John Emerald Distilling Company: Alabama's Spirit Pioneer
Experience the taste of Alabama's first legal distillery since Prohibition. Tours, tastings, and handcrafted spirits await in historic downtown Opelika.
John Emerald Distilling Company, Opelika's pride, is a family-run craft distillery and the first legal distillery in Alabama since Prohibition. Named after John Emerald Sharp, it produces award-winning whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka, offering tours and tastings in a beautifully restored cotton warehouse.
A brief summary to John Emerald Distilling Company
- 706 N Railroad Ave, Opelika, Alabama, 36801, US
- +1334-737-5353
- Visit website
- Monday 1 pm-7 pm
- Tuesday 1 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 1 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 1 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-12 am
- Saturday 12 pm-12 am
- Sunday 1 pm-7 pm
Local tips
- Check the distillery's website for tour schedules and to book tickets in advance, especially for weekend visits.
- Sample a tasting flight to experience a variety of John Emerald's spirits.
- Explore downtown Opelika's other shops and restaurants while you're in the area.
Getting There
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Walking
John Emerald Distilling Company is located in downtown Opelika, easily accessible on foot from most points in the downtown area. From the intersection of 8th Street and Railroad Avenue, walk north on Railroad Avenue for a few blocks. The distillery will be on your left. No costs involved.
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Public Transport
Opelika is served by Lee-Russell Public Transit (LRPT). Check the LRPT website or app for schedules and routes to the downtown area. From the nearest bus stop, walk to N Railroad Ave. Single ride fares are typically around $1.25.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Opelika. Request a ride to 706 N Railroad Ave, Opelika. The average cost for a short trip within Opelika is around $10-$15.
Discover more about John Emerald Distilling Company
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Red Clay Brewing Company
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10,000 Hz Records
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Sneak & Dawdle
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Resting Pulse Brewing Company
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Bottling Plant Event Center
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Railroad Avenue Historic District
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Southern Crossing
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Opelika Main Street Inc
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The Gallery on Railroad
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Rock 'N Roll Pinball
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Off The Rails Gaming
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Side Track
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CyberZone Entertainment
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Irish Bred Pub
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Unmissable attractions to see
Museum of East Alabama
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Opelika CSX - NS Diamond Crossing
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Municipal Park
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Siddique Nature Park
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Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest
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Spring Villa Park
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Aquarium Stones
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Kreher Preserve & Nature Center
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Graham McTeer Park
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Toomer's Oaks
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Donald E. Davis Arboretum
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Town Creek Park
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Jonathan Bell Lovelace Museum
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The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University
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Lake Wilmore Trail
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Essential places to dine
Dough Pizzeria
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Café One Twenty Three
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Viva La Vida Mexican Cuisine Opelika
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The Breezeway
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The Sloppy Burger - Take out and Delivery Only
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Chuck's Bar-B-Que
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Wing Town
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El Rodeo
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BJ's Lodge
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Best Wings and Things
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Red Wolf Ramen
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Old Mill Country Kitchen
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Western Sizzlin
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Waffle House
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The CRD Shop
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Studio 3:19
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All Strung Out Yarn Shop
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Taylor Made Designs
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Fringe Consignment
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Fringe Kids
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Roland's Thrift Store
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Coveted Closet
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Crowned Boutique
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The Tiny Closet Boutique
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Neighborhood Market
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The Unique Boutique LLC
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The Jailhouse
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Auburn Plaza Bar & Lounge
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Cerulean Wine Bar
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Tru Blu Sports Bar
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Stadium “@ Auburn, AL
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Session Cocktails
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17-16 Bar
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Halftime Sports Bar
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The Bar at Wittel
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