Columbia, South Carolina boasts a thriving craft beer scene that has exploded in recent years. Local breweries offer a diverse range of flavors and styles, from traditional IPAs to experimental sours incorporating regional ingredients. The city is home to over a dozen craft breweries, each with its own unique atmosphere and signature brews.
Visitors and residents alike can explore Columbia’s beer culture through brewery tours, tasting rooms, and beer-centric events. Many breweries feature outdoor seating areas, live music, and family-friendly spaces, making them popular gathering spots for the community. Some notable establishments include River Rat, Swamp Cabbage, and Columbia Craft, each contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a craft beer destination.
The Columbia craft beer scene reflects the city’s creativity and passion for quality beverages. Local brewers often collaborate with each other and with regional businesses, fostering a sense of community within the industry. This guide will help beer enthusiasts navigate Columbia’s top breweries and discover the best craft brews the city has to offer.
History of Craft Beer in Columbia
Columbia’s craft beer scene has roots dating back to the mid-1990s. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, established in 1995, pioneered the local craft beer movement. This landmark brewery introduced Columbians to artisanal ales and lagers, sparking interest in flavorful alternatives to mass-produced beers.
For over a decade, Hunter-Gatherer stood alone in Columbia’s craft beer landscape. The city’s brewing scene remained relatively quiet until the early 2010s when new regulations allowed for easier brewery operations.
This change ushered in a new era for Columbia’s beer enthusiasts. Columbia Craft Brewing Company opened its doors in 2017, quickly becoming a local favorite. Their innovative brews and welcoming taproom helped cement craft beer’s place in the city’s culture.
Steel Hands Brewing followed in 2018, further expanding Columbia’s brewing options. Their large-scale production facility and spacious beer garden attracted both locals and visitors alike.
Today, Columbia boasts nearly a dozen breweries, each contributing unique flavors and experiences to the city’s thriving beer scene. From Hunter-Gatherer’s historic roots to the modern offerings of Columbia Craft and Steel Hands, the capital city’s brewing landscape continues to evolve and excite beer enthusiasts.
Top Breweries to Visit
Columbia’s craft beer scene offers several standout breweries worth exploring. River Rat Brewery is a local favorite, known for its wide selection of IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The casual atmosphere makes it ideal for relaxing with friends.
Columbia Craft Brewing Co. has gained recognition for its innovative brews. Their taproom showcases a rotating selection of unique beers, appealing to both adventurous and traditional beer drinkers.
Savage Craft Ale Works in West Columbia is housed in a renovated firehouse. It offers a diverse beer menu and a rooftop bar with views of the city skyline.
Here’s a quick overview of some top breweries:
| Brewery | Known For | Food Options |
|---|---|---|
| River Rat | Wide beer selection | Full menu |
| Columbia Craft | Innovative brews | Food trucks |
| Savage Craft | Unique venue | In-house kitchen |
These establishments often host events and festivals throughout the year. The Best of SC Craft Beer Festival in the Vista district is a great opportunity to sample brews from across the state.
Peak Drift Brewing Company is the newest addition to Columbia’s beer scene. They offer craft beers and hard seltzers inspired by life’s exciting moments.
Tasting the Local Flavor
Columbia’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of flavors and styles. Local breweries showcase signature brews, seasonal specialties, and unique takes on classic styles like IPAs and ESBs.
Signature Columbia Brews
River Rat Brewery pays homage to Columbia with its 803 IPA, named after the city’s area code. This locally-inspired brew captures the essence of the region’s hop preferences. Columbia Craft Brewing Company, affectionately known as Cola Craft, has gained recognition for its creative range of ales and lagers since opening in 2017.
Hunter-Gatherer, a Columbia institution since 1995, offers distinctive craft beers that have become local favorites. Their taproom, which provides views of the South Carolina State House, serves as a gathering spot for beer enthusiasts.
Spotlight on Seasonal Beers
Columbia’s breweries embrace seasonal variety, introducing new flavors throughout the year. River Rat Brewery keeps things fresh with rotating seasonal offerings that reflect the changing tastes of beer drinkers.
Local brewers often incorporate regional ingredients into their seasonal creations. This approach allows visitors to experience the flavors of South Carolina through carefully crafted beers.
Fall may bring pumpkin ales, while summer could feature light, refreshing wheat beers infused with local fruit. Winter often sees the release of rich, warming stouts and porters.
Experience Unique IPAs and ESBs
Columbia’s craft beer scene boasts a wide selection of India Pale Ales (IPAs) and Extra Special Bitters (ESBs). These styles showcase the creativity of local brewers and their ability to balance hop profiles with malt characteristics.
IPAs range from hazy New England styles to West Coast-inspired bitter variants. Some breweries experiment with fruit additions or unique hop combinations to create distinctive flavor profiles.
ESBs, while less common, offer a balanced alternative for those seeking a maltier experience. These British-inspired ales typically feature a harmonious blend of caramel notes and subtle hop bitterness.
The Brewery Experience
Columbia’s craft beer scene offers diverse taprooms, outdoor spaces, and lively events. Visitors can explore unique flavors and vibrant atmospheres across the city’s breweries.
Touring Columbia’s Craft Breweries
Columbia boasts a growing number of craft breweries, each with its own distinct character. River Rat Brewery and Columbia Craft Brewing Company are popular stops on brewery tours. These establishments offer guided tastings, allowing visitors to sample a variety of locally brewed beers.
Many breweries feature behind-the-scenes tours, giving insight into the brewing process. Guests can learn about ingredient selection, fermentation techniques, and packaging methods.
Some tours include food pairings, enhancing the tasting experience. Knowledgeable staff provide information on beer styles and brewing history, catering to both novices and seasoned beer enthusiasts.
Taprooms and Tasting Areas
Columbia’s brewery taprooms provide welcoming spaces to enjoy fresh, locally crafted beers. Many feature industrial-chic designs with exposed brick and rustic wood elements. Long communal tables encourage socializing among patrons.
Outdoor seating areas are common, with beer gardens offering a relaxed atmosphere. Some breweries like Swamp Cabbage provide spacious patios perfect for warm South Carolina evenings.
Tasting flights allow visitors to sample multiple beer styles. Knowledgeable bartenders can guide selections based on individual preferences. Many taprooms also offer growler fills, enabling guests to take their favorite brews home.
Brewery Events and Live Music
Columbia’s breweries host regular events to engage the community. Trivia nights, food truck rallies, and release parties for new beers are common. These gatherings create a lively atmosphere and showcase local talent.
Live music is a staple at many breweries. Local bands and solo artists perform across various genres, from folk to rock. Peak Drift Brewing Company and River Rat Brewery frequently feature live performances in their spacious venues.
Some breweries organize beer-themed events like Oktoberfest celebrations or beer and food pairings. These special occasions often include limited edition brews, adding excitement for regular patrons and visitors alike.
Craft Beer Culture in Columbia
Columbia’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with a focus on community-building and innovative brewing. Local breweries showcase the city’s creative spirit while incorporating regional ingredients and flavors.
Community and Craft Beer
Columbia’s breweries serve as gathering spaces for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Many host live music, trivia nights, and other events to foster a sense of community. Columbia Craft offers games to entertain families, while Savage Craft features regular live music performances.
Local taprooms and biergartens have become fixtures in Columbia’s social landscape. These spaces provide opportunities for residents and visitors to connect over shared interests in craft beer.
Beer festivals and tasting events occur throughout the year, highlighting the diverse offerings from Columbia’s breweries. These events allow beer lovers to sample new brews and meet the people behind their favorite local beers.
Local Ingredients and Brewing Innovation
Columbia’s brewers take pride in incorporating local ingredients into their creations. Some source hops, grains, and fruits from South Carolina farms to create unique, regionally-inspired beers.
Experimental brewing techniques are common among Columbia’s craft breweries. Brewers often push boundaries with unconventional flavor combinations and brewing methods to stand out in the competitive craft beer market.
Seasonal releases are popular, with breweries crafting special beers to match the changing South Carolina climate. Summer might bring refreshing fruit-infused ales, while winter could feature rich, warming stouts.
Columbia’s breweries have gained recognition for their innovative approaches, helping to put the city on the map as a craft beer destination in the Southeast.
Guide to Brewpubs and Eateries
Columbia’s craft beer scene offers a variety of options for those seeking both great brews and delicious food. From breweries with in-house kitchens to pubs serving local beers, there’s something for every taste.
Breweries with In-House Kitchens
Hunter-Gatherer Alehouse stands out as a pioneer in Columbia’s craft beer movement. Established in 1995, this downtown brewery offers excellent fare in a historic building with exposed brick and timber.
The brewpub’s menu features dishes that complement their house-brewed beers. Visitors can enjoy classic pub fare alongside innovative culinary creations.
Old Mill Brewpub, another notable establishment, combines brewing expertise with a full-service kitchen. Their menu often incorporates local ingredients and seasonal specialties.
Pubs and Restaurants with Local Brews
Many Columbia restaurants have embraced the local craft beer scene. These establishments offer a wide selection of beers from nearby breweries alongside their food menus.
Some popular spots include:
- Craft and Draft: A bottle shop and taproom with rotating food trucks
- Flying Saucer: Known for its extensive beer selection and pub grub
- River Rat Brewery: Features a taproom and kitchen with beer-inspired dishes
These venues provide an opportunity to sample various local brews while enjoying a meal.
Food Options at Breweries
Columbia’s breweries have recognized the importance of offering food options to complement their beers. Many have developed creative solutions to provide snacks or meals.
Some breweries partner with local food trucks, offering a rotating selection of cuisines. Others have installed small kitchens to serve appetizers and light bites.
Columbia Craft Brewing Company, for example, offers a selection of snacks and allows patrons to bring in outside food. This flexibility enables visitors to enjoy their favorite eats alongside freshly brewed beer.
Beyond Beer: Other Offerings
Columbia’s craft breweries offer more than just beer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and take home unique souvenirs to remember their experience.
Craft Sodas and Non-Alcoholic Options
Many Columbia breweries recognize the importance of catering to all guests. Craft and Draft, a popular bottle shop and taproom, offers a selection of artisanal sodas for non-drinkers and designated drivers.
Hazelwood Brewing Company produces its own line of craft sodas, including flavors like root beer and ginger ale. These house-made sodas use natural ingredients and offer a refreshing alternative to mass-produced soft drinks.
Some breweries also serve kombucha, a fermented tea beverage that provides a non-alcoholic option with probiotic benefits. Visitors can often find local coffee roasts and specialty teas on the menu as well.
Merchandise and Souvenirs
Columbia’s breweries offer a range of merchandise for beer enthusiasts to take home. T-shirts, hats, and glassware featuring brewery logos are popular items. Many brew-pubs sell growlers and crowlers, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite brews at home.
Hazelwood Brewing Company offers unique bottle openers made from reclaimed wood. Some breweries collaborate with local artists to create limited-edition posters or artwork inspired by their beers.
Gift sets containing beer samples, branded merchandise, and local snacks make for perfect souvenirs. Visitors can often purchase beer-making kits or ingredients to try their hand at homebrewing.
Planning Your Brewery Visits
Columbia, SC offers a vibrant craft beer scene with several breweries to explore. To make the most of your brewery tour, consider creating a well-planned itinerary.
Start by researching the operating hours of each brewery. Many Columbia SC breweries have limited hours or are closed on certain days, so check their schedules in advance.
Transportation is crucial. Designate a sober driver, use rideshare services, or join a guided brewery tour to ensure safety while enjoying the local brews.
Consider the following popular breweries for your itinerary:
- Columbia Craft Brewing Co.
- River Rat Brewery
- Twisted Spur Brewing
- Swamp Cabbage Brewing Co.
- Bierkeller Columbia
Each brewery offers unique flavors and atmospheres. Some provide food options, while others focus solely on beer. Check their websites for details on tap lists and amenities.
Weather can impact outdoor seating availability. Plan accordingly and bring appropriate attire for the season.
Many breweries offer tours of their facilities. Book these in advance to secure your spot and learn about the brewing process firsthand.
Remember to pace yourself and stay hydrated throughout your brewery visits. Enjoy responsibly and savor the diverse craft beer offerings in Columbia, SC.
