In the early 2000s, breweries began to pop up in and around Rocket City as Prohibition-era brewing and beer laws were finally adjusted. Today, Huntsville is home to many breweries and its craft beer scene continues to grow and thrive, even earning Huntsville the title of “beer capital of Alabama.” Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best breweries and taprooms to enjoy a craft beer in Rocket City.
Downtown Brews
If you’re headed downtown, be sure to check out Green Bus Brewing, a nonbrewery that offers a diverse tap list including brews like cream ales, blondes, and dry stouts, along with seltzers, ciders, boozy slushes, and a variety of non-alcoholic beers. Coupled with a regular live music and events schedule, this spot is a great start to a night out on the town.
Located downtown but slightly off the beaten path, Mad Malts Brewing has classic beers like Hefeweizen and amber ale, but also makes experimental brews such as a yam ale with fall flavors or a summery raspberry blonde ale. The brewery often hosts live events such as DJs and stand-up comedy, and they have live music every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (check out their social media for more details).
Just south of downtown, Back Forty Beer Company brews all their beers on site at their brewhouse, and produces up to 50 new beers a year using both American and European brewing styles. Sample from their 20 tap options including lagers, IPAs, stouts, and more, and enjoy some gourmet grub from their kitchen in the tap room or spacious outdoor area.
West Huntsville Hangs
The West Huntsville area offers three incredible breweries in close proximity. InnerSpace Brewing, Yellowhammer Brewing, and Straight to Ale are each just steps from each other on Clinton St., allowing you to brewery hop and enjoy a variety of beers.
A nod to the city’s space exploration roots, InnerSpace Brewing is family owned and operated, with a sci-fi and space-themed taproom where they pour farmhouse ales, saisons, and lagers.The space is family- and dog-friendly, and also offers Neopolitan or deep dish pizza from their wood-fired oven.
Yellowhammer Brewing and Straight to Ale are both located in the popular Campus 805 district, a multi-use space to sip, dine, and play. Yellowhammer Brewing is an award-winning brewery that opened in 2010 by four friends hoping to bring good beer and food to the Huntsville community. Since then, the brewery has doubled in size and expanded operations, brewing mostly German and Belgian inspired beers. Sample their beers and enjoy a pizza in the taproom, along with a full bar and cocktail menu. Hosting a party? Check out their roomy private event space.
Straight to Ale, a local fan favorite and the second largest brewery in the state of Alabama, offers four core beers – a pilsner, Belgian-style dubbel ale, IPA, and a stout. Along with their core beers, they consistently have new offerings, with a release schedule on their website. Locals can join the beer club which provides discounts, early access to new releases, a complimentary glass and members-only t-shirt, and more.
Taprooms
Along with a great brewery scene, Huntsville is also home to great taprooms who support the local breweries.
Das Stahl Bierhaus offers 32-taps in their taproom, with a variety of beers including local and domestics along with at least three rotating German import beers. If you’re undecided, enjoy a flight to sample different options. The bar also offers a variety of meads, ciders, seltzers and hard kombuchas, and for those not drinking, Das Stahl offers the largest selection of non-alcoholic craft beverages in Huntsville, such as non-alcoholic beer, wine, cider, mocktails, craft soda, and more. Before you leave, check out their 450-bottle bottle shop and take a few home.
Nestled in a unique, wood-filled building with an expansive patio, Nook is a craft beer tavern with 80 beers on tap and 36 taps dedicated to local breweries, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For whiskey lovers, they have a collection of more than 280 whiskeys, making this a great hangout for large groups with varied tastes. Grab a seat in the large indoor dining area or make your way to their expansive patio to enjoy some sunshine.
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. Following Winthrop, she earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, she supports ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. She also contributes to the development of blogs and other content shared on the publications’ digital platforms. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and two dogs, Cooper and Rocky.
