In 2010, the last Saturday in February became an annual, shining beacon on the Southern Beer Geek calendar. Brewvival was born. Charleston, like most cities, had its share of prior beer events, but COAST Brewing Company and The Charleston Beer Exchange set out to produce something unique. This would be an outdoor event with “hand-picked” written all over it – from the food vendors, to the live music, to the focal point: the beer.

Craft brewing, like any artisanal pursuit, sees techniques come in and out of popularity. What’s hot today may not be hot tomorrow, but methods, styles, and ingredients worth their salt tend to stick around even after beer geeks move on to chase the next white whale.

Bowens Island Restaurant should need no introduction. The seafood landmark, situated on a tiny namesake island near Folly Beach, has been in "top" lists of national magazines, profiled on national television, and even earned itself a James Beard American Classic Award. Most people equate the joint with heaping plates of deliciously prepared, local seafood. Their oysters are their real claim to fame, harvested by hand from their surrounding waters for decades. Unfortunately, the bar selection that goes along with a menu like theirs is often lacking at best. 

by Chris West

On June 23^rd, grab your lederhosen and barmaid get-up and join the local beer geek community when Brittlebank Park will be transformed into Charleston’s first beer garden!

By Timmons Pettigrew

The Lowcountry's newest brewery is Holy City Brewing, a four-man operation located in some converted warehouse space just off of Dorchester Road in North Charleston. Chris Brown, Joel Carl, Mac Minaudo, and Sean Nemitz joined forces to pursue their dream and add new flavors to the local beer market, producing fun, fresh takes on classic styles like Porter and Pilsner. But while they brew the classics very well, they are no strangers to innovation, and one of their beers in particular is a delicious affront to all that we knew as holy.

The first annual Lowcountry Beer Fest attracts more than just the boys

For more than four years now, I have sought a solution to a puzzle that has vexed me, a puzzle that involves a relationship that my wife is having (or not having).  Don’t worry, things are fine between myself and Mrs. Graham, as we are fast approaching the first anniversary of our exchanging of the vows.

It’s about beer.  I’m trying to find her one.

by Chris West

Forget the balmy climate, public beaches and quaint charm that you always hear associated with why people love Charleston. While all of those are noteworthy facets of our little town, I love Charleston for a much simpler reason…

by Timmons Pettigrew

The greater Charleston area plays home to four craft breweries. That's fully half of the breweries in the state (not counting brewpubs). It's no secret that we drink a hell of a lot in these parts, but that's a dense concentration in a relatively small space. And they aren't just surviving; they are thriving by all accounts, even with limited distribution outside of the Lowcountry.

by Timmons Pettigrew

Finding craft beer is becoming less of a problem in the Lowcountry. Breweries and bars have been doing their part, but it’s time for the retail corner of the beer-buying triangle to get a little TLC. Though beer is a social beverage, you can’t discount the beauty of a fresh pour in the comfort of your home, with or without your rowdy friends. This is where your local bottle shop comes in.

by Timmons Pettigrew

Whether you know it or like it, craft beer is invading your personal space. It’s on tap at your favorite watering hole. It’s in a bottle at your favorite restaurant. It’s also at your grocery store, in your friend’s refrigerator, and its sights are pointed squarely at your pie hole.