New distillery to open in Lakeview District this summer

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Street view of the Dread River Distillery set to open this summer on 7th Avenue. (Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now)
Street view of the Dread River Distillery set to open this summer on 7th Avenue. (Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now)

Calling all booze lovers! Lakeview will soon be home to a unique drinking establishment and distillery. The owners of Dread River Distilling Co. announced this week the distillery will be open for business on 7th avenue this summer. Plans are also in the works to add distillery tours, tasting lounge, VIP room and special events area.

Dread River Distillery Co.

Dread River Distillery Co. will manufacture several types of spirits—including bourbon, blended whiskey, vodka, rum and gin. They’ll also offer beer and wine made in-house. It is said to be the first establishment of its kind in Alabama.

Dread River Tour.
Dread River Tour. (Photo courtesy Birmingham Business Alliance)

“We offer something really unique and different, yet we compliment area businesses, especially with what we have going on with the food and beverage industry in Birmingham,” said Cyd Quick, a founder of the distillery who is in charge of guest experience.

"Bold. Elegant. and ready for anything." Yas, Dread River. Yas.
“Bold. Elegant. and ready for anything.” Yas, Dread River. Yas.

Quick, a Birmingham native, got her start in the food and beverage industry in the 1990s-2000s under Frank Stitt, the owner and executive chef of several of Birmingham’s top restaurants—including the James Beard Award-winning Highlands Bar and Grill.

“Birmingham is a thirsty market that has shown they enjoy drinking and being at with one another,” Quick said. “There is so much life springing here, and we knew it was the right time to bring another element in, to partner with all of that growth to help make our wonderful city be everything it’s supposed to be.”

Dread River also plans to add five additional staff members for these positions:

  • Bartenders
  • Service staff
  • itchen staff

What do you think about adding a new distillery to the Lakeview District? Give us a shout on Social @BhamNow !

Christine Hull
Christine Hull
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