Birmingham District Brewing Opens In The Battery

BIRMINGHAM, AL - What do you get when you assemble a crew with backgrounds in geology, healthcare administration, engineering, entrepreneurship and aviation? One thing you get in Birmingham is the newest brewery on the scene, as Birmingham District Brewing Co. opened at the Battery on 2nd Avenue South this past weekend.

The brewery opened its doors Saturday, with a soft opening that brought in a hefty crowd to sample the craft beers on the menu at Birmingham District. The brewery's founders include six family members—Jennifer and Cale Sellers, Cheri and Brad Kueven, and Maggie and John Kueven - who have teamed up with marketing expert Matt Gray and James Sumpter, head brewer, who learned the craft at Abita Brewing Company in Louisiana.

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"I’m looking forward to being able to have the freedom to create and really have some fun," Sumpter said. "We still want to cater to what the market is dictating, but at the same time, we want to be able to come into Birmingham and introduce some things that maybe beer drinkers haven’t had."

The question Sumpter has been asked more often than he expected is what the brewery's flagship brew will be. He said that remains to be seen, as well as when and what brews will eventually be canned and distributed.

Currently, Birmingham District has five regular beers on tap, with an alternating seasonal:

• Lose Your Way New England IPA, 6.5% abv
• Red Mountain Red Ale, 5.5% abv
• The Descent American Stout, 7% abv
• Maingate Blonde, 5% abv
• American Wheat, 4.7% abv
• Seasonal brew: Oktoberfest, Marzen, 5.8% abv

Located at The Battery on 2nd Avenue South, the brewery has an outdoor patio area in the back, several televisions and a new building vibe, coupled with an old downtown feel. The appreciation for Birmingham's history is present in all of the brewery's branding and design.

Designed by local architect Tyler Price, the interior of the brewery pays homage to Birmingham’s industrial past with lots of steel. One of the most striking design features is a set of old window frames dividing the taproom from the brew house. The frames come from the original windows along the 22nd Avenue side of the building, which is over 100 years old.

"To celebrate the quiet beginnings of Birmingham and the geology that led to the development of the 'Magic City,' our brewery is named 'Birmingham District Brewing Company.' Well that, and because geologists know good beer," the statement from Birmingham District says.

"We'd be lying if we said we aren't keeping up with the latest beer trends, but we strive to brew unique styles that keep patrons returning week after week. If the bar is quiet, we aren't working hard enough."

Birmingham District Brewing Co. is open Monday-Wednesday from noon until 10 p.m., Thursday-Saturday from noon until midnight, and Sundays from noon until 8 p.m.

Photos by Michael Seale/Patch