Family-friendly Gulf Shores and Orange Beach might not be the first place you’d consider for a microbrewery business, but when a family with deep roots in the area makes a great brew, the whole thing makes sense.
Big Beach Brewing Company, located at 300 E. 24th St. in Gulf Shores in the Waterway Village District, opened in October 2016 and has quickly become a popular stop for locals as well as visitors.
For its founder – local dentist Jim Shamburger and his family – the dream began back in July of 2015. Jim and his wife had been home-brewing quite a while, sharing their beer with friends and family. It was so well received that they decided to make a business of it.
A longtime fan of local businesses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, I knew I had to check it out. It did not disappoint.
Pulling into the parking lot, I could tell that the Shamburgers put a lot of thought into creating a family-friendly, low-key beach vibe at the brewery. The building’s pale brick exterior – with a beachy colored sign, swings hanging from old tree branches and games in the yard – invites guests to come and stay awhile.
Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised to find the beach vibe continues — with a decor home-brew fans adore. Loads of windows, pale walls and a wide-open design suit this beachfront town perfectly. Industrial notes, like the one-of-a-kind bar top made from locally sourced wood, the massive fireplace and the tables throughout the space complement the airy feel without overpowering it.
Great design only works with great products. Jim’s son, Ryan, who came home to help with the opening, assisted in this part of our visit. He proudly shared how his family got into the brewing business and the different microbrews they make. He explained that they don’t have a food-service license and don’t intend to get one. Rather, they have partnered with local restaurants who deliver right to Big Beach Brewery; just order from the handy menus at the bar. They intend to be a cornerstone of the Waterway Village District — and working with other nearby businesses, they are well on their way.
We talked about brews for a while, which is what you do at a brewery. Right? And then he prepared a flight based on what I like about beer (which is not much, to be honest)
WAIT! Don’t go. This is a cool story!
It’s true, I toured Big Beach Brewing even though I don’t like beer! But the story of this place was compelling. Ryan never flinched – he was up for the challenge of finding the one brew I’d enjoy. He prepared a flight of pale ales, which most non-beer drinkers seem to enjoy. They weren’t for me — not because they’re bad, but because they had “the flavor” I just don’t like in beer.
Ryan was undaunted. He asked me to explain what I didn’t care for, and I described the grassy taste. He chuckled and suggested I try a less hoppy beer. He poured a glass of a darker ale, the Small Town Brown. I suggested a small taste, but he poured a full glass. Confident guy!
Small Town Brown has more malt, with hints of chocolate and toffee, and…well…it’s spectacular! A wonderful beer. Ale, really. Smooth with no hoppy taste. Perfect for sipping after a long day at the beach.
Beer in hand, we went to the back where the magic happens. Ryan explained how they source their ingredients and the process of brewing. It’s a careful science, maybe well-suited to the detail-oriented dentist.
From there, we headed outside and upstairs to the deck overlooking the neighborhood. I could have stayed for hours, sipping my ale and watching the sunset across the road behind Tacky Jacks. Even though the brewery sits on a busy street, being upstairs looking out over the trees, I felt more like a big kid in a giant treehouse.
But I couldn’t stay for hours. I had dinner reservations elsewhere.
Big Beach Brewing nailed it. The design is spot-on for the neighborhood. Go for the beer, but stay for the fun. Watch games on the big screen TVs, play games out front, hang out on the upper deck or relax by the fireplace. Take the kids and order dinner from nearby restaurants. Beach meets brew — and the result is fabulous!
