Food & Wine // 5 min Read

A Toast to Lowcountry Craft

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Nov 20, 2019

There are few beverages as revered as beer. Sure, there’s something to be said for the mystique of a well-aged Scotch or the sophistication of fine wine, but beer exists in a category all its own. It’s the drink that brings us together, setting a table at which blue-collar workers, trendy young hipsters, and captains of industry can all sit in fellowship.

It’s the nectar of friendship, with a history dating back to the ancient Sumerians who called it “the divine drink” and brewed it to honor their gods. Medieval monks quaffed ale while they laid the groundwork for the modern faith. For centuries, it was the only source of sanitary drinking water, making life in the ancient world a nonstop party.

The modern history of beer, at least in the Lowcountry, dates back to just 1993, when Charleston’s Palmetto Brewing Company opened its doors. For nearly 20 years, it was the only game in town before a pair of back-to-back bills changed South Carolina brewing forever. The first was the Pint Bill, which allowed breweries to serve up to three pints of beer per guest and paved the way for brewery taprooms. Then came the Stone Law, designed in 2014 to specifically lure California’s Stone Brewing Co. to the Palmetto State. Stone missed out on its chance to call South Carolina home, but the bill’s provisions ended serving limits, igniting a boom in craft brewing.

Before the Pint Law passed, there were eight breweries operating in South Carolina. Today, there are more than 80, ranging from huge operations such as Greenville’s Thomas Creek and Mount Pleasant’s Westbrook Brewing to smaller operations such as Salt Marsh Brewing, which is contained almost entirely within a small loft over Fat Patties in Bluffton.

Here is just a sampling of the breweries you’ll find in our neck of the woods.

River Dog Brewing Co. – Ridgeland, SC

One of the first breweries to set up shop in the lower 843, River Dog Brewing Co. rose to fame on the strength of its flagship IPA, a piney burst of goodness that has been refined and tweaked over time as head brewers came and went. Head brewer Amelia Keefe, currently the only female head brewer in the state, made minor changes to the hops profile of the IPA but made her mark with brilliant limited-run brews, including a hibiscus hefeweizen and her Sourshifter series of sour beers.

Must try: The Riverwalk Empire Pilsner might not get the love the IPA does, but it’s a solid refreshing pilsner with just enough snap.

Southern Barrel Brewing Co. – Bluffton, SC

Located off Buckwalter Parkway, Southern Barrel hit the scene in a big way, rolling cans out into grocery stores shortly after they opened. Their beer garden has quickly become Bluff ton’s hangout spot for the young professional set, lured by an ever changing array of craft beers curated by head brewer Matt Tkaczuk. They’ve won awards for their Helles Lager and their Frozen Barrel styles, but it’s the Damn Yankee IPA that has become ubiquitous on beer lists across the Lowcountry.

Must try: It’s always worth a drive to the beer garden to see what wild concoctions they’ve rolled out, but a solid choice is the Bluff Lite, a crisp American Lager whose tap handle artwork pays homage to Homer Simpson’s beer of choice, Duff.


Hilton Head Brewing Company – Hilton Head, SC

The long and often tumultuous history of Hilton Head Brewing Company has seen it go from the island’s first brewpub to a brewery in name only, ultimately to one of the area’s premier brewers. The road to get here was winding, but it has led the crew at Hilton Head Brewing Company to a huge north end facility whose taproom has become an unlikely gathering place for thirsty islanders. Building on the strength of its Tropical Lager, head brewer Bob Migliaccio took his love of German beers and unleashed a list of varieties such as the dark and malty Fleck U and the inventive Break Series.

Must try: The first is still the best—the Tropical Lager was given a complete overhaul when Migliaccio took over, turning down the fruit notes and creating the perfect beach beer.


Salt Marsh Brewing Company – Bluffton, SC

The arrival of Fat Patties into Old Town Bluff ton kicked off a wave of new development on the historic streets. But for beer fans, its true gift to the town was the opening of Salt Marsh Brewing Company in a tiny loft overlooking the main dining room. Considering the square footage they’re working with, Salt Marsh puts out a mind-boggling variety of beers from rich amber Aria’s Ale to smooth-sipping Slo-Country Session IPA. Supplementing the mainstays are experimental small-batch runs that change from day to day.

Must try: Okay, hear us out. We know that a banana-forward beer is not going to be for everyone, but if you approach the Nana’s Puddin’ with an open mind, it might just surprise you.


Edmund’s Oast – Charleston, SC

It’s hard to stand out amid the frenzy of Charleston’s craft brewing scene. Edmund’s Oast does so thanks to a beautiful facility set amid the chic surroundings of King Street, which houses mad-scientist gear for producing all manner of exotic beers. A sealed fermentation area allows brewing director Cameron Read to fine-tune his recipes, resulting in exquisite sours that taste like nothing you’ve tried before. Find a spot at the bar if you can—the taproom is quickly becoming ground zero for Charleston’s young creative set—and you’ll find names that reflect the brewery’s wild creativity. Full disclosure, we have not tried “Cult Leader’s Headdress,” but we really want to.

Must try: If you’re not feeling brave enough to dive into the Plasma Gun or the Bucket of Flowers, their signature Lagerbier is a time-tested classic, mirroring the stripped-down German lagers that have endured for centuries.


Service Brewing Co. – Savannah, GA

If you’ve been out to any of the events that dot the calendar at Palmetto Bluff ,odds are you’ve already met the brains behind Service Brewing Co., Kevin Ryan and Meredith Sutton. If you haven’t, you’re missing out on a couple who have created the most exciting beers in Savannah. While you’ll find some eye-opening flavor combinations in the R&D Department taproom, from the jalapeño lime lager to the coconut cream ale, the year-round offerings are a study in approachable and highly crushable beer. In keeping with Ryan’s status as a veteran, the signature beers boast names such as Ground Pounder IPA, Rally Point Pilsner, and Battlewagon Double IPA.

Must try: Available seasonally, the Gun Bunny Belgian-style witbier has just enough notes of coriander and citrus to satisfy without overpowering.

%GALLERY%

Food & Wine / Fall Recipes From Buffalos

Your Pine-ness Cocktail Recipe Before delving into the ingredients and recipe for Buffalos’ delectable Ricotta Meatballs and Sauce, it is imperative that the chef has an excellent cocktail for cooking. Pairing the sweetness of pineapple with the woody flavo...

Sep 2023
palmetto bluff neighborhoods

Real Estate / Waterfront Neighborhoods in Palmetto Bluff

Coastal Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods Palmetto Bluff, a private community nestled along the South Carolina coastline, presents a harmonious blend of luxurious living, recreational spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. The meticulously designed Palmetto Bluff neigh...

Sep 2023
wilson landing

Waterways / Behind the Bluff with Marina Captain: Thomas Shanahan

Meet Captain Tom of Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Landing  In the tranquil embrace of Bluffton's Lowcountry, where rivers wind their way through nature's masterpiece, an extraordinary tale unfolds at Wilson Landing of Palmetto Bluff. The story belongs to Captain Th...

Sep 2023
luxury kitchen design

Architecture & Design / Designing the Southern Kitchen of Your Dreams

Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...

Sep 2023
summer bucket list

Culture / Summer Activities to Check Off Your List Before the Fall

10 Activities You Have to Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List While the days are long and the sun hangs high in the sky, summer offers a golden opportunity to create lasting memories and partake in a variety of thrilling activities. Before the cooler breeze of ...

Sep 2023

Conservation / Water Way

Palmetto Bluff is an ecological wonderland, with its maritime forest and tidal rivers, its salt marsh and abundant wildlife. But perhaps one of the most unique features of this wedge of Lowcountry is the impressive inland waterway that wends through the landsc...

Aug 2023

Artist in Residence / Places Around Palmetto Bluff to Paint Plein Air

Plein Air Painting and Our August Artist in Residence Palmetto Bluff is a paradise for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and serene atmosphere. With that being said, the Bluff is the perfect canvas f...

Aug 2023
coastal living

Waterways / Experience Health and Happiness By Living on the Coast

5 Health Benefits of Coastal Living Did you know that life by the coast is not only the most idyllic way to live, but it also improves your health? All in all, coastal living is a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. From the cool, salty bree...

Aug 2023
south carolina lowcountry

Culture / 9 Enticing Facts About the Lowcountry

Discover the Charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry Where history and nature intertwine with effortless grace, the South Carolina Lowcountry is a region that allures visitors and residents alike with its timeless beauty, enchanting landscapes, and diverse cul...

Aug 2023

Conservation / Behind the Bluff with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy Educator: Aaron Palmieri

Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy   In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offer...

Aug 2023
LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us