Sips of Birmingham Tour

Discover Birmingham’s Beer Scene with the Sips of Birmingham Tour

Our review of the Sips of Birmingham tour highlights a fun, well-organized experience for anyone interested in exploring local breweries without the stress of driving. Designed for beer enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, this private tour offers a unique inside look at Birmingham’s craft beer culture. What we really appreciate is how the tour combines knowledgeable guides with intimate visits to three distinct breweries, all while making sure you don’t have to worry about logistics or transportation.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the tour is priced at $80 per person—which we believe offers good value considering the private group setting, brewery visits, and tastings included. However, it’s important to note that the tour is around three hours long. If you’re not a big beer drinker, the variety of flavors and behind-the-scenes insights might still surprise you. This tour is especially fitting for those who enjoy craft beer, local culture, and personalized experiences, or travelers looking for a relaxed, fun way to spend an afternoon in Birmingham.

Key Points

• Private group experience ensures personalized attention and less crowded tour moments
• Three breweries visited: Cahaba Brewing, Good People Brewing, and TrimTab Brewing
• In-depth brewery tours combined with beer tastings at each stop
• Knowledgeable guides passionate about Birmingham and beer science
• Transport included, so you won’t need to worry about driving or navigating
• Duration of around 3 hours, making it a perfect afternoon activity

What to Expect from the Sips of Birmingham Tour

This tour promises an engaging look at Birmingham’s craft beer scene, with a focus on quality and authenticity. Starting at the SpringHill Suites Birmingham Downtown at UAB, you’ll meet your guide and fellow enthusiasts. From there, a comfortable transportation arrangement takes you between the three breweries, each with its own character and brewing philosophy.

Cahaba Brewing Company

Your first stop is Cahaba Brewing in East Avondale, a spot that’s grown rapidly since its start. Originally a small homebrew project, Cahaba now occupies a 51,000-square-foot space in the historic Continental Gin Complex. You’ll get a 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour of their operations, learning about their transition from a small operation to a major local player.

What makes Cahaba special? Their spacious taproom features over 26 taps, offering a mix of popular staples like Blonde, Oka Uba, Pale Ale, and Lager, along with experimental pilot batches and exclusive taproom-only brews. Visitors often comment on the lively, welcoming atmosphere and the chance to see how a large-scale brewery operates. As one reviewer put it, “The guides were very knowledgeable about the breweries, passionate about Birmingham, and a delight to talk to.”

Good People Brewing Company

Next, the tour moves to Good People Brewing, located right in the middle of Birmingham’s brewing action. The tour here is about 45 minutes, with the taproom positioned amidst the brewing activity—a perfect spot to see the process firsthand.

This location offers insights into the microbrewery scene and includes tastings of several of their beers. Visitors often mention the engaging guides and the quality of the beer. One reviewer summed it up as “Fun and informative,” appreciating the stories behind each brew and the chance to learn about the science of beer-making. You’ll get a close-up look at the brewing process and the chance to ask questions, making this stop especially educational.

TrimTab Brewing Company

The final stop is TrimTab Brewing, known for its experimental approach and creative beers. Although this part of the tour typically lasts about an hour, it’s a chance to see a different style of brewing and enjoy some free tastings. Without a set menu, the offerings vary, but visitors often find the selection to be diverse—even if you’re not a typical beer drinker.

The atmosphere at TrimTab is lively and innovative, and many guests appreciate the behind-the-scenes look at a brewery that pushes boundaries.

The Intimate, Guided Experience

What makes this tour stand out is the private setting—your group of up to 14 people. This smaller size fosters a more personal and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to ask questions and connect with your guides, Dustin and Scottie, who reviewers praise as “knowledgeable,” “passionate,” and “fun.” Their enthusiasm for Birmingham and craft beer truly enhances the experience.

Logistics and Comfort

The tour includes transportation between breweries, so you can focus on enjoying the beers and conversations without worrying about driving or navigation. The starting point is conveniently located near public transportation, adding to the tour’s accessibility.

While the tour is scheduled for around three hours, including visits and tastings, it’s paced to prevent fatigue and allow time to savor each beer. The use of a mobile ticket simplifies check-in, and the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance, adds peace of mind.

Value for Money

At $80 per person, this experience offers a solid value, especially considering the private nature, local expertise, and included tastings. Compared to other activities, the combination of education, tasting, and hassle-free transport makes it a worthwhile choice for those wanting an authentic look into Birmingham’s craft beer scene.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is perfect for beer lovers curious about the brewing process, locals looking for a fun afternoon activity, or visitors wanting an authentic taste of Birmingham’s culture. It’s also well-suited for small groups or couples seeking an intimate, personalized experience.

However, if you’re not keen on beer or prefer large, loud group tours, this might not be your best fit. It’s also worth noting that the brewery visits are relatively short, so if you’re eager to spend more time tasting or learning beyond the scheduled stops, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

The Sips of Birmingham tour offers a well-balanced, enjoyable way to discover the city’s thriving craft beer scene. With knowledgeable guides, private group intimacy, and a seamless transportation setup, it’s a practical choice for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look without the hassle of organizing logistics themselves.

The tour’s focus on quality over quantity, paired with the chance to learn about each brewery’s history and brewing process, makes it a memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply curious about local brews, this tour delivers authentic insights wrapped in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

For travelers who appreciate personalized service, local flavor, and a taste of Birmingham’s creative brewing spirit, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s particularly suited to those who value small-group experiences and expert guides—making your afternoon both informative and enjoyable.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Sips of Birmingham tour?
Approximately three hours, including visits to three breweries with tastings.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour takes care of all transport between breweries, so you don’t need to worry about driving or parking.

What breweries are visited?
The tour visits Cahaba Brewing Company, Good People Brewing Company, and TrimTab Brewing Company.

How many people participate in each tour?
The private tour is limited to your group of up to 14 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are the tours suitable for non-beer drinkers?
Yes, many visitors enjoy the variety of flavors and the behind-the-scenes insights, even if they’re not regular beer drinkers.

What is the cost?
$80 per person, which covers brewery visits, tastings, and transportation.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at SpringHill Suites Birmingham Downtown at UAB.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the starting location is near public transit, making it easy to reach.

In short, the Sips of Birmingham tour offers a delightful, educational, and hassle-free way to explore Birmingham’s beer culture. Perfect for small groups, local history buffs, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed afternoon sampling craft brews with expert guides.