John Emerald Distilling Company
Overview of the Distillery
John Emerald Distilling Company is a small-batch craft distillery in the heart of downtown Opelika, Alabama. The distillery produces a 100% malted barley single malt, with a portion of the barley smoked with peach- and pecan-wood, and sells bottles from its tasting room while distributing to several U.S. states. On-site you can experience guided tours, tastings, and an active tasting room with cocktails and bottle sales.
History
Family heritage and namesake
The distillery's name honors the Sharp family, and particularly its namesake John Emerald Sharp. The family descends from three Sharp brothers who came to America from Scotland, and the heritage of these ancestors plays a central role in the identity. Both the name and the values — honor for faith, compassion for others, and family — are documented elements in the company's story.
Growth and distribution
John Emerald Distilling describes itself as a small-batch craft distillery that both sells bottles from its tasting room and distributes spirits to a number of states in the USA, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, New York, California, Colorado and Illinois.
Raw Materials and Production
John Emerald's single malt is produced from 100% malted barley. To give part of the malt a distinctive character, a portion of the barley is smoked with peach- and pecan-wood, which is a documented element in the production process. The distillery describes itself as small-batch and offers tours led by distillers, indicating a craft-focused emphasis on small runs and visible production. In addition to tours and tastings, bottles are sold in the tasting room, and the products are distributed to selected states in the USA. Many technical details about malting methods, fermentation times, distillation equipment, and water sources are not specifically disclosed.
Aging and Barrel Types
The whiskey is aged in Ozark white oak barrels, originally from McGinnis Wood Works in Cuba, Missouri. These barrels have been used to mature John’s Alabama Single Malt Whiskey, and the distillery also sells 15-gallon barrels that have previously been used for aging. Information about barrel strength, new vs. used barrels, finish types, and aging conditions is described in relation to wood type and origin, but not in detail about barrel treatment or aging time.
Whiskies
The portfolio centers on a single malt produced from 100% malted barley, with a portion of the malt smoked with peach- and pecan-wood. In addition to bottle sales in the tasting room, the distillery offers cocktails and an active program of tours and tastings. There is also a Barrel Club, which provides access to exclusive tastings and bottlings. The products are distributed to a number of states, while the tasting room serves as the main hub for sales and experiences.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Barrel and Style | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Malt Whiskey | Single Malt; John Emerald Spirits | Ozark white oak barrel; smoked/dried | Single malt produced from 100% malted barley. A portion of the barley is smoked with peach- and pecan-wood. The distillate is aged in Ozark white oak barrels from McGinnis Wood Works / Cuba, Missouri. | Current; Core range; Distributed in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, New York, California, Colorado and Illinois; bottle sales in tasting room |
Visit the Distillery
The public can visit John Emerald Distilling in downtown Opelika. Tours are available several times a week with set times; a typical tour lasts about 30–45 minutes. The tour with tastings includes three 0.5 oz pours, and prices are listed as 15 for a tour with tastings and 10 for a tour without tastings. Children under 18 accompanying adults do not require a ticket. For groups of 10 or more, advance contact for reservations is recommended. The distillery's hours vary through the week and are listed for public access in the tasting room.
The stated hours are Sunday & Monday 13:00–19:00; Tuesday–Thursday 13:00–22:00; Friday & Saturday 12:00–00:00.
Philosophy and Craftsmanship
The distillery's stated values emphasize family, craftsmanship, and local rootedness. John Emerald describes itself as family owned & operated and small-batch craft, and the heritage of the Sharp family — including respect for faith, compassion, and family — is part of the brand's identity. There is also a focus on communicating the production process to visitors through guided tours led by distillers.