This year has prompted us to take a look at how well-stocked our kitchens are. Without excursions to bars and restaurants, cocktails have been, for better or worse, reimagined as homemade versions. Fortunately, there's a local spirit that supports the community and blends well with soda and a twist of lime — or whatever your preference. Dread River Distilling Company has been there for us, from brunch bloodys to night caps, and the co-founders and staff are ready to toast the future.
Founded by Dr. Jeff Dugas and John Cubelic, Dread River Distilling was a project “five years in the making,” according to Cubelic, who said the friends “hatched the plan” after being inspired by rum created on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, where Dr. Dugas owns a home. Cubelic was living in New York at the time and felt pulled to launch their new business in Birmingham, where he’d attended high school. “I felt Birmingham needed something like this,” Cubelic said. “There was a renaissance happening in the city.”
The co-founders were humbled to receive support from numerous friends in the beverage circuit. Denver, in particular, had a number of distilleries that modeled what Dread River would one day become. “I learned a ton from the people in Denver,” noted Cubelic. “I’d cold-call distilleries and tell them my ideas. I’ve gotten good feedback.”
Since launching Memorial weekend 2019, Dread River's been a popular spot. A tasting room followed, in August 2019. When COVID-19 took everyone by surprise in early 2020, the partners reflected on how they could uplift their community in a significant way.
“My father was in the wine industry, and my mom used to say it was recession-proof,” said Cubelic. “Early on, we decided to address the need for hand sanitizer.”
No one had any idea their custom hand sanitizer would take off the way it did. By the end of the first day, several news stations had dropped by, and hundreds of requests followed. Customers realized they could purchase their favorite spirits and hand sanitizer in one place. “It was a way to get people to visit the business for something we weren’t known for,” Cubelic said. “In a sense, Covid actually grew our business overall.”
From vodka and gin to whiskey and rum, Dread River offers a full line of craft spirits — including a new agave spirit. Those who visit are sure to find something pleasing to the palate — even beer drinkers can choose from six craft beers, brewed on-site for the tasting room and other events.
Speaking of the tasting room, yes, it is open, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with plans to open more frequently soon. Visitors can tour the distillery, then enjoy a cocktail afterward. There’s also yummy food created by Executive Chef Craig Olack, whose culinary credits include OvenBird, Highlands Bar and Grille and Roots & Revelry. Highlights of the modern, Southern menu include prime beef tenderloin, an Atlantic salmon filet and compulsory fried green tomatoes.
The co-founders, along with CEO Brian Rodgers, all look forward to 2021 and an abundance of growth for the business. All agreed Covid put things on temporary hiatus, and the distillery is still in “growth mode.” Among the exciting goals are more aged products, as well as wider distribution — perhaps even South Carolina, Dr. Dugas’ native land.
As for the name Dread River, it’s in honor of the legendary river beneath the city of Birmingham. Never heard of it? While there's water beneath the downtown area — and many parts of Alabama — the story of a 300-mile-wide river, which underground dwellers and sea monsters called home, made its way into public consciousness more than a century ago and continues to capture imaginations.
“We wanted a mystical, mysterious name, and the word ‘whiskey’ is Gaelic for ‘water of life,’” Cubelic explained. “It’s about having a drink to celebrate the journey.”
Those who visit the tasting room are sure to find something pleasant to the palate — even beer drinkers can choose from six craft beers, brewed on-site...