No longer are the big brand names big in beer. The trend: local craft breweries and public houses. It’s an American pastime — back when crafting was not just an art but simply the way things were. There was no mass production; only unique, tasteful and passion-filled items that required blood, sweat and tears to produce. Reverting back to that pastime, independent businesses building products to create community and cultivate culture are the new norm. As it turns out — Columbia is about to foam over the glass rim.
Columbia is thriving in the homegrown, organic market of sustainable local farms, independent stores, restaurants and now, craft breweries. Craft beer is treasured by millions who view it as not merely a fermented inexpensive beverage, but as something to be savored for flavor, sipped and shared. The intellectual beverage began booming in Charleston and Greenville but has recently struck home.
Places like Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Flying Saucer have been around and thriving for more than 10 years in the Columbia beer scene. However, it wasn’t until January of 2013 that Columbia jumped on the bandwagon of making craft beer for commercial uses. Conquest Brewing Co. opened at 947 Stadium Rd. and following closely behind, River Rat Brewery opened its doors a mere year later. These two brewpubs have had fantastic success and have brought even more beer-related shops and restaurants to the area. Already established places like Cock n’ Bull Pub-Grille and The British Bulldog Pub prove to have loyal patrons while newly opened Craft & Draft on Devine Street and Old Mill Brewpub in Lexington are taking on a new degree.
Craving a cold foamy beverage yet? Check out all of the offerings on each of these businesses websites.
