History

Dread River Distilling Co. was founded in the spirit of adventure and the belief that life is valuable, not fragile. According to the site, the company is driven by the idea that every bottle tells a story and every glass is an opportunity to listen, share and connect. The founders Dr. Jeff Dugas and John Cubelic started Dread River in spring 2017 as a small craft whiskey concept and opened the distillery in Birmingham in August 2019. Six months later, the global demand for disinfectant became a detour, but the goal of excellent spirits persisted. The mission is to inspire friends to share their stories, overcome obstacles, live boldly and enjoy deep spirits. The site describes it as a journey marked by courage and boundary-pushing thinking – with the motto bold, elegant and ready for anything.

Production / Manufacturing

Dread River produces various spirits in small batches with a focus on bold flavor profiles and craftsmanship. Their Straight Bourbon has a mash bill of 60% corn, 30% wheat and 10% malted barley and is the flagship, which, according to the site, is the first bourbon distilled in Birmingham in more than 100 years. Sherry Finished Rye consists of 90% rye and 10% malted barley and spends the last six months in sherry cask to impart fruit-forward notes and sweetness along with pepper and oak tones. Rye often shows spicy elements complemented by the sherry essence. In addition to bourbon and rye, a Blended Whisky, Vodka, Gin and Rum are also introduced, as well as Blue Agave Spirit and Double Barrel Aged Agave (Mistaken) as part of the Adventure Series. Master Series Batch 2 Veteran's Edition Bourbon is a double-aged bourbon (American oak + French oak) of about three years and 106 proof, hand-selected as a special release. Single Barrel offerings include Single Barrel Straight Bourbon. Agave spirit and Mistaken form part of the complex layers and are described as noble and powerful.

Products / Whisky Series

Straight Bourbon

The flagship with a mash bill of 60/30/10 and notes of vanilla, caramel and spices; considered Birmingham's first bourbon in over 100 years and has won silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2023).

Sherry Finished Rye

90% rye and 10% malted barley; six months finish in sherry casks and three-year maturation before finish; has won gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Bartender Spirit Awards (2023) and double gold at the Enthusiast Report International Spirits Competition (2024).

Blended Whisky

A blended whisky that highlights vanilla, caramel and a light butterscotch and chocolate finish; serves as a reference point to an older Dread River production in the house lineup.

Vodka

Made from 100% Italian wheat; sweet and floral with citrus notes and a clean finish with vanilla notes.

Gin

Nine botanicals with citrus-forward notes, grapefruit, lemongrass and juniper finish; fresh and unconventional profile.

Rum

Caribbean-inspired unaged rum made from molasses and dark sugar; sweet and tropical profile.

Blue Agave Spirit

Unaged blue agave spirit, similar to Mexican tequila, distilled in Birmingham, with mineral and citrus aromas; suitable for cocktails.

Double Barrel Aged Agave Batch 2 Mistaken

Inaugural product in the Adventure Series; 100% blue agave distilled in Birmingham and aged almost 3 years in Bourbon and Sherry casks; described as spicy, smoky and slightly sweet. Batch 2 won silver at the SFWSC 2023.

Master Series / Master Series Batch 2 Veteran's Edition Bourbon

Second release in the Master Series; double-aged with new woods and a rounded finish, bottled at 106 proof; described as cacao, toasted bread and sweet vanilla. The Veteran edition was selected and carried by a USAF veteran in the marketing.

Whiskies / Dread River Whiskies

A core range of whisky blends with citrus and vanilla notes and a finish of caramel and cocoa.

Awards Collection

Selected releases highlighted by medals from the SFWSC, Bartender Spirit Awards and the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition, including Straight Bourbon, Sherry Finished Rye, Blue Agave Spirit and Double Barrel Aged Agave.

Other Gift and Collector Editions

Bourbon Gift Sets and Whiskey Gift Sets gather some of the house releases for gifts, including Straight Bourbon and Sherry Finished Rye, as well as combinations with Master Series and Single Barrel variants.

Visits / Experiences

Dread River combines an elegant visitor experience at the distillery with a bar and a full kitchen that can offer dishes to pair with the house craft spirits. The site mentions a 4,000-square-meter event space and the possibility for customized events, catering and A/V equipment. The Tasting Room and shop have different opening hours: Tasting Room Tuesday to Friday 3:00 PM–10:00 PM and Saturday 12:00 PM–11:00 PM; bottle shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to close. Guided tours of the distillery and tastings are offered; reservations recommended via the website or the phone number 205-588-1744. Address is 2400 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

Philosophy

Dread River is founded in the spirit of adventure and aims to inspire friends to share their stories, overcome fear and drink deeply in the pursuit of unlimited possibilities. The site mentions the concept of Against the Grain and explains that Dread River symbolizes the gap between where you are and where you want to go, and that fear is a source of inspiration and action. The site describes a mission to inspire people to face fear, live boldly and share experiences in the hope of being a companion on their journey. It mentions Bold. elegant. ready for anything. and a focus on small-batch processes as well as a strong link between craft and bold flavor profiles.

Contact and Availability

Dread River products can be purchased online and shipped to parts of the USA; the Alabama area is also served via ABC stores and local shops as well as the distillery's Tasting Room. Visits and tours can be reserved via the website, and there are options for private events in the 4,000-square-meter space. The phone number listed is 205-588-1744 and email info@dreadriver.com.