Group . April 4, 2012.
  10. Web site: Avondale Brewing Co. captures gold, silver medals in international competition . Alabama Media Group . . January 16, 2014.
  11. Web site: Alabama's Best Craft Beer . . May 15, 2012.
  12. Web site: Back Forty Beer Co. taps into history of craft brewing . . October 21, 2012.
  13. Web site: New downtown brewery eyes November opening date . Birmingham Business Journal . October 26, 2018.
  14. Web site: Black Warrior Brewing Company glad there's room for two breweries in Tuscaloosa . Alabama Media Group . November 20, 2013.
  15. Web site: Lawrence Specker . Mobile's newest brewery, Braided River, to open Feb. 1 . Alabama Media Group . al.com . January 8, 2020.
  16. Web site: Crafting a Family of Beers . Birmingham Magazine . Alabama Media Group . June 26, 2013.
  17. Web site: New brewery, tacos, coffee shop opening in downtown Huntsville . Matt Wake . Advance Local Media LLC (AL.com) . June 4, 2020.
  18. Web site: New brewpub opening in Phenix City . Opelika-Auburn News . January 26, 2013.
  19. Web site: New brewery to open its doors in downtown Montgomery . WFSA 12 News . April 12, 2018.
  20. Web site: Cross-eyed Owl Brewery Opening. Feb 22, 2018. Decatur Daily.
  21. Web site: T-Town taproom: Druid City Brewing Co. serves beer where it's made . . July 7, 2013.
  22. Web site: Druid City Brewing Company opens new taproom . Alabama Media Group . al.com. July 9, 2013.
  23. Web site: Inside the Fairhope Brewing Company . Alabama Media Group . February 1, 2013.
  24. Web site: Discover the Fairhope Brewing Company . . August 2, 2013.
  25. Web site: Brewery Ferus Artisan Ales Trussville.
  26. Web site: Folklore Brewery Answers some questions from The Local . . December 31, 2013.
  27. Web site: Kelly Poe . Ghost Train Brewing to open in Birmingham, hit shelves in July . Alabama Media Group . May 22, 2015.
  28. Web site: Goat Island Brewing: The Beer Next Door . CullmanSense . May 20, 2015.
  29. Web site: Good things brewing at Birmingham's Good People Brewing Company . Press-Register . Alabama Media Group . March 21, 2012.
  30. Web site: Lucy Berry . Green Bus Brewing to launch brewhouse, taproom in downtown Huntsville . Alabama Media Group . August 4, 2015.
  31. Web site: Army veteran opens new brewery in Alabama . Birmingham Business Journal . November 13, 2018.
  32. Web site: Space-themed brewery coming to Huntsville . WAFF-48 . August 12, 2019.
  33. Web site: Ron Sivak . RON HAND OPENS BRITISH STYLE BREWPUB . Lagniappe Weekly . May 17, 2017.
  34. Web site: Allison Woodham . New brewery hopeful in Foley . Gulf Coast News Today . April 25, 2017 .
  35. Web site: Brew Stooges brewery changes name to Mad Malts . Alabama Media Group . October 17, 2015.
  36. Web site: Brew Stooges look to make their mark in fertile Huntsville craft beer scene . Alabama Media Group . August 28, 2013.
  37. Web site: Beer from Guntersville's first brewery sold in local restaurants Wednesday, open date to follow over next couple of weeks . WNHT - A TRIBUNE Broadcasting Station . October 22, 2015.
  38. Web site: Old Black Bear Brewing Company by the numbers . Alabama Media Group . January 29, 2013.
  39. Web site: Oversoul Brewing opening in metro Birmingham city . Birmingham Business Journal . May 8, 2019.
  40. Web site: All Aboard: Railyard Brewing Co. Opens in Montgomery . Alabama Media Group . September 20, 2012.
  41. Web site: Red Clay Brewing Co. serves up locally-brewed beer with Alabama pride . Alabama Media Group . June 19, 2015.
  42. Web site: opelikaobserver . Resting Pulse Brewery readies for Friday's grand opening festivities . Opelika Observer . April 24, 2019.
  43. Web site: Rocket Republic, latest Huntsville-area beer venture, to debut beers at launch party . Alabama Media Group . September 3, 2013.
  44. Web site: Neal Wagner . Siluria Brewing sets opening date. Take a look inside . Alabaster Reporter . November 1, 2018.
  45. Web site: Singin' River begins brewing beer in Florence . timesdaily.com . September 13, 2014.
  46. Web site: Tanna Friday . Slag Heap Brewing Co. scheduled to open Labor Day weekend . Trussville Tribune . August 25, 2019.
  47. Web site: Straight To Ale brewery finds its roots at home . Press-Register . Alabama Media Group . July 18, 2012.
  48. Web site: Huntsville brewery Straight to Ale doubling fermentation capacity, expanding to Atlanta market next year . Alabama Media Group . August 30, 2013.
  49. News: Jennifer . Cohron . October 14, 2017 . Jasper's second brewery now open . Daily Mountain Eagle . Jasper . December 22, 2017.
  50. Web site: Brewery sets sights on Lakeview instead of downtown . . March 13, 2013.
  51. Web site: True Story Brewing Co. . September 28, 2019.
  52. Web site: Alyx Chandler . True Story: Vape store by day, microbrewery by night . Iron City Ink . November 15, 2017.
  53. Web site: Chuck Chandler . Jasper is a jewel being polished in Alabama . Alabama Newscenter . February 26, 2018 .
  54. Web site: Yellowhammer Brewery brings European tastes to Huntsville brewing scene . Press-Register . Alabama Media Group . May 2, 2012.
  55. Web site: The United States of Beer: Alabama . Poor Taste Magazine . March 6, 2011.
  56. Web site: The History of Brewing in Alabama . alabev.com . January 24, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131201234444/http://www.alabev.com/history_of_brewing_in_alabama.htm . December 1, 2013 . dead .
  57. Web site: Band of Brothers Brewing Co. to become Tuscaloosa's third beer crafter in past 5 years . Tuscaloosa News . 10 June 2015.
  58. Web site: Restaurants negotiate for space in former Barrett's Brewpub . TuscaloosaNews.com . January 22, 2002.
  59. Web site: Stan Diel . Beer Engineers to build new brewery next door to Railroad Park ... and Good People Brewing (updated) . Alabama Media Group . April 16, 2013.
  60. Web site: 'Alabama Beer Trail' experts share the best of what's brewing throughout the state . Alabama Media Group . April 15, 2013.
  61. Web site: Happy brew year: 8 Huntsville-area beer-makers talk recent and early 2014 releases . Alabama Media Group . January 8, 2014.
  62. Web site: Birmingham Brewing Company . pubcrawler.com . January 24, 2014.
  63. Web site: Birmingham Brewing Company . bhamwiki.com . July 13, 2013.
  64. Web site: Blue Moose Cafe & Brew Pub to release 1st commercial beer produced in Cullman since 1800s . Alabama Media Group . October 1, 2013.
  65. Web site: At Madison's Blue Pants Brewery, it's all about family . Press-Register . Alabama Media Group . April 18, 2012.
  66. Web site: Blue Pants Brewery in Madison expands beer distribution footprint in Mississippi, Memphis . Alabama Media Group . January 9, 2014.
  67. Web site: John Few . Blue Pants Brewery to close . Madison County Record . August 8, 2019.
  68. Web site: Bluewater Brewing Opens Doors in Alabama . Brewbound . February 8, 2016.
  69. Web site: Erin Coggins . September 1, 2020 . BOWLER HAT BREWING CO. - Fraternity connection leads to brewery's Bowler hat name . Madison Living . Madison Publications, LLC..
  70. Web site: Breckenridge Brewery . The Huntsville Times . 1997.
  71. Web site: Opening of brewpub hearkens back to Anniston's pre-Prohibition days . . August 9, 2013.
  72. Web site: Daniel Mayes . Last call: Anniston brewpub to shut Saturday . The Anniston Star . September 12, 2019.
  73. Web site: Southern Brewing . Celebrator . Aug–Sep 2006.
  74. Web site: Mike Easterling . September 26, 2019 . Founder Larry Lowe, Fractal Brewing Blends the Old and the New . Huntsville Business Journal.
  75. Web site: Shuttered 801 Franklin building back in action with New Orleans-inspired Huntsville Brewery . Alabama Media Group . November 26, 2013.
  76. Web site: Mobile's Hurricane Brewing Company closes doors . Alabama Media Group . January 5, 2010.
  77. Web site: Amalia Kortright . July 10, 2017 . Space-themed brewery to open in Alabaster . Shelby County Reporter.
  78. Web site: Magic City Brewery beer 'head' and shoulders above any other . . Alabama Media Group . 1997.
  79. Web site: Brewery . . March 30, 2003.
  80. Web site: The Montgomery Brewing Company . Online Montgomery . March 21, 2009.
  81. Web site: Rising costs end Auburn pub's beer brewing; was one of only three in state . Alabama Media Group . January 28, 2009.
  82. Web site: Some big changes appear headed for Olde Towne Brewing . The Huntsville Times . February 17, 2011.
  83. Web site: Cigar City . GreatBrewers.com . October 28, 2009 . a local brewpub in Dothan, Alabama called Poplar Head Mule Company (a historical building that used to sell wagons).
  84. Web site: A sad day for beer in Mobile; brewpub equipment is on its way north . Press-Register . Alabama Media Group . January 24, 2011.
  85. Web site: Shauna Stewart . Red Hills Brewing Company announces it will close permanently . Alabama Media Group . March 20, 2019.
  86. Web site: June 13, 2013 . Huntsville's Salty Nut Brewery unveiling new craft beer this week in Madison County . Alabama Media Group.
  87. Web site: Brittany Faush . April 9, 2018 . Serda Brewing is an Alabama Maker producing beer in the Port City . Alabama Newscenter.
  88. Web site: Kegging . American Brewmaster . January 25, 2012 . Southside Cellar Brewing Co., Birmingham, AL.
  89. Web site: City's last brewery to shut down as new owners move operations . Birmingham News . July 13, 2000 . Alt URL
  90. Web site: HB373 . . 2009.
  91. Web site: HB631 . Alabama Legislature . 2007.
  92. Web site: Higher-alcohol beer-lovers ready to party like 1933 . The Vicksburg Post . April 10, 2012.
  93. Web site: Alabama Gov. Bentley signs bigger beer container bill into law . 16 May 2012 . Alabama Media Group . November 8, 2012.
  94. Book: Carla Jean Whitley . Birmingham Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Magic City . 9781626194564 . The History Press . July 27, 2015.
  95. Web site: 2012 Code of Alabama; Title 28 - INTOXICATING LIQUOR, MALT BEVERAGES AND WINE; Chapter 4A - ALABAMA BREWPUB ACT; Section 28-4A-3 - Brewpub license; fee; applicability of Title 28 and Sections 28-3-4 and 28-3A-6(b) . Justia US Law . 2012.
  96. Web site: 2012 Code of Alabama; Title 28 - INTOXICATING LIQUOR, MALT BEVERAGES AND WINE; Chapter 4A - ALABAMA BREWPUB ACT; Section 28-4A-3 - Brewpub license; fee; applicability of Title 28 and Sections 28-3-4 and 28-3A-6(b) . Justia US Law . 2012.
  97. Web site: Dan Murphy . Brewery Modernization Act changes the rules for Alabama's breweries and brewpubs . Alabama Media Group . June 21, 2011.
  98. Web site: Legislative Accomplishments . October 12, 2017.
  99. Web site: Bran Strickland / The Anniston Star . Craft beer market coming into its own around the area . The Anniston Star . March 10, 2010 . July 20, 2013 . February 3, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140203065049/http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/6621231/article-Craft-beer-market-coming-into-its-own-around-the-area . dead .
  100. Web site: Join Together Staff . Georgia Raises Maximum Alcohol Content for Beer . The Partnership at Drugfree.org . June 20, 2004.
  101. Web site: Pop The Cap . July 19, 2013.
  102. Web site: Pop The Cap South Carolina; SC Laws . 26 November 2006 . July 19, 2013.
  103. Web site: Harris . Gabe . Governor Bentley Has Signed Gourmet Bottle Bill . May 29, 2012.
  104. Web site: Alabama Homebrewers Association Homebrewing Rights . May 10, 2013.
  105. Web site: Kim Chandler . Gov. Robert Bentley signs home brew bill . 10 May 2013 . May 10, 2013.
  106. Web site: Lucy Berry . Gov. Bentley signs beer-to-go bill, law goes into effect in June . 24 March 2016 . Alabama Media Group . March 25, 2016.
  107. Web site: Robert Bentley signed HB9 into law . Alabama Media Group. May 9, 2013.
  108. Web site: Code of Alabama Section 28-4B-1 . Alabama State Government . 2013.
  109. Web site: About.

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