Alabama Brewery Tour: Druid City Brewing Company – Tuscaloosa

In a few short months, Druid City Brewing Company has had a tremendous response from the beer drinkers of Tuscaloosa who've chimed in with a resounding, "THANK YOU"!

You may have been to a local drinking establishment or restaurant lately and saw the most amazing tap handle ever! Yes, I'm talking about Druid City Brewing Company's moon logo, based on the landmark signage outside of Moon Winx Lodge in Alberta.

When I first drove up to their building in the Parkview Shopping Center on 14th Street, I wasn't sure that I was in the right place. A stark white cinderblock wall, two doors and a red awning welcomed me but then my beerhound instincts kicked in and I smelled the hops and knew I had made it! Upon walking in you're eyes are drawn to a fine looking powder blue custom bar built by Dexateens' front man and local cabinet maker Elliott McPherson. (Picture obviously taken before taproom was open)

Their goal is offer limited tours giving patron the chance to visit their neighbors and retail partners in Parkview Center.

Currently, Druid City Brewing Company produces 4 beers. A pale ale, IPA, wheat, and saison.

My favorite offering from DCBC is their Lamplighter IPA. It's about as smooth an IPA as I've ever had. Its color is a light gold and taste is mild, with hops and malts well balanced. A nice herbal tone rounds out the experience.

From what I've noticed at various places around Tuscaloosa, the DCBC beer on tap varies. I did luck out one time while at Alcove International Tavern... I was two pints into their wheat when they changed out the keg to the pale ale. Score for me!

The fact that Tuscaloosa now has its own brewery is a big deal. We've got something one of a kind. From the look and flavor, DCBC is as Tuscaloosa as our famed Crimson Tide. We should welcome this addition to our champion city with open arms.

DCBC is owned by Bo Hicks and Elliott Roberts. Having known Bo for a few years I can honestly say that he's 100% committed to improving the quality of music and drink in our city. After a recent brewery tour, I got a chance to share a few beers with and get to know Elliott (whose father happens to be Alabama director of broadcasting and host of Hey Coach, Tom Roberts) as well and can say that he is, like Bo, committed to making Tuscaloosa a brighter place, one beer at a time.

DCBC is located at 607 14th Street - across the parking lot from OZ Music. After Thursday, regular hours will be Thursday-Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday and Sunday 2-8pm. Come on down the beer is fine!