As a craft beer enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the brewery scene in South Carolina. The state has a thriving brewery culture that is constantly evolving, with new breweries popping up every year. After much research, I have compiled a list of the top 10 breweries in South Carolina that offer unique and delicious beers, great atmosphere, and a memorable experience.
Criteria for Selecting South Carolina’s Top 10 Breweries
Before I dive into the top 10 breweries in South Carolina, let me explain my selection criteria. To be considered for this list, a brewery must have a rich history, a wide variety of beers, and a unique atmosphere. The brewery must also have a signature beer that sets it apart from other breweries. Additionally, I considered the reputation of the brewery, its awards and recognition, and the overall experience it offers to its visitors.
Brewery #1: Westbrook Brewing Company
Located in Mount Pleasant, Westbrook Brewing Company is one of the most popular breweries in South Carolina. Founded in 2010 by Edward Westbrook, this brewery is known for its unique and flavorful beers. Westbrook Brewing Company has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival.
Westbrook Brewing Company’s most famous beer is the Mexican Cake Imperial Stout, a spicy and chocolatey beer that is aged on cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and fresh habanero peppers. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, saisons, and sours.
The brewery has a rustic atmosphere, with a large outdoor seating area and a cozy taproom. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food trucks that regularly park outside the brewery. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tours are informative and entertaining.
Brewery #2: Holy City Brewing Company
Holy City Brewing Company, located in North Charleston, is another must-visit brewery in South Carolina. Founded in 2011, this brewery has won numerous awards for its beers, including a gold medal at the World Beer Cup.
Holy City Brewing Company is known for its Pluff Mud Porter, a rich and creamy beer with notes of chocolate and coffee. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, pilsners, and Belgian-style ales.
The brewery has a laid-back and casual atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a variety of events throughout the year. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tours are informative and fun.
Brewery #3: Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company, located in Charleston, is a unique brewery that focuses on brewing farmhouse-style ales and barrel-aged beers. Founded in 2013, this brewery has quickly become one of the top breweries in South Carolina.
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company is known for its Sour Cherry Pineapple Hop Hop Sour, a tart and fruity beer that is aged on cherries, pineapples, and hops. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, saisons, and stouts.
The brewery has a modern and sleek atmosphere, with a large outdoor seating area and a cozy taproom. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options from the on-site restaurant, as well as a rotating selection of food trucks. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the tours are informative and engaging.
Brewery #4: Birds Fly South Ale Project
Located in Greenville, Birds Fly South Ale Project is a unique brewery that focuses on brewing farmhouse-style ales and sour beers. Founded in 2016, this brewery has quickly become one of the top breweries in South Carolina.
Birds Fly South Ale Project is known for its Rustic Sunday, a tart and fruity beer that is aged on raspberries and peaches. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, saisons, and stouts.
The brewery has a rustic and industrial atmosphere, with a large outdoor seating area and a cozy taproom. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options from the on-site restaurant, as well as a rotating selection of food trucks. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the tours are informative and engaging.
Brewery #5: Freehouse Brewery
Located in Charleston, Freehouse Brewery is a small and cozy brewery that focuses on brewing traditional English and Belgian-style ales. Founded in 2012, this brewery has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Freehouse Brewery is known for its Ashley Farmhouse Ale, a light and refreshing beer with notes of citrus and spice. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, stouts, and porters.
The brewery has a cozy and rustic atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options from the on-site food truck, as well as a variety of events throughout the year. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tours are informative and fun.
Brewery #6: Conquest Brewing Company
Located in Columbia, Conquest Brewing Company is a unique brewery that focuses on brewing bold and flavorful beers. Founded in 2013, this brewery has quickly become one of the top breweries in South Carolina.
Conquest Brewing Company is known for its Sacred Heart IPA, a bold and hoppy beer with notes of grapefruit and pine. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including stouts, porters, and Belgian-style ales.
The brewery has a modern and industrial atmosphere, with a large outdoor seating area and a cozy taproom. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options from the on-site food truck, as well as a variety of events throughout the year. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the tours are informative and engaging.
Brewery #7: River Rat Brewery
Located in Columbia, River Rat Brewery is a fun and lively brewery that focuses on brewing flavorful and unique beers. Founded in 2013, this brewery has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
River Rat Brewery is known for its Hazelnut Brown Ale, a rich and nutty beer with notes of chocolate and caramel. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
The brewery has a casual and inviting atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options from the on-site food truck, as well as a variety of events throughout the year. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tours are informative and fun.
Brewery #8: Revelry Brewing Co.
Located in Charleston, Revelry Brewing Co. is a popular brewery that focuses on brewing unique and flavorful beers. Founded in 2013, this brewery has won numerous awards for its beers, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival.
Revelry Brewing Co. is known for its Gullah Cream Ale, a light and refreshing beer with notes of corn and honey. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers.
The brewery has a modern and industrial atmosphere, with a large outdoor seating area and a cozy taproom. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options from the on-site restaurant, as well as a variety of events throughout the year. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the tours are informative and engaging.
Brewery #9: Coast Brewing Company
Located in North Charleston, Coast Brewing Company is a small and cozy brewery that focuses on brewing traditional and experimental beers. Founded in 2007, this brewery has quickly become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Coast Brewing Company is known for its HopArt IPA, a bold and hoppy beer with notes of grapefruit and pine. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including Belgian-style ales, stouts, and porters.
The brewery has a cozy and rustic atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food options from the on-site food truck, as well as a variety of events throughout the year. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tours are informative and fun.
Brewery #10: Palmetto Brewing Company
Located in Charleston, Palmetto Brewing Company is a historic brewery that was founded in 1993. This brewery is known for its traditional and experimental beers, as well as its lively atmosphere.
Palmetto Brewing Company is known for its Huger Street IPA, a bold and hoppy beer with notes of citrus and pine. The brewery also offers a wide range of other beers, including stouts, lagers, and Belgian-style ales.
The brewery has a historic and cozy atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a variety of events throughout the year. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tours are informative and fun.
Honorable Mentions: Breweries That Almost Made It into the Top 10
There are many other great breweries in South Carolina that are worth mentioning. Some of these breweries include:
- Frothy Beard Brewing Company
- Tradesman Brewing Company
- Westbrook Brewing Company
- Legal Remedy Brewing Company
- Rusty Bull Brewing Co.
Tips for Planning a Brewery Tour in South Carolina
If you are planning a brewery tour in South Carolina, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your route ahead of time to maximize your time and avoid backtracking.
- Consider hiring a driver or taking a tour bus to stay safe and avoid drinking and driving.
- Research the breweries ahead of time to make sure they are open and have beer available.
- Bring a designated driver or a friend who does not drink to help you navigate and stay safe.
- Pace yourself and drink plenty of water to avoid getting too drunk or dehydrated.
Final Thoughts on South Carolina’s Top 10 Breweries to Visit
Overall, South Carolina has a thriving brewery culture that is constantly evolving. Whether you are a local or a tourist, there are plenty of great breweries to visit and unique beers to try. From traditional English and Belgian-style ales to sour and experimental beers, South Carolina’s breweries offer something for everyone. So, grab a pint and enjoy the ride!