Anniston, AL – Jason Wilson, founder and owner of Coldwater Mountain Brewpub in downtown Anniston and a longtime Alabama entrepreneur and public servant, has died at the age of 46.
Wilson’s death follows a serious medical emergency earlier this month. According to information previously shared by his family, Wilson suffered cardiac arrest on Aug. 5 and remained hospitalized as doctors worked to stabilize his condition.
For Calhoun County, Wilson was perhaps most recently known for his investment in downtown Anniston through Coldwater Mountain Brewpub, which opened in 2021 in the historic L&N Freight House at 1208 Walnut Avenue.
The business, founded by Wilson, Tommy Stevens and Earlon McWhorter, combined an on-site brewery with a restaurant, bar, beer garden and entertainment venue. It became part of ongoing redevelopment efforts in downtown Anniston and helped bring new activity to an area near the city’s growing outdoor recreation destinations.
Coldwater Mountain Brewpub announced a temporary closure Aug. 14 as Wilson remained hospitalized, describing him as the “captain” of the business and saying the focus needed to remain on Wilson and his family.
“Sometimes, even the strongest crew can’t keep sailing when the captain is down,” the business stated in announcing the closure.
Wilson’s influence in Anniston extended beyond the brewpub itself. He participated in community and economic development efforts and worked with Main Street Anniston on initiatives aimed at strengthening the downtown area.
Following news of his death, Main Street Anniston described Wilson as an entrepreneur, visionary, public servant and advocate for communities.
“He didn’t just envision what a community could be. He rolled up his sleeves and helped make it happen,” Main Street Anniston stated.
Anniston Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston also reflected on Wilson’s investment in the city and the impact he had beyond his businesses.
“He was a brilliant creative who invested in Anniston because he saw the possibilities and believed in what our community could become,” Smith-Roston said.
“Jason’s impact reached far beyond a business, he helped create a vision and left a lasting mark on our communities.”
From Back Forty to Coldwater Mountain
Long before opening Coldwater Mountain Brewpub, Wilson had established himself as a prominent figure in Alabama’s craft brewing industry.
An Auburn University graduate, Wilson founded Back Forty Beer Company in 2009. The company initially produced beer through a Mississippi brewery before Wilson established brewing operations in a former Sears distribution building in his hometown of Gadsden.
Back Forty grew into one of Alabama’s best-known craft beer brands, with beers including Truck Stop Honey Brown Ale, Naked Pig Pale Ale, Freckle Belly IPA and Fence Post Session Ale. Truck Stop Honey earned a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2010.
Wilson’s work also earned recognition from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, which named him Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He also served as president of the Alabama Brewers Guild.
His entrepreneurial interests eventually expanded beyond Gadsden and into Calhoun County with the development of Coldwater Mountain Brewpub in Anniston.
Public Service in Gadsden
In addition to his business ventures, Wilson served his hometown through elected office.
He was first elected to the Gadsden City Council in 2018 and was reelected four years later. His public service included involvement in economic development, historic preservation and other community initiatives.
Those roles frequently overlapped with Wilson’s work as an entrepreneur and advocate for downtown and community development throughout northeast Alabama.
Main Street Anniston said Wilson worked alongside the organization during development of its Keeping Character Blueprint and five-year plan and continued supporting the Main Street program in the years that followed.
Smith-Roston offered condolences to Wilson’s wife and family, the Coldwater Mountain Brewpub team, the City of Gadsden and others who knew him.
“My heart goes out to his wife, his family, the entire team at Coldwater Mountain Brewpub, the City of Gadsden, and all who knew and loved him,” Smith-Roston said.
Wilson leaves behind a legacy spanning entrepreneurship, Alabama’s craft brewing industry, public service and community development, including an investment in downtown Anniston that connected his work in Gadsden with a broader vision for communities across northeast Alabama.
Coldwater Mountain Brewpub has not announced what Wilson’s death will mean for the future of the Anniston business.
