Hops in the Spotlight
Here in the Lowcountry, we enjoy a wide selection of local, high-quality craft breweries and taprooms. And their stories are as distinct as their flavors. Now, with COVID-19 affecting sales, they need our support more than ever.
That’s why Lowcountry Forever is highlighting one local brewery every week. Can’t go to the taproom? We’ll bring the brewery to you! Scroll on for photos, videos and brewer Q&A. We’ll tell you what’s on tap and how to pick it up. We’ll even walk you through a virtual tour of the barrel room – from a six-foot distance, of course.
Check out our Breweries page for more local breweries.
Cheers! And thanks for drinking local.
May 22, 2020
Historic Hops:
Meet Palmetto Brewing Co.
Brew Q&A
So, what’s your story?
The first licensed brewery to open in South Carolina since the fall of Prohibition, Palmetto has played an important role in the rise of craft brewing within the state. Ed Falkenstein and Louis Bruce set out in the early 90s to bring craft beer to one of their favorite places in the South, and they looked to Charleston’s history for the name. After discovering a pre-Prohibition Palmetto Brewing Company that operated in Charleston starting around 1850, they chose to resurrect the name and began operating under the revived Palmetto Brewing banner starting in 1993. The brand continued to grow and evolve throughout the 90s and 2000s, and Palmetto joined forces with North Carolina’s Catawba Brewing Company in early 2018. The taproom on Huger Street today serves as a showcase of Palmetto favorites alongside a selection from sister brands Catawba and Twisp Southern Hard Seltzer.
While Huger Street IPA remains a top-seller, Palmetto’s newest IPA is Downtown Door Knocker, an 843-Series hazy IPA featuring a massive amount of pineapple. Named in recognition of the pineapple’s status as a symbol of Charleston hospitality, this beer is our way of saying “Welcome… come on in!” Stop by and give it a try.
What’s on tap?
We have over 30 taps pouring at our front bar featuring all Palmetto and Catawba year-round favorites alongside a rotating selection of seasonal and one-off small-batch beers. We are also featuring the full lineup from Twisp Southern Hard Seltzer with a few taproom-exclusives as well.
How are you fulfilling orders during COVID-19?
We’re offering plenty of to-go options including crowlers, growlers (both BYO and glass for purchase), 12 and 16 ounce cans, and even a small selection of bottles. We have curbside pickup options available as well. Our courtyard is open for on-premise service by the pint, and we are working towards reopening our interior taproom spaces. We are set up to make social distancing as easy as possible with clearly marked entrances and exits, one-way traffic through interior spaces, and ample spacing between tables – we know these new guidelines can be awkward sometimes and might feel unnatural, so we have tried to make it as easy as possible!
Any special deals going on?
We are running a “Pay it Forward” program which allows folks to buy a beer for frontline essential workers. We typically feature a draft special including both pints and growlers alongside food truck appearances on the weekends.
History of the Hops
The Brewhouse & Reopening
Canning Process Close Up
Tara & Talula Talk Music & Memorial Day Weekend
What's On Tap & Introducing Downtown Door Knocker
Turning 21 in Quarantine
Take the Virtual Tour
May 15, 2020
On Common Ground:
Meet Commonhouse Aleworks
Brew Q&A
So, what’s your story?
The tale of Commonhouse Aleworks revolves around several narratives that when woven together paint the story of history, comradery, community and the pursuit of a dream. Commonhouse found its origins in the friendship between Hank Hanna and Pearce Fleming and through the love of craft beers, which were often shared in fabled Back Porch Beer sessions.
Pearce grew up proud to know that his grandfather was one of the real life Dukes of Hazzard. He was often entertained by his Grandaddy’s stories of running shine from his home deep in the mountains of Western North Carolina to the capital in Raleigh to help with expenses while attending North Carolina State. His grandfather always laughed about the time he was caught and hauled in front of the school’s disciplinary board, saying, “Little did the President of the University know that nine of the ten people on the board were my regular customers.” True to form, Pearce’s father’s first words when told of the impending brewery, “Well, you know you’re going to have to pay the Revenuers their due.”
Tell us a little about who you are.
In colonial times, the “common house” was the de facto “Town Hall.” It acted as a focal point of the community where all the town’s people could gather together for communal meals, to discuss local issues, conduct religious worship, and engage in town business.
At Commonhouse Aleworks, we aim to revive the old town hall feel of the communal gathering space and create an environment where people feel free to gather together, enjoy life, be passionate, share a laugh and make an impact. With all of the wonderment that craft beer provides enthusiasts and patrons, Commonhouse Aleworks has the opportunity to be the catalyst to many of the things people enjoy most in life. It is our hope that we will one day be the impetus behind a toast to honor someone special, the spark to a celebration or even the inspiration for an idea that changes the world.
We exist to build community. We believe we all share far more in common than we have differences; therefore, we seek to build community by celebrating what we all share in common. We celebrate and build the great friendships that create great neighborhoods, cities and nations. This is how we positively impact the world.
What’s on tap?
- Park Circle Pale Ale
- Wise One Hefeweizen
- White Point Lager
- Looking East IPA
- Round About IPA
- Common Comet DIPA
- Birra Magnifico – Italian style Pilsner
- Pierce the Night – American Stout
- Two Dreams – dry hopped Saison
- Short Grain – Sake-hybrid beer
- Patchwork – Mosaic India Pale Lager
- Barony Whipper POG – fruited kettle sour with Passionfruit, orange, and guava
- Red Fox – Irish-style red ale
We can the following in 6 packs: Park Circle Pale Ale, Wise One, The Air Is Salty (Gose-style beer) White Point Lager.
We also just released Birra Magnifico, our Italian-style pilsner, and brewed a collaboration beer with Stone Brewing, called Shucktown Gose, which is an oyster Gose with kiwi and passionfruit.
How are you fulfilling orders during COVID-19?
We are currently selling 6-packs of our core beers, mixed 6-packs of specialty beers and 32 oz. crowlers of our beers on tap.
Any special deals going on?
We’ve got some take & bake specials with our in-house restaurant Florie’s at Commonhouse, and some family-style specials to-go, both of which include beer.
Where should we follow you for the latest news?
Facebook, Instagram, sign up for our email list via our website, or they can sign up for our Insider program by coming in the taproom.
Celebrating What We Have in Common
On Common Ground
What to Order
Florie's at Commonhouse
The COVID-19 Reopening Plan
Take the Virtual Tour
May 8, 2020
Old Meets New:
Meet Southern Barrel Brewing Co.
Brew Q&A
So, what’s your story?
The area was a vacation spot for the owners going back years and they realized that the area didn’t have enough good beer. Bluffton was growing fast and they decided that it was a good place to start a brewery that would be able to grow with the town.
Tell us a little about who you are.
We’re a microbrewery in Bluffton, South Carolina that honors the tradition and craftsmanship of yesterday, with some of the best beers of today. Southern Barrel Brewing Co. was recently built in Bluffton, SC but it’s been a long time coming.
Our tavern and beer garden offer a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and beer fresh from our brewery. We have year-round staples on tap as well as seasonal selections and limited runs. Also be sure to look for our specialty beers in the coming months brewed in whiskey, wine, tequila and rum barrels to bring you a unique kind of beer. Our indoor and outdoor seating was created to suit any mood, whether it’s dinner with the family or relaxing in the beer garden with friends.
What’s on tap?
We have our mainstays on; Damn Yankee IPA, Southern Helles Lager, Wild Bramble fruited sour, and Beach Bully Pale ale. We also have some small batch beers like our Rose Saison, Banana Stand Hefeweizen, Irish Red ale, Turtle Patrol IPL, and Bluff Lite American light lager.
How are you fulfilling orders during COVID-19?
We are still producing cans for distribution. We sell beer to-go 3 days a week for limited hours as well. We have been implementing family meals as well to help people working from home. Sunday’s we’ve been doing Lasagna family meals and we are looking at Meatloaf Mondays and Taco Tuesdays!
Any special deals going on?
We’re selling beer in Growlers and 6-packs.
Where should we follow you for the latest news?
Our Facebook page is the best place to keep up with us: facebook.com/southernbarrelbrewingco.
Bluffton Needed a Brewery
What's in the Casks
Matt vs. the Ghost Baby
'Stuff to Keep You, Stuff to Keep You Cold'
Take the Virtual Tour
May 1, 2020
Respect the Trade:
Meet Tradesman Brewing
Brew Q&A
So, what’s your story?
When we opened the doors of Tradesman Brewing in the spring of 2014, we were the 7th brewery in the greater Charleston area. It had been about a year since the Stone Bill passed allowing for taproom sales, and we felt like the local beer scene was really starting to get traction. We opened in a little building on James Island, and as far as we know, were the first brewery operating in the history of JI. Fast forward a few years, and we couldn’t keep with production, we couldn’t park enough cars, and couldn’t shoe-horn another piece of equipment or customers in the little spot. So, after a long search, and an even longer transition, here we are on the King St Extension, with plenty of space to do all the things we love doing. Making beer, swapping stories, sharing high-fives.
Where’d the brewery get its name?
We founded Tradesman Brewing to celebrate the trade that is brewing beer itself, the trades its takes to keep a brewery running, and make sure that making good beer always felt approachable and non-elitist. It’s not about making blue collar beer, but we want to make sure everyone feels like they have access to quality local beer.
What’s on tap?
We have 15 beers on tap at the moment wide a range of flavors from mild to rich, hoppy to malty, and low ABC to high. The newest beer is an American stout we called “Anti-Social Distancing” for obvious reasons. Not that we are opposed to social distancing, but we don’t have to like it.
How are you fulfilling orders during COVID-19?
At the moment, we are only selling carry out beer. Bring your growler, we would love to fill it up!
Any special deals going on?
Our beer prices for These growler fills are a great deal. $14-16 for all 64oz fills.
The Name & the Trade
The 'Beer Education Outreach Center'
& a 'Buckshot Approach' to Beer
What's on Tap: Something for Everyone
How to Name a Beer
Take the Virtual Tour
April 24, 2020
Here's to Epic Adventures:
Meet Frothy Beard
Brew Q&A
So, what’s your story?
Frothy Beard opened in 2013 on Peppermill Pkwy in North Charleston as the 5th brewery in the Charleston area and the 10th in the state. We were excited to be among the first in the area alongside other great breweries such as Coast and Holy City. We moved to West Ashley 3 years ago to have a bigger tap room and production facility. We were homebrewers before we opened up our first location and we decided to take a chance and open up a commercial brewery. We just had a passion for creating new and fun flavors in our beers and wanted to make it more than a hobby. Our current building used to be a church before we moved into it and before that it was part of the old West Ashley Mall. We named one of our beers Holy Water in honor of the church it was. There are still some remnants of the congregation that used to meet here and you can see those on our tours we give.
Where’d the brewery get its name?
Frothy Beard was named what it was because Joey, Steve and myself (Michael) are big epic adventure nerds and in those novels and movies after a hard day of traveling, battling or whatever the characters are doing, they often find themselves in a pub tilting back a large beer with suds remaining in their facial hair, happy to be alive, happy to have made it through another day, celebrating life.
What’s on tap?
We have 25 different beers available right now either on draft for crowler or growler fills, or in cans or bottles. We have our anniversary beers still on draft that we released right as the state shut down. Those would be Donnie – a Blackberry Plum Sour, Raph – a Currant Sour, Leo – a Spirolina IPA, and Mikey an Apricot IPA. We have Tangelorian just come back on draft and in cans for the first time this Thursday which is a Tangerine Sour. We have our staples still available, Sip Sip Pass IPA, Tides Irish Red, Positive Vibes Golden Ale, Back from the Dead Porter to name a few.
How are you fulfilling orders during COVID-19?
We have implemented an online ordering system during COVID or you can still come in and peruse the togo cooler. You can find our online ordering system for food and drink here.
Any special deals going on?
With Zombie Bob’s Pizza as our in house food option, we’ve been lucky to still be able to serve food and beer. Our current specials are:
One 16″ Two Topping Pizza, the choice of breadsticks, cheesesticks or pretzels and a six pack or four pack – $35
Two 16″ 1 topping pies and your choice of breadsticks, cheesesticks or pretzels – $35
On Wednesdays we have One 20″ Two Topping Pizza, 12 wings (one flavor) and a six pack or four pack – $35
We have been implementing family meals as well to help people working from home. Sunday’s we’ve been doing Lasagna family meals and we are looking at Meatloaf Mondays and Taco Tuesdays!
How Frothy Beard Got Its Name
The Canning Process
What to Order
Michael's Pick
The Food Pairing Parties That Started It All
In a Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Tangelorian Origin Story
Take the Virtual Tour
April 17, 2020
Stories for Days:
Meet Ghost Monkey Brewery
Brew Q&A
So, what’s your story?
Ghost Monkey Brewery was born from a shared passion and friendship. Many conversations over various beers revolved around our own ideas for local brews. Thus, the idea of Ghost Monkey Brewery was born. The name, however, was from Josh’s personal experience of being robbed by a ghost-like monkey with quick speed. Today, we pride ourselves on offering a consistent rotation of locally brewed beer. Made right here in Mount Pleasant with an attached taproom, our dream of developing new beers and sharing with them with friends over great food and live music is coming alive.
Where’d the brewery get its name?
Ghost Monkey Brewery’s owners John Kosky, Jim Leonard, and Josh Parker were struggling to find a name for their brewery; in the midst of compiling lists of suitable names, Josh Parker took a business trip to Spain and visited Gibraltar. While walking a trail a monkey appeared out of nowhere, like a ghost, and snatched Josh’s newly acquired souvenirs. After determining there was no food in the bag the monkey distributed them all over the rocks leaving Parker to collect them, and finally capture this picture.
What’s on tap?
Using an app developed in-house by Jim our taplist is kept current on our website ghostmonkeybrewery.com
How are you fulfilling orders during COVID-19?
We are selling 32 oz. crowlers, 64 oz. growlers and just added 2 gallon kegs. All can be pre-ordered on our online store, ghostmonkeybrewery.square.site. We are offering curbside pickup or walk-in service. We’re open daily 12-7pm for to-go beer sales.
Any special deals going on?
All crowlers are currently $9 each or 3 for $25. We are also offering frozen to-go food from the Castejons. We are also hosting food trucks in our lot for to-go food sales.
Where should we follow you for the latest news?
Facebook: facebook.com/ghostmonkeybrewery
Instagram: instagram.com/ghostmonkeybrew
Twitter: twitter.com/ghostmonkeybrew
Website: ghostmonkeybrewery.com
How Ghost Monkey Got Its Name
Why Ghost Monkey is a Great Place to Work
What's On Tap
Ghost Monkey's Most 'Crushable' Beer
Khoi's Light Origin Story
Take the Virtual Tour
April 11, 2020
Tropical Taproom Escape:
Meet Indigo Reef Brewing Co.
Brew Q&A
So, what’s your story?
The name “Indigo Reef Brewing Company” brings together our two favorite hobbies – scuba diving and brewing – with Charleston, where indigo used to be a cash crop.
What’s on tap right now?
Crowlers (32oz cans), Growlers (64oz), and have 2 specialty beers available in 22 oz bottles. For growlers, customers have the option to bring in a glass growler and exchange it for one that is already cleaned/sanitized, leave theirs and pick it up 24 hours later, or purchase an IRBC growler.
How are you fulfilling orders during COVID-19?
To order, customers can go to our website, indigoreefbrewing.com, to place and pay for an order, call us at (843) 867-6015, or place an order in person via our courtyard window service. Order pick-up can either be brought directly to your car or picked up at our courtyard window service.
Story Behind the Name
Tip from the Brewer: Chris' Most 'Crushable' Beers
What's New at Indigo Reef
Nicole's Pale Ale Pick + How to Get That Beer
Take the Virtual Tour
