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Guest Post by Traci Magnus
Charleston is currently experiencing a craft beer renaissance. With new breweries popping up all over the Holy City, there are now endless options for craft beer enthusiasts to enjoy a refreshing pint, take a brewery tour and try experimental flavors from their favorite Lowcountry brewers.
Whether you live in Charleston or you’re planning a trip to the Holy City, you won’t want to miss these craft beer destinations:
Westbrook Brewing Company
This brewery, located in Mt. Pleasant, is known for their White Tai and One Claw brews. However, Westbrook features many more options, and even has a rinse-and-repeat series which changes every few months, offering different types and flavors for every beer-lover to enjoy.
Stop by during their kitchen pop-ups and enjoy some of the greatest food trucks Charleston has to offer. From double cheese burgers to fried chicken, you can find all the best non-brick-and-mortar chefs in the tri-county that create stellar dishes to pair with your beer.
COAST Brewing Co.
It makes sense to kick off our craft beer journey with COAST Brewing. After all, they are the ones who largely paved the way for Charleston’s craft brew scene by changing the state’s alcohol cap.
Located in North Charleston inside an old navy base, the family-owned craft brewery is known for being one of the first breweries in the Holy City. As such, they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their organic beers and have plenty of fans to show for it.
The brewery’s longevity also makes co-owners Jaime Tenny and David Merritt a knowledgeable source of beer history in Charleston. Stop by their “no frills” brewery and grab a delicious Kolch or IPA.
Guilded Horn
Perhaps one of the coolest bar/brewery in Charleston. One Charlestonian was gifted a beer making kit for Christmas which developed into a full brew-crafting passion. Once he realized he could create beer on his own, he created the concept of a speak-easy-eque bar which features all the best craft beers in Charleston.
If you’re lucky enough to stop by when they’re in stock, because they sell out fast, you can enjoy his very own concoctions. As of now, they include Pulling Nails, a barrel-aged pale ale, and Beyond the Pale which is made with grapefruit, honey and jalapeños. Stop by Guilded Horn, located at 267 Rutledge Ave., for crushable crafts any real, true beer-lover is sure to enjoy.
Low Tide Brewing
Located not far from the Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island, Low Tide Brewing has a lot going for it. In addition to their huge variety of flavorful beers, Low Tide is well known throughout the Lowcountry for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, ample parking and a fun atmosphere which perfectly matches the island.
You can’t go wrong with any of Low Tide’s craft beers, but their unique sours are always palate pleasers. Try their Mermaid Tears, a blueberry sour, or the Carolina Creamsicle on nitro for a flavorful explosion of vanilla and orange.
The beer styles are always changing, so check their website or social media page to see what’s on tap that day and which food truck will be there.
Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer
Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The locally-owned coffee and craft beer bar roasts their own specialty coffee and offers over 20 local craft beers on tap.
The coffee and craft beer bar also offers scrumptious pastries and sandwiches, which are made fresh daily by local sources such as Normandy Farms Artisan Bakery. Whether you need to grab an almond croissant and a coffee before your morning commute to work or want to enjoy a local craft beer on their patio, this coffeehouse will always provide an enjoyable experience.
Frothy Beard Brewing Co.
Frothy Beard Brewing first opened in 2013 and has now become one of Charleston’s most beloved breweries. From stouts to hoppy beers, the local brewery has something that will suit every craft beer aficionado.
Frothy Beard also offers Zombie Bob’s Pizza for hungry patrons and its beer is inside the pizzeria’s signature sourdough. If you’re willing to experiment, try their Andale! Pale Ale, a jalapeno cilantro pale ale with a mouthwatering aroma and a spicy kick. Otherwise, order a flight and discover your new favorite craft beer.
Holy City Brewing
If you’re going on a self-guided brewery tour, Holy City Brewing is not to be missed. Located in North Charleston, the brewery has tons of craft beers on tap, live music, pool tables and offers free tours of the brewery.
Holy City Brewing also has their own in-house kitchen, which serves up delicious pub fare to complement their delicious beers. From traditional beer food to fancier cheese plates and a mouthwatering sausage hoagie, there is something to please everyone’s taste buds at Holy City Brewing.
Be warned—the place can be a bit muggy in the summertime. You can always beat the heat by grabbing one of their growlers to go.
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.
Love Edmund’s Oast? You’re sure to love their brewery just as much, if not more than the original brew pub.
Located just a half mile away on King Street, Edmund’s Oast Brewing has a more casual air to it. The extended tap list includes craft beers brewed onsite, as well as a few local beers.
The menu is full of creative, yet delicious food that one would expect from Edmund’s Oast, only with more pub fare-style food. From blonde ales and IPAs to imperial stouts and eclectic sours, the brew pub has the perfect cold beer to pair with a charcuterie plate or wood-fired pizza.
The Barrel
Don’t want to leave your four-legged friend behind when you go to the bar? At The Barrel on James Island, you don’t need to leave Fido at home.
This dog-friendly bar has a huge outdoor section for your pup to roam and meet new friends. To keep the humans happy, they have 33 taps of local and regional beer, live music and events, food trucks on most days, cornhole setups and fire pits for colder nights.
If you love dogs, you’ll love The Barrel. If not, then it’s probably best to mark this craft beer destination off your list.
Revelry Brewing Co.
Want to enjoy a refreshing brew while taking in a Holy City sunset? Head to Revelry Brewing and make your way up to their rooftop bar. With stunning views of the city, delicious craft brews and untraditional bar food, Revelry stands out from its competitors.
Revelry offers Tobu Sushi with its incredible beers—a clear deviation from typical bar fare, but one that works well in the Holy City. Pair your craft brew with tempura chicken fingers and fries or opt for a Gullah fish taco instead. Not sure what to order? Ask the knowledgeable staff at Revelry for an expert pairing that may surprise you.
Final Thoughts
Charleston’s booming craft beer scene isn’t surprising–good food and good beer go hand-in-hand! Whether you are searching for a relaxing spot to nurse a cold IPA for a few hours or want to find a brew pub the entire family will enjoy, the Holy City’s craft beer destinations are sure to delight your taste buds.
Author Bio: Traci Magnus is a realtor for Dunes Properties located in Charleston, SC. She was born and raised on the Charleston coast and attended the College of Charleston before obtaining her real estate license. When she’s not working, you can find her writing, spending time with her husband Glenn and son Max or wandering the historic streets downtown.
