The Sharps
The story of John Emerald Distilling Company is rooted in family. The distillery was named after John’s father, John Emerald Sharp, and the Sharp family’s heritage is reflected throughout the business. Before opening the distillery, John and Jimmy Sharp dedicated themselves to learning the art of distilling.
John attended whiskey school in Breckenridge, Colorado, rum school in Loveland, Colorado, and a technical distilling course at the Siebel Institute in Chicago, while Jimmy completed an internship at Springbank Distillers in Campbeltown, Scotland. Their journey is inspired by their Scottish heritage, drawing from a deep respect for time-honored methods while embracing new techniques that keep each spirit distinctive and
fresh.
After learning the art of distilling, the former cotton warehouse in downtown Opelika felt like the perfect spot. Auburn-Opelika offers the “unique local opportunity to be the first taste of whiskey for Auburn University students,” says Jimmy Sharp. The hope is that students will bring the taste
of Auburn-Opelika to different communities with John Emerald’s products. The distillery is housed in a beautifully restored former cotton warehouse in downtown Opelika. Guests can enjoy guided tours and tastings while learning firsthand about the artistry involved in creating each spirit.
From Ground to Glass
The foundation of John Emerald is built on its “ground-to-glass” philosophy. Some of John Emerald’s products are made using locally sourced ingredients, connecting each bottle to the agriculture and land where it began. That connection between agriculture and distilling is part of what makes the John Emerald experience special. As Jimmy explains, “When they are tasting John Emerald, they support a family-owned and operated business and get a full taste of our area. They are tasting agriculture, distillation, and aging.”
A Taste of Alabama History
John Emerald Distilling Company holds a special place in Alabama’s distilling history. The Sharps produced Alabama’s first legal whiskey and rum since the Prohibition era, helping revive a craft with deep roots in the state. The distillery’s lineup includes several spirits that honor members of the Sharp family, including John’s Alabama Single Malt Whiskey, Hugh Wesley’s Gin, Elizabeth Vodka, Gene’s Spiced Rum, and Spurgeon’s Barrel Aged Rum. The lineup has continued to grow to include spirits such as Purveyor’s Series Double Oak Bourbon, Purveyor’s Series Double Wood Rye, Sarah’s Silver Rum, Hugh Wesley’s Barrel Rested Gin, Leslie’s Muscadine Brandy, Casa Esmeralda, and several Elizabeth liqueurs.
John’s Alabama Single Malt Whiskey is an award-winning best seller made with malted Irish barley smoked with peach and pecan wood. The Sharps craft this whiskey like a Scotch and age it like a bourbon in barrels made from charred American white oak. This process reflects the Sharps’ Scottish and American roots in one spirit. The distillery continues to introduce new spirits while staying connected to its Alabama roots. Its Barrel Club gives members the opportunity to experience the aging process firsthand by reserving a share of a barrel and tasting the spirit as it develops. Members can revisit samples from previous years and follow the evolution of their selected spirit over time.
A Place to Gather
Beyond tours and tastings, John Emerald offers a unique event space where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails in a warm, industrial-style setting. The space accommodates 30 to 40 guests and is suitable for rehearsal dinners, welcome gatherings, private parties, and corporate events. A private bartender is available, and guests can bring their own food or catering. John Emerald also offers cocktail class parties for groups of 10 to 20. Each event includes basic spirits education, two craft cocktails per guest, light snacks, a gift set for the honoree, and access to discounted merchandise and bottles.
A Taste of Auburn-Opelika
John Emerald’s spirits have traveled more than 7,000 miles to South Korea and to countless places in between. Despite its international reach, the distillery remains rooted in the Auburn-Opelika community. For the Sharps, each bottle represents more than the spirit inside. It reflects the family, agriculture, craftsmanship, and relationships that make the business part of Opelika’s identity. Whether visitors stop by for a tour, sample Alabama-made spirits, or gather with friends for a special occasion, John Emerald offers a chance to experience a piece of the community. The next time you visit downtown Opelika, stop by John Emerald Distilling Company to discover the history, people, and craftsmanship behind a true taste of Auburn-Opelika.
