Charleston Beer

Book excerpt: In a town that prides itself on buying local and all things Lowcountry, its no surprise that artisanal craft beer has taken the Holy City by storm. With four established breweries, dedicated retail stores and bars, a home brewing club and the annual Brewvival festival, craft beer culture is booming. But behind the modern ales, lagers and stouts that connoisseurs know and love is a barrelful of Charleston beer history that has been brewing for centuries. From the first brewery that opened its doors in 1732 through Prohibition and the recent Pop the Cap legislation that allowed high gravity beer to once again flood the streets, Charlestonians have embraced beer wholeheartedly. Join local writer and beer bard Timmons Pettigrew as he recounts the incredible and mouthwatering history of Charleston beer, pint by frosty pint.