Raise a pint glass: Super fun, local craft beers found in Columbia, SC
Local Libations Highlight Columbia Culture and Community
Columbia, SC is renowned for its vibrant culture, profound history, and a rapidly growing community of craft beer enthusiasts. The city, widely recognized as The COLA or Soda City, now proudly offers a diverse selection of locally brewed craft beers. This year, in celebration of Drink Up Week, we spotlight five COLA-centric brews that embody the spirit, community, and unique culture of our great city.
Bomb Island by Angry Fish Brewing Company
This Lexington-based brewery has captivated the beer lovers with its Imperial Stout, Bomb Island. The name draws inspiration from the island situated on Lake Murray, which once served as a training ground for Doolittle’s Raiders’ B-17 bombers during WWII. As you dive into the tasting, you’ll detect inviting notes of coffee and chocolate on the nose. A sip rewards you with a creamy, silky feel that compliments the aromas perfectly. It’s a beautiful combination of style, flavor, and local history packed into a pint glass.
Carolina Light from Savage Craft Aleworks
The locally famed artist, Ernest Lee, or widely known as “The Chicken Man,” has lent his skill for the can artwork of this crafty six-pack. This 4.7% ABV light brew strikes a balance with a slight, malty sweetness, some effervescence, and a crisp finish. When in Columbia, spotting a pack of Carolina Light around town is not an uncommon sight!
Carolinian and Hop to Trot Cryo IPA by Columbia Craft
The creatively named Carolinian is a direct nod to our beloved city. This 4.7% ABV blonde ale offers low bitterness and carries a hint of honey malt sweetness. It has become a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing drink during a mountain trek or beach visit.
Another beer offering from Columbia Craft is the Hop to Trot Cryo IPA. This creation pays homage to the brewery’s annual Hop to Trot Beer Fest that is seven years strong in 2024. This 8% ABV IPA packs an array of peach, pineapple, and tropical citrus aromas. Despite its full-bodied and intense flavor profile, it is remarkably smooth. It also won the Gold medal in the New England/Juicy IPA category at the 2018 US Open Beer Championship, making it a must-try for any beer enthusiast.
Lettermen Lager by Columbia Craft
The Lettermen Lager is brewed in collaboration with the USC’s Association of Lettermen. The “1965” imprinted on the Gamecocks garnet-colored can commemorates the year the association was founded. This 4.8% ABV Helles lager offers a crisp and clean flavor profile. It is set to make a comeback during the football season in August 2024.
Sandstorm Game Day Lager by Steel Hands Brewing and Soda City Pils by Iron Hill Brewery
Steel Hands Brewing’s Sandstorm Game Day Lager pays tribute to the fan culture of the University of South Carolina. An image of a small white towel on the can reminds patrons of a Gamecocks’ game. This triple-hopped, 4.5% ABV lager features South Carolina heirloom rice and is light and drinkable – especially on game day.
Iron Hill Brewery’s Soda City Pils honors one of Columbia’s nicknames with a beer meant “to celebrate our beautiful city.” This dry, 5.8% ABV, German-style pilsner offers a crisp, clean, and refreshing experience. It presents notes of honeycomb, biscuit, and flora.
As we explore the thriving scene of Columbia’s craft beers, we raise a toast to our city’s evolution, its vibrant culture, and of course, its penchant for delightful brews.
Sources: Here News Network
