Beer Explorer

What are the best breweries in South Carolina? Whether you’re traveling or this is your home, how do you find the breweries that offer top craft beer in South Carolina so you can know which ones are the most worthwhile to check out? We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in South Carolina, based upon the ratings of actual fellow beer-lovers on Untapped. We hope this brewery guide will aid you in your brewery exploration of The Palmetto State so that you can maximize your beer and brewery enjoyment. Happy beer exploring!

#7 Carolina Bauerhaus Brewery & Winery 3.87 average Untapped rating 

Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery is a notable craft brewery located in Anderson, South Carolina. Here’s an overview of the brewery:

1. **Location:** Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery is situated at 115 W Federal St, Anderson, SC 29625, in the heart of downtown Anderson.

2. **Founding:** The brewery was founded by Keston Helfrich and David Thornton in 2015. Their vision was to create a brewery that pays homage to the rich agricultural heritage of the region while also embracing innovative brewing techniques and flavors.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery is dedicated to brewing farmhouse-style ales inspired by the brewing traditions of Europe, particularly those of Germany and Belgium. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients, including grains, fruits, and botanicals, to create unique and flavorful beers that reflect the terroir of the Carolinas.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of farmhouse-style ales, including saisons, sours, wild ales, and barrel-aged beers. They are known for their creative and experimental approach to brewing, often incorporating unconventional ingredients and fermentation methods to produce complex and nuanced flavors.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery provides a rustic and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy a variety of farmhouse ales. With communal seating and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source and often have the opportunity to chat with the brewers and learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout South Carolina and neighboring states. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation beyond its immediate area.

Overall, Carolina Bauernhaus Brewery offers a unique and authentic farmhouse brewing experience, with a focus on quality, creativity, and local ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of farmhouse ales or just looking to explore new flavors, it’s definitely worth a visit.

#6 Edmund’s Oast Restaurant & Brewpub – 3.89 average Untapped rating

Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Brewpub is a renowned establishment in Charleston, South Carolina, known for its innovative culinary offerings and exceptional craft beer. Here’s an overview:

**Location:** Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Brewpub is located at 1081 Morrison Dr, Charleston, SC 29403, in the Upper Peninsula area of Charleston.

**Founding:** The restaurant and brewpub were founded by Scott Shor and Rich Carley in 2014. Their vision was to create a multifaceted establishment that celebrates both food and beer, with a focus on quality, creativity, and hospitality.

**Brewing Philosophy:** Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Brewpub is dedicated to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that showcase a variety of styles and flavor profiles. They prioritize using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are known for their commitment to experimentation and innovation in brewing.

**Beer Selection:** The brewpub offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, saisons, stouts, porters, and more. They are known for their seasonal and specialty releases, which often feature unique ingredients and flavor combinations. With a rotating tap list and frequent new releases, there’s always something new and exciting to try.

**Food:** In addition to its exceptional beer offerings, Edmund’s Oast Restaurant is renowned for its innovative and seasonal cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by local ingredients and global flavors, with an emphasis on creativity and culinary craftsmanship.

**Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Edmund’s Oast provides a stylish and inviting space for guests to enjoy a wide selection of craft beers. With a modern yet cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends or family and sample some of the brewery’s latest creations. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food from the restaurant menu, making it a truly immersive dining and drinking experience.

**Distribution:** While Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Brewpub primarily serves its beers on-site at their brewpub and restaurant, they also distribute some of their products to select bars, restaurants, and retailers in the Charleston area. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it outside of the brewpub and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation throughout the community.

Overall, Edmund’s Oast Restaurant and Brewpub offers a unique and unforgettable experience for beer and food enthusiasts alike, with a commitment to quality, creativity, and hospitality that sets it apart. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Charleston, it’s definitely worth a visit.

#5 Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery – 3.92 average Untapped rating

Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery is a unique establishment located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, offering both craft cider and beer. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery is situated at 197 E St John St, Spartanburg, SC 29306, in the heart of downtown Spartanburg.

2. **Founding:** The brewery was founded by Tim and Tammy Johnson in 2015. Their vision was to create a space where people could come together to enjoy a wide variety of craft ciders and beers in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery is committed to producing high-quality, handcrafted beverages using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. They focus on experimentation and creativity in their brewing process, resulting in a diverse range of ciders and beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

4. **Beer and Cider Selection:** As the name suggests, Ciclops offers both craft cider and beer. Their cider selection includes traditional dry and semi-sweet ciders as well as innovative fruit-infused and barrel-aged varieties. On the beer side, they brew a variety of styles, including IPAs, stouts, porters, and seasonal specialties. With a rotating tap list, there’s always something new to try.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery provides a cozy and inviting space for guests to relax and enjoy their beverages. The atmosphere is laid-back, with plenty of seating and a friendly staff. Visitors can sample ciders and beers directly from the source, often with the opportunity to chat with the brewers and learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beverages on-site at their taproom, Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery distributes their products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers in the Spartanburg area. This allows fans of their cider and beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation throughout the region.

Overall, Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery offers a unique and enjoyable experience for cider and beer enthusiasts alike, with a diverse selection of handcrafted beverages and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a cider aficionado, beer lover, or just looking for a cool spot to hang out, it’s definitely worth a visit.

#4 Snafu Brewing Company – 3.94 average Untapped rating

Snafu Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in North Charleston, South Carolina. Here’s an overview of the brewery:

1. **Location:** Snafu Brewing Company is located at 3280 Industry Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418. This location places it conveniently in the Charleston metropolitan area.

2. **Founding:** The brewery was founded by husband and wife duo Todd and Heather Atkinson in 2014. They established Snafu Brewing with the aim of creating unique and flavorful beers that reflect their passion for brewing and the local community.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Snafu Brewing Company is dedicated to producing high-quality, handcrafted beers that push the boundaries of traditional styles. They prioritize using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are known for their commitment to experimentation and innovation in brewing.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a range of IPAs, stouts, porters, pale ales, and more. They are known for their bold and flavorful brews, which often feature creative combinations of ingredients and unique flavor profiles. Snafu Brewing frequently rotates their tap list, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting for visitors to try.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Snafu Brewing Company provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where guests can enjoy a variety of freshly brewed beers. With a laid-back vibe and friendly staff, it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source and often have the opportunity to chat with the brewers and learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Snafu Brewing Company distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout the Charleston area and beyond. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to expand the brewery’s reach within the community.

Overall, Snafu Brewing Company is a beloved fixture in the Charleston craft beer scene, known for its creative and flavorful beers, welcoming taproom, and commitment to quality. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s definitely worth checking out.

#3 Charles Towne Fermentory – 4.04 average Untapped rating

Certainly, here’s an overview of Charles Towne Fermentory, a prominent craft brewery in South Carolina:

1. **Location:** Charles Towne Fermentory is located at 809 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407. Situated in Charleston, it’s centrally located and easily accessible to both locals and visitors.

2. **Founding:** The brewery was founded in 2017 by Chris and Kristin Brown, along with a group of friends who shared a passion for craft beer and community. Their goal was to create a brewery that not only produced exceptional beer but also served as a gathering place for beer enthusiasts.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Charles Towne Fermentory is dedicated to brewing high-quality, small-batch beers that showcase the diverse flavors and ingredients of the Lowcountry region. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are committed to sustainability in their brewing practices.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, pale ales, saisons, stouts, and more. They are known for their hop-forward beers, which often feature bold and complex flavor profiles. In addition to their core lineup, they also frequently release limited-edition and experimental brews, keeping their tap list fresh and exciting.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Charles Towne Fermentory provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy a wide selection of freshly brewed beers. With ample seating and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends or meet fellow beer enthusiasts. Visitors can also often engage with the brewers and learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Charles Towne Fermentory distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout the Charleston area. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it at their favorite local establishments and helps to spread the brewery’s reputation beyond its immediate neighborhood.

Overall, Charles Towne Fermentory is a beloved fixture in the Charleston craft beer scene, known for its exceptional beers, commitment to quality, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit.

#2 New Groove Artisan Brewery – 4.09 average Untapped rating

New Groove Artisan Brewing is another notable craft brewery located in South Carolina, specifically in Boiling Springs, near Spartanburg. Here’s an overview of the brewery:

1. **Location:** New Groove Artisan Brewing is situated at 4078 Highway 9, Boiling Springs, SC 29316.

2. **Founding:** The brewery was founded in 2015 by David McCormack and Alex Vandermark, two friends with a passion for beer and community. They wanted to create a space where people could come together to enjoy high-quality craft beer in a welcoming environment.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** New Groove Artisan Brewing focuses on creating unique, handcrafted beers using quality ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. They aim to push the boundaries of traditional beer styles while still paying homage to the rich history of brewing.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse selection of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, ales, and more. They often experiment with different ingredients and brewing methods to create exciting and flavorful brews that appeal to a wide range of palates.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at New Groove Artisan Brewing provides a laid-back and friendly atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy freshly brewed beers. The space is often adorned with artwork from local artists, adding to the brewery’s unique charm. Visitors can sample a selection of beers on tap, participate in brewery tours, and even enjoy live music or food truck events on occasion.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, New Groove Artisan Brewing distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers in the Spartanburg area and beyond. This allows beer enthusiasts throughout the region to enjoy their brews outside of the brewery.

Overall, New Groove Artisan Brewing is a vibrant and community-oriented brewery that offers not only great beer but also a welcoming space for people to come together and connect over their shared love of craft beer.

#1 The Eighth State Brewing Company – 4.26 average Untapped rating

The Eighth State Brewing Company, located in Greenville, South Carolina, was founded in 2016 by Brandon and Melissa Moore. Situated in the heart of the Upstate, this brewery has quickly made a name for itself in the local craft beer scene.

1. **Location:** The brewery is located at 400 Augusta St, Suite 125, Greenville, SC 29601.

2. **Founding:** Brandon and Melissa Moore established The Eighth State Brewing Company with the vision of creating a space where quality craft beer could be brewed and enjoyed in a welcoming atmosphere. Their passion for brewing and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of the brewery’s operations.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** The Eighth State Brewing Company is dedicated to both innovation and tradition in brewing. They strive to push the boundaries of beer styles while maintaining respect for time-honored brewing techniques. This commitment to quality and creativity is reflected in every beer they produce.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse selection of beers, ranging from classic styles to experimental brews. This includes hop-forward IPAs, rich stouts, refreshing lagers, sour ales, and more. Their rotating tap list ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to try for both seasoned beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at The Eighth State Brewing Company provides a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests to enjoy their beers. With a modern yet cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to gather with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample a variety of beers directly from the source and often engage with the brewers themselves to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, The Eighth State Brewing Company distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers across South Carolina. This allows fans of their beer to enjoy it in their favorite local establishments and brings a taste of Greenville’s craft beer scene to beer lovers throughout the state.

Overall, The Eighth State Brewing Company is not just a brewery but a hub for community and creativity, where people can come together to appreciate great beer and the craft behind it.