Our History

You could say that Birmingham's Vodka & Ale House was born in the dusty years of the Great Depression. Prohibition was in full swing, and it was clear from my grandfather's endless stories that running booze was a lucrative business back then. Everyone was doing it! There were bucks to be made in liquor, and my Grandpa thought he'd capitalize on that most popular of prairie spirits - vodka. His tales of moving product for local stills as a young boy are legendary.

Grandpa always did have a storyteller's heart. As a young man his stories riveted me. My favourites featured his most trusted friend - his English boxer dog - Birmingham. They were thick as thieves, those two! Grandpa loved and cared for that dog like his own child and built Birmingham a dog house fit for a king. King of the distillers, that is.

You see, over the years, Grandpa came to run his own still. And that dog house? It had a false bottom in it. Local runners (and more than a few neighbours) would stop by for a visit with Birmingham, open the secret compartment, and collect their vodka order while Birmingham kept watch. Soon, the label "Birmingham's Vodka House" was a common turn-of-phrase among friends and neighbours.

This story really stuck with me over the years. I'm very fond of those wistful Birmingham tales, and just like our vodka, I want to share it far and wide. Will we ever know the truth of Grandpa's stories? Over the years, they've become legend.

One thing that I do know for sure is this: Birmingham's Vodka & Ale House is the real deal; and vodka is always on the menu.

Here's to you, friends,

Chad Zipchian

Founder

Birmingham's Vodka & Ale House