Business Details
11 Years
experience
Craft Brewery & Taproom in Opelika, AL
Red Clay Brewing Company was founded in 2015 by three lifelong Alabamians: Kerry McGinnis, John Corbin, and Stephen Harle. Our brewery and taproom embody Southern heritage through handcrafted beers inspired by local history, including our flagship Big Swamp Stout and Hop Jubilee. As veterans and graduates of Auburn University, Ole Miss, and Faulkner State culinary arts, we combine technical expertise with deep regional roots. Our 3,000-square-foot taproom serves as both a community gathering space and a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. With over 15 combined years of experience in brewing, hospitality, and finance, our leadership team prioritizes quality, innovation, and authentic Southern hospitality.We take pride in creating beers that reflect the character of the red clay region while maintaining strict adherence to brewing excellence. Our facility accommodates diverse events from college football watch parties to Christmas celebrations, fostering connections through shared experiences. As active members of the Opelika community, we remain committed to supporting local traditions and economic growth. Our team includes full-time brewer Craig Collins, whose rhetorical criticism background enhances our creative approach to beer storytelling. Through consistent quality and community engagement, we aim to become Alabama's most beloved regional brewery.
Services
Craft Beer Production
Taproom Service
Event Space Rental
Catering Services
Brewery Tours
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer Alabama-brewed craft beers inspired by Southern heritage and local history
- Our veteran-owned team combines technical expertise with hospitality experience
- We provide versatile event space for weddings, parties, and corporate events
- We host weekly specials and live entertainment for community engagement
- Our brewery features a full kitchen serving Southern-inspired cuisine
Services
Craft Beer Production
We produce award-winning craft beers using traditional brewing methods and locally inspired ingredients. Our lineup includes year-round favorites like Big Swamp Stout and seasonal specialties. Each batch reflects our commitment to quality and Southern heritage through unique flavor profiles.
Taproom Service
Our taproom offers direct-to-consumer beer sales with daily tastings and pints. Guests enjoy brewery tours explaining our brewing process and history. The space features regular events including trivia nights and comedy shows for community engagement.
Event Space Rental
We provide 3,000 square feet of flexible event space for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests with beer and food service included. Our team assists with event planning and customization options.
Catering Services
Our kitchen serves Southern-inspired cuisine including pizzas and pub fare to complement our beer selection. We offer catering packages for events with specialty menus available. All dishes are prepared fresh daily using quality ingredients.
Brewery Merchandise
We sell branded merchandise including apparel, glassware, and growlers for beer to-go. Our retail section features seasonal items and collector's editions. Customers can purchase branded merchandise both in-person and at special events.
People
Kerry McGinnis
Founder & Head Brewer
Navy and Army veteran with a Biological Systems Engineering degree from Auburn University. Oversees brewing operations and distribution. Brings military discipline and engineering precision to beer production.
John Corbin
Marketing Director
Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate from Auburn University. Manages tasting room operations, sales, and promotions. Combines culinary expertise with hospitality management experience to lead customer engagement.
Stephen Harle
Chief Financial Officer
Accounting graduate from Ole Miss. Handles financial operations, tax compliance, and regulatory reporting. Ensures financial stability while maintaining adherence to TTB and ABC regulations.
Craig Collins
Head Brewer
University of Alabama-Huntsville graduate with rhetorical criticism expertise. Manages daily brewing operations since 2015. Applies analytical skills to perfect brewing techniques and flavor profiles.
Questions
What are Red Clay Brewing Company Company's operating hours?
We're open Monday 11AM-8PM, Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-10PM, Friday 11AM-Midnight, Saturday 11AM-Midnight, and closed Sundays.
Can I book the taproom for private events?
Yes, our 3,000-square-foot space accommodates weddings, corporate events, and parties. Contact us through our website to check availability.
What beers do you currently have on tap?
Our rotating selection includes Big Swamp Stout, Hop Jubilee, and seasonal specialties. Check our social media for current tap list updates.
Do you serve food at the brewery?
Yes, our kitchen serves Southern-inspired cuisine including pizzas and pub fare daily from 4PM-10PM Monday-Thursday.
Are brewery tours available?
Self-guided tours are available during operating hours. Special group tours can be arranged by contacting our taproom manager.
Reviews (7)
Patrick Williams
Feb 01, 2022
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We love visiting Red Clay! Wednesday night Irish music is a HOOT, Pizzas for lunch, and a variety of tasty beverages. I'm currently on a hard seltzer kick - they have multiple flavors: peach, cranberry, raspberry, mango and cranberry mojito. All we've had are good! Outside seating and hot pretzels, too!
Andrew F.
Nov 30, 2021
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Stopped in for lunch while passing through town and cant wait to come back! Excellent beer lineup with a nice variety of styles. Killer pizza and friendly staff checks all the boxes for me!
Jacob Sm
Nov 15, 2021
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Couldn't be more in more impressed. I'm visiting from out of town and what an amazing experience from the beer to the Build your own pizza. Great staff and a chill place to unwind
Arrie Clanton
Nov 01, 2021
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Victor makes the best pizza. He literally needs to train the others about how to make the pizza. Baca was the best bartender. He cared and showed the locals a lot of respect. Hate to see he is no longer with us. I have been a red clay regular since 2016 and have seen a lot of bartenders leave.
Dog Full
Jul 23, 2021
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Came by July 15 and loved it. I was raised in Opelika and now live in Florida. I work in alcohol industry and Red Clay is doing it right. Staff was very friendly and beer was excellent. Also was surprised how good pizza was. My wife and another couple we went with really had a good time
B. Roy
Oct 13, 2020
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Quaint and Clean location. They have quirky design that isnt afraid to jest themselves.
Bartenders all friendly. Beer selection is well balanced for diversified palates. A staple of the area. Worth exploring in town.
Bartenders all friendly. Beer selection is well balanced for diversified palates. A staple of the area. Worth exploring in town.
Rebecca Hoerner
Sep 19, 2020
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Loved this local brewery! We sat outside at the picnic tables out front with wonderful 63 degree weather! We tried the Southern Bumpkin (sweet potato brown ale) which was delicious and fall/wintery. We also had the River Defender (session IPA) which was a good light crushable IPA, and the amazing Murder Creek award-winning Cherry cider (3rd in the nation!). We had the Greek pizza for lunch which was delicious on a wheat-like crustso yummy! Definitely recommend stopping by Red Clay for the interesting beers and unique flavors! Loved it! Just a note, they do not do flights but kindly offer samples
