What a pleasant surprise this little gem was!! On a road trip and stopped in for a tasting and drinks. Left with some gin I have to fit in my luggage now! LOL. The gentleman working on Monday night was such a help and so sweet! The drinks he made were delicious. Would return in a heartbeat if ever in the area again! read more

John Emerald Distillery - "the Zelda" was perfection! - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Great Service. Quality drinks for a fair price. Laid back atmosphere. Menu was unique. read more

John Emerald Distillery - Cranberry Margarita - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

John Emerald's is another gem of Opelika, AL. They have great spirits and drinks with an ever changing mix of deals and quiet bites. The bartenders are knowledgeable and always friendly. I definitely recommend checking it out! read more

This is our fourth or fifth trip here. They make awesome Old Fashions and we really love me their bourbon. They have indoor and outdoor seating. You can order food via smartphone from a "ghost" kitchen which is nearby and will deliver. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. The overhead music is at a good level and easy for conversations. I certainly recommend it if you like a laid back environment and whiskey/bourbon. read more

See all

As someone who rarely drinks spirits, I actually really enjoy coming here. The Blackberry Summer is one of my favorites to get! If you're a coffee fan, I recommend the salted caramel drink. It tastes like spiked iced coffee! Depending on the day of the week, there might be a line at the bar but the wait is worth it. The space has a laid back, rustic atmosphere with plenty of seating. They also offer tours of the distillery so you can see the behind the scenes process! Bartenders are super nice and seem really knowledgeable about their drinks. read more

John Emerald Distillery - Blackberry Summer - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

See all

Stopped by on our way through Alabama to give our first rum distillery a try! Super cute and quaint little distillery. Unique little bar where the mixologist ( a literal drink mastermind!!) Crafted up 3 fun and SO DELICIOUS mixed cocktails. 1. Gin martini with mint and egg white foam ( Martinis are 25% off on Mondays!) 2. Whiskey Sour with house-made marinated cherries 3. Spiced Rum with a walnut and fall-like flavor profile Sorry i don't remember ANY of these cocktails names :( ABSOLUTELY LOVED TGESE COCKTAILS AMD WOULS DRIVE BACK FOR A FEW MORE WITH FRIENDS! Small and quiet town area with a brewery next door! read more

See all

Lai is a great bartender. The drinks are great and atmosphere is really good. Just a few minutes from auburn and the freeway (don't drink and drive!) read more

See all

Great atmosphere and very friendly service. I love that they let dogs inside. That way people can relax inside and enjoy the atmosphere or sit outside and enjoy nature with their dogs. read more

Fantastic place! We had the bourbon smash special which was great. They also have a rustic vibe. read more

See all

One of the best distilleries we have ever been to! All of their spirits were awesome but the best had to be the spiced rum for me. It was a slow night and the bartender had brought her adorable dog Luna in with her. It made my night!! Such a great experience and awesome spirits, highly recommend this place, we will be back soon for sure! read more

John Emerald Distillery - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Looove coming here and trying different cocktails! The drinks are all so creative and delicious. Bartenders have always been knowledgeable and helpful in choosing the best drinks! Absolutely love coming here. We always leave with a bottle of whiskey because it is sooo good and soma affordable! Awesome space read more

See all

The bourbon smash was absolutely delicious! My husband got a whiskey flight. The single malt and the double oak were the favorites! We got a bottle of double oak bourbon to take home and hide from our adult children. Awesome T-shirt selection too! read more

After some beers at Red Clay Brewing next door, making a stop at John Emerald seemed like a very very wise idea. So our group headed over, curious to find what the distillery had in store for us. The beautiful wooden and brick space was hot, and I found myself growing glowy. It was probably a perfect storm of the unseasonably warm weather, lots of bodies in the smallish room, and air not being on. There was a lengthy wait at the bar for drinks. The sole bartender was hustling but it wasn't enough. Thankfully another bartender showed up eventually. Drinks are about $7-8. The pride and joy of John Emerald, John's Alabama Single Malt, isn't listed in any of the concoctions, but can be mixed into a cocktail upon request. It's the first legal whiskey to be made in the Heart of Dixie in 100 years, since Prohibition. Wow, that's pretty cool, even if I don't like whiskey. Unfortunately, some of us were not blown away by our cocktails. The Old Fashioned and Sidecar received low marks, while the Bloody Mary fared better, along with the Moscow Mule variations. My Dark Mojito made with Sarah's Silver Rum, simple syrup, mint, lime, and berries, was fine though heavy-handed with the lime juice. If you like drinking spirits up, try the tasting flight. The liquors come in tiny thimble-sized cups that led to a discussion about communion cups at our table. I saw a TV but it wasn't on. Some people were playing a giant Jenga. I think that was the only game available. All of the employees were very nice and friendly. Oh, and the sink in the bathroom is set into a barrel, neato! Check out the website if you want to sign up for a tour Thursdays through Saturdays; it's $5 for the tour only and $10 if you want a tour and a tasting. Also look for a list of distributors on the website. Looks like you can buy bottles of John Emerald at ABC stores in Alabama and a few shops in Georgia. Pro tip: keep an eye out for Mr. Beans, the friendly distillery cat! read more

See all

We stopped in at John Emerald on a lazy Saturday afternoon. We weren't able to take the tour but we were able to taste some amazing drinks! I had their bourbon cocktail, bonfire. It was amazing! I'll definitely be back and have it again. First off, the bourbon is really smooth and the drink is smokey and flavorful! The atmosphere is inviting and the bartenders are super helpful. I absolutely encourage you to stop in even if it's just for a quick drink. read more

Nice spot to try out some new spirits. I enjoyed their bourbon. Laid back atmosphere that is inviting. I was told that it was allowed to take my libation next door to the brew pub and vice/versus. read more

This place is awesome!! As soon as we walked in, the bartender/manager (Jill) had us sitting down with perfect drinks in front of us. My sister ordered a cocktail with bruised basil, and Jill picked a leaf off of a basil stem and bruised it right there! She's a mixologist. It was amazing. Extra bonus, my sister has Down Syndrome. People generally talk around her but Jill made a point of talking directly to her. 6/5 would absolutely recommend. Delicious alcohol, creative cocktails, and excellent service! read more

John Emerald Distillery - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

We went here Saturday. Were looking for something fun to do outside Columbus! It was so much fun. Jimmy was a super awesome host and we learned so much about distilling spirits! Their bar serves excellent drinks! There's a blackboard where people buy drinks for other people and write their names on the board for the next time they come in. For example, hubs is military and someone had bought a drink for "active duty Army" so he got a free drink. We paid it forward so if you're a Dragoon in 2d Cav or an elementary art teacher there's a drink waiting on you! We would highly recommend this place for a fun afternoon excursion! read more

John Emerald Distillery - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

The John's Alabama Single Malt was excellent as was the Double Oak Bourbon! Clean and friendly service.

Five stars. Everyone here was extremely friendly. I love the community feel, and while I don't drink it seemed that the people who were, enjoyed every thing from cocktails, liquor on ice, etc. Lots of parking out front and located in an area with lots of other businesses. We saw David Ramirez and Lucette. Sound was good overall. Love that the equipment is right behind the stage. I hope I can come back one day! read more

Friendly staff! Awesome atmosphere! And the best distillery in Alabama! Best sipping whiskey in the world. I drove all the way from Vicksburg, MS to come here! read more

I am thrilled to see this awesome addition to downtown Opelika! Talking to Jimmy, the distiller, is informative and entertaining. All drinks fall into the category of "craft cocktail" and are made with the upmost attention to detail....fresh herbs and house made spirits. Jimmy gave us a tour of the facility and it is incredible how much he is able to utilize a space of this size, and still has room to expand! This place is good for all ages...the perfect place to bring friends visiting town, or even parents. The spiced rum is my favorite. I would highly recommend it, especially in their Dark & Stormy. This little distillery is going places. Check it out. read more

Was absolutely amazing! Unique and fun cocktails so there's something for everyone. Good and friendly service too! I'd be a regular if I lived near by! read more

Cool atmosphere, but the drinks were so bad. Bartenders mixing up tequila instead of vodka...the "Bonfire" had liquid smoke and was so so gross. Terrible. read more

Love jimmy he's just like my guy and there is nothing really more to say about that. Walked into John Emerald and immediately felt at home. All the employees were respectful and very accepting of us. Best distillery in Alabama hands down. read more

This is one of the gems of Opelika -- such a great atmosphere and knowledge of craft spirits. Jill is an amazing bartender and can make some of the best cocktails using their spirits that i have ever had. They provide distillery tours if youre into that kind of thing and everyone that works there makes you feel welcome. Only recommendation would be to enlarge the bar area or build another bar area in that spare room. read more

This place is a shining star in downtown Opelika! We've gone here consistently for about two years, and I can truly say that we've never had a bad drink, not even a mediocre one. The bar manager, Jill, is fantastic, and embodies everything you want in a bartender. She's thoughtful, funny, and remembers you. She makes every drink as if it's the only one she's making that night, putting all her care and effort into making you a beautiful libation. Along with the rest of the staff, Jill makes JED a lovely place that you can pass many hours with tasty cocktails. They've also started a fantastic concert series, inviting local artists to play in the distillery. Distillery tours are wonderful, and incredibly informative. Owner Jimmy is an absolute joy to listen to, and he's always available for questions or suggestions. The menu here is varied, extensive, and well curated. They use craft ingredients, and you can't get any better than serving liquor that was made just a few steps away from the bar. An additional bonus is that since the recent legislation in Opelika, you can now even take home a bottle of the JED's great spirits, saving you a trip to the liquor store. I highly recommend Gene's Spiced Rum and Elizabeth's Vodka! read more

Great place. It's rare you find a bartender that really knows his drinkology, but Tyler is the master distiller. You have to try all the different whiskeys they make. read more

I used to think I didn't like spirits. As a homebrewer, I have always been more of a beer guy. But when JED opened near my home, I thought I'd check it out. And boy am I glad I did. This has become my favorite hang out in the Auburn/Opelika area. The skill and precision that Jimmy and John put into making their hand crafted spirits is amazing. The cocktails are sophisticated and well-balanced with the flavors of the spirits evident in them (my wife loves the big swamp fizz, I'm more of a Dark and Stormy fan myself). But if you really want to get the full experience of a craft distillery, try them straight (they do offer tastings). Gin is something I normally avoid, but theirs has more contemporary floral and citrus flavors that someone new to gin is going to find very pleasing. If you're a whiskey drinker, make sure you give their single malt a try. It's incredible how much flavor they get and how smooth it tastes compared to more expensive older brands. They also clearly have an eye for design. The tasting room is beautiful, inviting, and warm. The overall ambience is great. Its a wonderful place for young professionals to hang out and enjoy one another's company. Definitely not a rowdy drunk fest. Our liquor cabinet used to be nonexistent, but now it's stocked with John Emerald Spirits. JED is a great addition to the booming downtown Opelika night scene. read more

Nothing less than 5 stars for this place! Jill the manager is absolutely wonderful, and their cocktails are even better! Would give 6 starts if I could read more

John Emerald Distillery - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

See all

The tour is worth it. I learned a lot and really enjoyed it. There is a friendly, laid back atmosphere, and it contributes to the vibe of downtown Opelika. read more

This is by far one of my favorite bars in Downtown Opelika. Jill has the best in house whiskey you could ask for. They also have scotch, rum, vodka, and beer. Actual mixologist behind the bar and yummy drinks flowing all night. Sometimes they have live music and yummy food! Be sure to check them out and tell them Colana sent you! read more

Love this place. Great drinks at a great price. Taking the tour is well worth it. These guys are passionate about their spirits. Incredible whiskey. read more

John Emerald Distillery - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

My favorite "watering hole". I true treasure here in Opelika. From the owners to Jill the bartender. .., and if course the spirits. read more

John Emerald Distillery - The menu ... Plus all the normals as well. Love the Swamp Fizz and the Dark and Stormy. - Breweries Near Me - Opelika, Alabama

Fantastic drinks and environment. The drinks were not over priced and each one was better than the one before. Check out their BBQ from Bill and Robbie on Friday and Saturdays! read more

I was only one coming in on an early Thursday night and Jimmy (owner) gave me an excellent tour of the place explaining everything but mainly addressing the intricacies that were interesting to me. After the tour, I was introduced to an amazing flight (great price) which made the decision of what I would be drinking even harder but I had to have the single malt whiskey neat, and I did. No regrets. Amazing product, great staff, up and coming atmosphere that will make for a great time! read more

Great craft cocktails, cozy environment, and excellent service. We were highly impressed with our drinks, especially for the price- being a Wednesday all drinks were $6! We sampled the drink of the week which featured lavender, a unique and refreshing flavor and their in-house brewed beers which were equally a treat. Will definitely be back for a tour! read more

Excellent drinks. Wonderful service, thanks jill! I would recommend it to anyone looking for local booze. They also seemed to have a full working coffee shop as well, though admittedly, coffee is not my thing. And if booze or coffee isn't your thing, there is a brewery next door. Try all the liquors they have. You might be surprised by what alabama has to offer. read more

Easily one of my favorite places to drink in Auburn/Opelika. They have some great spirits especially their whiskey and vodka. My bartender Mary Grace could not have been better, she was a true gem and made perfect drinks. 10/10 experience definitely will come again and recommend to others. Only spirit they sadly don't have is tequila. read more

This was a great experience! Their spirits are very unique, and the owner gave us a great tour: took his time, very friendly and personable , and answered all of our questions. The bar has wonderful cocktails too! read more

Very awesome place. The smell of this place is very good. I don't know what it is but smells awesome. The couches are really relaxing and it's very comfortable. I don't drink so I didn't try anything but all my friends were enjoying. Stop on by. It's a great place. read more