Born Outta Birmingham

SMOOTH LIBATIONS MADE HERE IN THE SOUTH

By Natalie Downey

In 2014, two guys began experimenting with distilling as a fun side gig. Little did they know, they were dabbling in a revival of sorts, the beginnings of what would become the first legal distillery in Birmingham since the Prohibition.

Self-taught distillers, Redmont’s original founders Jacob Henden and Stephen Watts, joined by Jonathan Guidry, were led by curiosity and an appreciation for quality spirits as they explored the process of perfecting their product. The trio continued crafting vodka in a spot in downtown Birmingham, building their inventory and creating the perfect recipe for what they intended to be a top quality product. Named after the historic Red Mountain in Birmingham, Redmont Distilling built its reputation and fan base in the Alabama city and surrounding areas, and word of the smooth, locally-crafted liquor spread.

The Birmingham area is a magical place where the combination of limestone, coal, and red ore made it the perfect spot for the production of iron, leading to the beginnings of the city and its industrial accomplishments. A seemingly coincidental concoction of the perfect ingredients for success seems to be the theme of both the stories of the city of Birmingham and Redmont Distillery.

In 2019, with a new investment team onboard, Redmont leased a parcel in the historic Continental Gin Complex, and began the build-out of a new distillery that could handle the production needed for a national launch. In 2020, they completed construction, rebranded their spirit- liquid, label and bottle- and relaunched in February.

A new label and location weren’t the only updates to Redmont Distillery. New ownership, with Eleanor Estes as CEO and basketball legend Charles Barkley as majority shareholder, marked an exciting reemergence of the company into the local spotlight.

Charles Barkley

Mr. Barkley, a Birmingham native, helped vamp up the product’s publicity, increasing its chances of being noticed on a larger scale. “It continually impresses me, the crowd that Charles will draw,” Eleanor said.

A company that gives back, Redmont has actively been involved in charitable giving. For each bottle of vodka sold, the company chooses one recipient of a specific act of philanthropy, rotating regularly to give to a variety of causes in the Birmingham community, as needs arise.

“Our focus is on producing an incredibly premium product,” said Redmont Head Distiller Jonathan Guidry, one of the original Redmont founders. By keeping things simple, and limiting their products to simply vodka and gin, Redmont has been able to create the quality product they sought. A commitment to quality and pride in a sense of honoring their roots gives Redmont a big label taste with a familiar hometown feel.

So what sets Redmont spirits apart from the rest? The secret is in the distilling. While other vodka and gin brands are distilled six times at max, Redmont takes the process a step - or two - farther. With the goal of great vodka being no taste and no smell, Redmont distills their vodka a total of eight times, resulting in an incredibly smooth product, with a difference you can taste. “It’s an incredibly smooth, quality product, for an affordable price,” said Guidry.

Vulcan Gin, Redmont’s newest addition, is a gin unlike any other, crafted with carefully selected botanicals to present a taste free of the traditional pine tree flavor many gins are known for. Redmont staff painstakingly taste-tested combinations of botanicals before settling on what would be their trademark botanical lineup: sweet orange peel, juniper berry, coriander seed, and grains of paradise. Because gin is essentially vodka with botanicals infused into it, the spirit is also distilled eight times, with a refreshing, smooth, clean, easy-drinking flavor as a result.

Corn-based products, both Redmont Vodka and Vulcan Gin are gluten free, so they can be safely consumed by anyone avoiding gluten.

Reaching all of Alabama with their product has been Redmont’s distribution goal, and with that goal met, they expanded to Georgia in November 2020, and Mississippi in May of this year. Redmont Vodka can now be found in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Louisiana and Texas with plans of continued expansion across the US.

The future is bright for Redmont Distilling, with plans for their product to be available nationwide within the next 12 months. Where their signature vodka can’t be found in a brick and mortar store or restaurant, Redmont offers shipping, with coverage of 90% of the United States. Both Redmont Vodka and Vulcan Gin can be ordered from redmontdistilling.com.

Redmont Distilling has received recognition for its quality products, including a gold medal for Redmont Vodka and a silver for Vulcan Gin at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge. Redmont has been recognized as the official Vodka of the 2022 World Games, which will take place in Birmingham. A special label will be released for the games.

A “Great Southeastern Vodka,” according to Guidry, Redmont Vodka is also getting in on the SEC football festivities by launching a series of SEC cocktails which will feature a different recipe for each team.

The hard work they’ve put into creating a quality product has paid off for Redmont Distilling, and the city of Birmingham has been supportive. “Everyone right now is into supporting local, and it’s phenomenal,” said Eleanor Estes.

Redmont products are available in Columbus. Be sure to look for them in your favorite store and ask for them at your local restaurant or bar. Visit their website to find the closest store near you.