11 Birmingham breweries + what to order at each for National Beer Day, April 7

Author Cecilia Wood -
Avondale Brewing Co beers
Happy New Beer’s Eve, Birmingham. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Tomorrow might not be a holiday off of work, but I’m officially petitioning we celebrate anyway. Wednesday, April 7 is National Beer Day—do you need any more reason to make plans? Here’s your guide to Birmingham breweries and their recommendations for brews so you can celebrate too.

1. Birmingham District Brewing Co.

  • Birmingham District sour
  • Birmingham District light beer
Sours from Birmingham District Brewing are a must-order for me. Photos via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Birmingham District Brewing Co. is in a prime location at The Battery, making it the perfect spot to grab brews and a quick bite from nearby restaurants. Their setup is great for enjoying warm weather—plus, a covered patio means you can take a break from the sun.

Here’s what Birmingham District brewers recommend:

Birmingham Pilsner | 4.8% ABV | This Pilsner has a unique blend of sweetness and bitter hops.

Imperial Lanai | 7.2% ABV | This tropical beer is refreshing with notes of mango and pineapple. | PS—this pour is available while supplies last, so be sure to try it soon.

2. Oak Mountain Brewing

Oak Mountain Brewing Co flight
Check out Oak Mountain Brewing’s flight for a true sampler. Photo via Cecilia Wood for Bham Now

I was lucky enough to head to Oak Mountain Brewing Company when they first opened, and they quickly became one of my favorite spots with food trucks and flight options.

  • Address: 110 Cahaba Valley Rd, Pelham, AL 35124
  • Hours: Monday-Wednesday 4-10PM | Thursday 3-11PM | Friday 2PM-12AM | Saturday 12 PM-12 AM | Sunday 12-9PM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram | 205.994.6544

3. Good People is a great Birmingham brewery to try

  • Good People Brewing Co yellow car
  • Good People Brewing Co beer
My go-to spot on a sunny Saturday. Photos via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Good People Brewing Co is a popular spot with plenty of outdoor seating and award-winning can designs. They’re one of my favorite stops for an afternoon in Birmingham.

Here’s what Good People brewers recommend:

Good People IPA | 7.10% ABV | This is Good People’s flagship brew and a bold choice for celebrating National Beer Day.

Muchacho | 4.80% | This Mexican-style lager is a crisp and light favorite.

4. Ferus Artisan Ales

Ferus Artisan Ales beer on beach
When you can’t get to a beach, order a beer that feels like a getaway. Photo via Ferus Artisan Ales

Located in Trussville, Ferus Artisan Ales has plenty of outdoor seating. As if you needed even more reasons to head there, they have nationally recognized beers for everyone no matter what you prefer.

Here’s what Ferus Artisan Ales brewers recommend:

Fallen series | 8.0% | This series of fruited Goses has different flavors for each release—the Fallen Down (Mango, Pineapple, Key Lime) is an annual release you can try.

Hey Zebra | 8.0% | This popular brew is hoppy with a punch of citrus and tropical notes.

5. Ghost Train

Three beers from Ghost Train - Birmingham breweries
Ghost Train serves everything from beer to hard seltzer. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Ghost Train Brewing is expanding, but until they do, we still have plenty of options to enjoy at their original location. Along with craft beers, Ghost Train provides hard seltzers for a lighter option.

6. True Story Brewing Company

  • True Story pickle sandwich
  • True Story Brewing Co
Beers + Bham’s only pickle sandwich. Photos via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

True Story Brewing Company is a fun microbrewery in Crestwood Village that has something for everyone, including food offerings if you’re not in the mood for beer.

Here’s what True Story Brewing Company brewers recommend:

Sacre Blu Saison | 6.8% ABV | This is a traditional Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale with yeast cultivated by True Story’s brewmaster.

Brainstorm Stout | 7.2% ABV | This stout is brewed with chocolate, coffee and oatmeal, but it’s much lighter than most stouts.

  • Address: 5510 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
  • Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-10PM | Friday 11AM-11PM | Saturday 12-11PM | Sunday 12-10PM
  • Facebook | Instagram | 205.593.4144

7. Cahaba Brewing is a fun Birmingham brewery

Cahaba Brewing beers - Birmingham breweries
Three cheers to National Beer Day. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Cahaba Brewing has plenty of space, making it the perfect spot for weekend festivals and live music.

Here’s what Cahaba Brewing brewers recommend:

Cahaba Lager | 5.3% ABV | This lager is a medium-bodied beer that isn’t too heavy.

DD’s Cherry Hibiscus Sour | 4.2% ABV | This crisp sour has cherry and hibiscus flavors for a refreshing drink.

8. Back Forty Beer Co.

  • Back Forty brews
  • Back Forty beer company
The perfect spot for afternoon drinks with friends. Photos via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Back Forty Beer Co. is in a great location so you can relax outside and listen to live music or grab a bite from a food truck.

Here’s what Back Forty brewers recommend:

Crow Point | 6.8% | This New England IPA has citrus flavors with a strong tropical aroma—this beer will also be canned this month so you can grab 4-packs.

9. TrimTab is one of our favorite Birmingham breweries

New Zealand Pilsner - Birmingham breweries
Is there anything better than a beer that’s as beautiful as it is tasty? Photo via Trim Tab

TrimTab is one of Birmingham’s most popular breweries, and they’re a great spot to try if you’re looking for National Beer Day plans. Looking for more beer recommendations? My personal favorite is the Queen Bee IPA.

Here’s what TrimTab brewers recommend:

New Zealand Pilsner | 6.4% ABV | This crisp pilsner will be available in the taproom on draft for the next month, so be sure to get it while you can.

10. Monday Night Social Club

Dr. Robot sour - Birmingham breweries
Have you ever seen a beer more beautiful? Photo via Monday Night Brewing

Monday Night Social Club serves over 25 brews on tap and features a delicious menu with amazing treats.

Here’s what Monday Night Social Club brewers recommend:

Dr. Robot | 5% ABV | This blackberry lemon sour is a year-round favorite.

  • Address: 14 12th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Hours: Monday-Wednesday 4-10PM | Thursday 11AM-10PM | Friday-Saturday 11AM-12AM | Sunday 11AM-10PM
  • Website | Facebook | Instagram | 205.444.1429

11. Avondale Brewing Co.

Beers from Avondale Brewing Co
Say hello to Miss Fancy, Avondale’s mascot. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

Avondale Brewing Co recently expanded its taproom, and we’re excited about everything that’s coming to one of our favorite breweries.

Plus, some advice for experiencing Birmingham breweries

Trim Tab brews
Part of the fun of craft beer is experiencing new brews. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now

I reached out to a few Birmingham craft beer “experts” for their must-try recommendations and received dozens of answers. There was a range of suggestions, but Matt Walker offered great advice for craft beer newbies and pros alike:

“One of the great things about the variety in the craft beer industry is that there is something for every palate. The fun part is finding the right one for you.

What is can’t miss? The exploration journey to see what you like the most. Never turn down the chance to try a beer you have never had before.”

Matt Walker, Birmingham Craft Beer Drinker

Sounds like the perfect excuse to try something new at one of our awesome Birmingham breweries this National Beer Day!

How are you celebrating National Beer Day? Let us know by tagging @BhamNow on social.

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