There’s something new on the menu alongside the beer at True Story Brewing– a lineup of wine and spirits.

Anna Shaw, the co-owner of True Story, says the Crestwood brewpub got its liquor license in early August.

With the new additions, True Story joins the list of breweries and brewpubs in the Birmingham area that offer cocktails and liquor in addition to beer.

So far, the brewery has a selection of Irish whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, and tequila. Some of the offerings: Clyde May’s Alabama-style whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Bulleit bourbon, Hendrick’s gin, and Tito’s vodka.

Shaw says the brewery is early in the spirits game and starting out small, but plans to offer “all the favorites.”

“Since it’s so new for us, we started out small and we’re taking our customers’ advice about what they want to drink, and what they like,” said Shaw.  “We’ll buy it for them.”

The plans are to build up a simple bar with enough beverages and garnishes to offer a selection “no frills” mixed drinks.

“We’re going to be making your basic tonic or coke and soda-type drinks,” said Shaw.

“We’re planning on having Bloody Marys or martinis to coincide with certain events. But, for the most part, it’s going to do the basic drinks and always good selections, good quality, good quality like we always have with our beers.”

Husband and wife team Craig and Anna Shaw opened True Story Brewing Company in December of 2018. The Shaws added a food menu in 2020, but they weren’t in a rush to apply for a liquor license. Craig Shaw, who was one of the founders and former brewmaster of Avondale Brewing, wanted to focus on developing True Story’s selection of beers. But the vision started to shift after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Beer is really his forte and what we planned on doing was having the brewery. But then, you know, because of COVID and having a small business, we’ve had to adapt. We added the food menu. That’s one of the reasons why we added that, to have some more revenue that way,” said Anna Shaw. “And then the liquor license was another step in that direction.”

Over the years, True Story has built a following for its roster of events, from the punk rock and hip hop art shows to its lineup of live music,  from the weekly Tuesday night jazz jams run by trumpeter Daniel “José” Carr to the monthly sets:  jam sessions from the Magic City Blues Society every third Thursday, punk night every first Friday,  indie night is every second Friday, mental night on second Saturdays and folk night every third Saturday.

“The only days we don’t have events are Monday and some Sundays,” said Anna Shaw. “We do karaoke and comedy nights. At least 23 nights out of the month, we have events going on.”

With a menu of beer, food, and now spirits, True Story has more options for libations. Even with the new additions, Shaw hopes patrons will find the brewery just as inviting.

“We’re adding these things, but we’re not changing. We’re still the same comfortable atmosphere that we have built from ground zero,” said Anna Shaw.  “Everyone is welcome and we just want people to come and have a good time.”