Raise a Pint Glass: Super Fun, Local Craft Beers Found in Columbia, SC

Sampling Columbia’s Unique Craft Beer Scene

In the heart of South Carolina, Columbia’s vibrant and innovative craft beer scene combines creativity, community collaboration, and local pride to brew up distinctive flavors and fun beer names. As part of the city’s Drink Up Week celebrations, it’s time to raise a pint glass and celebrate the selection of craft beers that draw inspiration from Columbia’s rich history, culture, and community spirit.

Angry Fish Brewing Company’s Bomb Island

Bomb Island is an Imperial Stout crafted by Lexington-based brewery, Angry Fish Brewing Company. The beer takes its name from an island on Lake Murray that served as a practice range for the famed Doolittle’s Raiders’ B-17 Bombers during WWII. This particular style treats your senses to subtle notes of coffee and chocolate, wrapping them in a silky, creamy feel.

Savage Craft Aleworks’ Carolina Light

Carolina Light, a product of Savage Craft Aleworks, stands out not just for its effervescent 4.7% ABV light brew but for its distinctive can design by local artist Ernest Lee, also known as The Chicken Man. This light ale offers a pleasant hint of malty sweetness and a crisp finish.

Columbia Craft’s Carolinian and Hop to Trot Cryo IPA

Columbia Craft brewery pays homage to its home in its aptly named Carolinian. This 4.7% ABV blonde ale, with low bitterness and a hint of honey malt sweetness, is light, crisp and a delightful beverage that can be your companion on a trip to the mountains or a day at the beach.

The same brewery offers its unique Hop to Trot Cryo IPA, named after the brewery’s annual Hop to Trot Beer Fest. This craft beer, winner of a Gold medal in the New England/Juicy IPA category at the 2018 US Open Beer Championship, is a powerful blend of peach, pineapple, and tropical citrus fragrances in an 8% ABV IPA.

Lettermen Lager and Sandstorm Game Day Lager from Columbia Craft & Steel Hands Brewing

Another Columbia Craft creation, the Lettermen Lager, is a collaborative effort with the USC’s Association of Lettermen. Returning to the market in football season this August, this 4.8% ABV Helles lager is noted for its clean and crisp profile.

The Sandstorm Game Day Lager is a creative venture of Steel Hands Brewing and Garnet Trust. The 4.5% ABV lager brewed with South Carolina heirloom rice, pays tribute to the University of South Carolina fan culture. A portion of the sales proceeds supports Gamecock student athletes through NIL opportunities.

Iron Hill Brewery’s Soda City Pils

Lastly, Soda City Pils by Iron Hill Brewery takes inspiration from one of Columbia’s nicknames. This 5.8% ABV German-style pilsner is dry, crisp, clean and refreshing, offering flavors of honeycomb, biscuit, and flora. A portion of the beer’s sales goes to the local food bank, making every swig a charitable act.

So here’s to Columbia, it’s vibrant craft beer scene, and the stories that make each bottle and can special. In every sip, we find the city’s history, community spirit, and the unique blend of creativity that Columbia’s breweries bring to each handcrafted pint. No doubt, raising a pint in Columbia, SC, is not just about enjoying a refreshing beverage, but also about celebrating a community that crafts every brew with a tangible passion for their city and craft.