"Dothan’s first production brewery to be a part of the growing craft beer movement in Alabama"

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: May 26 2016 11:24 AM

"Most folks remember Poplar Head Mule Company Brewpub back in the mid 90’s through 2003.  That was Dothan’s first taste of local hand crafted beers since before prohibition and it was a big deal for downtown.  You could go in, sit down and have dinner while trying some house brewed beers in a time that most beer drinkers had never heard of anything besides the usual light lagers. It helped spawn several beer brewers, including myself, to begin a career which would one day bring a brewery back to the Wiregrass area.  We opened our doors on Halloween night, October 31st, 2013.  We were recently approved to begin winemaking operations on site where we will begin producing honey & fruit wines on site!  Mead, or honey wine, is the oldest alcoholic beverages in history, and is a rarity to find in this day and age.

Folklore is not the first brewery in Dothan, but it is the first production brewery to package beer for distribution throughout the State since before Prohibition. In other words, you can now come out to the brewery and buy beers to drink on premise. You can also visit over 50 restaurants and retailers in the Wiregrass area and ask for a ’Folklore brew’ or a locally brewed beer and get one or more of their offerings.  Restaurants, bars and shops that have Folklore draft beer on tap extend beyond Dothan out to Enterprise, Auburn and Montgomery.  Specialty bottle shops like Basket of Cheer, The Cellar, KBC Butchers Block and Corks & Cattle feature 22oz bottles to go as well as Publix, Winn Dixie and more.

Starting June 1st a new law will go into effect that will allow visitors to go to the brewery, have a sampler and buy up to a case of beer to go.  This is the first time in nearly 100 years that you could visit a brewery in Alabama and legally buy a beer to take home.  The law does protect Retailers and Wholesalers by limiting the amount you can buy for personal use at 288 ounces per person/per day and prohibiting any resale of the beer bought at a brewery.  This bodes well for Folklore and local businesses as the beer is widely available in the Wiregrass and prices are matched on bottles.

The good news for Folklore and beer loving customers is that there are many experimental, small batch beers created that would never leave the building that can now be sold in the form of a "Growler."  A Growler is a glass container that holds 32oz or 64oz each.  A growler release party will take place at the Brewery on June 1st starting at 4pm with live music and growlers to celebrate the law change. Folklore will sell Dothan’s first local beer to go directly from the brewery. After June 1st, Folklore will be open on Thursdays from 4pm 9pm and Friday’s & Saturday’s from 4pm to Midnight.  Snacks and burgers are available next door to the brewery at a separate, small start-up catering company called "Fly By Night Grill".

We like to think we’re one of Dothan’s best kept secrets because when you venture out to find the brewery, it’s located in a place you would never think to look. Much like a speakeasy, most folks share their discovery of us by word of mouth or lead friends to the brewery located on our old family farm located off Hodgesville and Hagler Road on the South side of Dothan.  Google maps are highly recommended to navigate to Folklore Brewing.  About the time you think, "This isn’t the way...," you’re almost there! You must be 21 and up to visit as the facility is not kid friendly, however well adjusted dogs on leashes are welcome.  

The best part of our brewery? The people! We started this business without two red cents to rub together and today we now have three red cents!  Honestly, the only indication of success we have is that people appreciate, enjoy and support small local business by asking for the product, and that they carry it in their stores and businesses to offer to the public. We are truly thankful to be a part of the community and enjoy several opportunities to give back to our three preferred charities: Kids, Pets and Vets. Visit our website (www.folklorebrewing.com) or like us on Facebook for more information on retailers who sell Folklore, upcoming events at the brewery, and new brews!

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