There is no doubt that the craft beer scene in the United States has exploded in recent years. One place that has embraced this newfound love for quality, artisanal beer is the port city of Mobile, Alabama. The Azalea City has seen the development of several fantastic breweries in recent years, and this article will explore some of its best.
Each of these local breweries makes a variety of outstanding craft beers, but we’ll aim to highlight some of their most popular. So without further ado, let’s dive into the world of Mobile’s craft beer scene and learn more about the best breweries in town.
Iron Hand Brewing
Iron Hand Brewing, established in 2016, is located in the historic De Tonti Square neighborhood, which is filled with tree-lined streets and charming homes dating as far back as the 1800s. Iron Hand Brewing takes its name from the 18th-century Italian Henri de Tonti, whom the neighborhood is named after and whom was known as the “Iron Hand” due to his metal prosthetic hand.
Iron Hand Brewing offers a great selection of craft brews, focusing on producing the highest quality British ales. Ben’s Oatmeal Stout is popular and uses Maris Otter base malt, toasted oak flakes, and pale chocolate, while their Imperialist’s Nightmare IPA is a traditional English IPA brewed exclusively with Maris Otter Malt and East Kent Golding hops. Other beers on the menu include English Porter, Scotch Ale, and a New England Style IPA.
While they are known for their beer, they also have an outstanding food menu. Appetizers include traditional pub fare that pair perfectly with an ice cold beer, like pretzel bites or cheese bread. For the entree, choose from handmade sourdough crust pizza or a variety of burgers and sandwiches.
Fairhope Brewing Company
Fairhope Brewing Company was founded in 2012 and is located in nearby Fairhope, just a short drive from Mobile. They have quickly made a name for themselves as one of the top craft breweries in the area, thanks to their commitment to producing high-quality beers with unique and exciting flavors. They brewed their first batch on December 12, 2012 – the end of the world, according to Mayan legend.
One of the standout features of Fairhope Brewing Company is its dedication to using local ingredients in its beers. From local honey and fruits to Gulf Coast oysters, Fairhope concocts beers with flavors of the region incorporated into them. Some of their flagship beers include the Fairhope Fifty One Pale Ale, Take the Causeway IPA, and Judge Roy Bean Coffee Stout.
In addition to their delicious brews, they also host regular events such as trivia nights, live music, and food trucks. Fairhope does not serve any food, but they encourage “BYOF” – Bring Your Own Food. So bring your pizza, sandwich, etc. and enjoy it with one of their brews at their place.
Old Majestic Brewing Company
Old Majestic Brewing Company is one of the newer breweries in Mobile, having opened its doors in 2019. They are named after Old Majestic, a 300-400 year old Oak Tree located in Savannah, GA, that is the country’s National Tree.
Old Majestic brews a wide range of beers to suit nearly any palate. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, the brewery prides itself on offering a wide range of styles that cater to a variety of tastes. Popular brews include Beauty in the Coast, an American Blonde, Midnight Drip, a coffee stout, and Spirits in Transit, an IPA.
The taproom here is a welcoming space, with an industrial-chic atmosphere that makes a great vibe for hanging out and having a beer.
Oyster City Brewing
Oyster City Brewing, a small chain of just a few breweries within Florida and Alabama, took over the old Serda Brewing location on Government Street in the heart of downtown Mobile. Founded in Apalachicola, Florida, Oyster City now brews some highly-rated beers of various styles made with different fruits, honey, and more.
Some of the must-try beers at Oyster City Brewing include the Hooter Brown Tupelo Honey Ale, Mangrove Pale Ale made with mango, and the Apalach IPA, with a caramel-ly malt body,
In addition to their indoor space, their beers are also distributed in many parts of the country. You can use their locator to find a store near you selling their brews.
Braided River Brewing Company
Last but certainly not least, Braided River Brewing Company is a great spot to enjoy a cold pint. Founded in 2019, Braided River Brewing Company is dedicated to creating craft beers that celebrate the unique flavors and culture of the Gulf Coast region.
With a focus on using locally sourced ingredients and innovative brewing techniques, Braided River Brewing Company offers a diverse range of beers that cater to all tastes. Some of their standout brews include the Hangout Stout, a rich and chocolatey stout, and the Delta IPA, a citrusy and hoppy IPA that showcases the flavors of the region.
Braided River also has a strong commitment to sustainability. They have put in action numerous steps to reduce waste and their overall environmental impact. Just a few of the things they do include giving the used grains to farmers for livestock feed, donating some proceeds to local environmental organizations, using all LED lighting in their facilities, and working to reduce their plastic use.
Taproom Now Closed: Haint Blue Brewing Company
Haint Blue Brewing Company closed their taproom on Monroe Street in 2019. They were the third brewery in Mobile. They planned to keep brewing beer to be available through distributors but there is no information on their plans available. Many websites, including large sites like TripAdvisor, still list them as open, so I wanted to be sure you had the correct information on this brewery.
The Bottom Line
With so many fantastic breweries in Mobile and the surrounding areas, beer aficionados have no shortage of options to explore. If you plan on visiting Mobile, be sure to add these breweries to your itinerary and experience the bubbly brewed concoctions of the area.
