Why Are Breweries in Charleston, SC, Worth Exploring?

Exploring breweries in Charleston, SC, gives you a different look at the city. It’s a side that feels relaxed, social and full of personality. Taprooms around the city offer something different each time you visit, and exploring them is a great way to experience Charleston’s creative side while tasting some of the best beer the Lowcountry has to offer.

How Did Charleston’s Brewing Legacy Begin?

Charleston’s beer story starts with a few local pioneers who set standards for what the city’s craft scene could become. Their tastings and brews laid the groundwork for today’s vibrant taprooms and brewing creativity.

Charleston, South Carolina, has a rich and evolving history of brewing, from its Colonial roots to its vibrant modern craft beer scene.

Early Colonial Brewing: Necessity and Rum’s Reign

In Charleston’s earliest days, starting with its establishment in 1670, rum was the dominant spirit. Trade with the West Indies, particularly Barbados, made rum readily available and widely consumed across all social classes. In fact, due to a lack of understanding of germ theory, adding alcohol to water was a common practice to make it safer for consumption, leading to early iterations of rum punch.

However, beer quietly began to make its mark by the mid-18th century. English settlers brought their brewing traditions to Charles Towne, and by the late 17th century, beer was a staple beverage alongside rum, again often consumed as a safer alternative to untreated water. German immigrants played a significant role in introducing and refining brewing techniques, leading to the emergence of local breweries that crafted a variety of ales and lagers.

The Rise and Fall of Palmetto Brewery and Prohibition

One of the most notable early breweries was the original Palmetto Brewery, founded in 1888. Located at the corner of Market and Hayne Streets, this brewery impressively survived the hurricane of 1886 and the earthquake of 1887, and even the Civil War. It briefly changed its name to Germania Brewing Co. in 1896 to capitalize on the popularity of German beers, but soon reverted to Palmetto. Unfortunately, the looming threat of Prohibition proved to be its undoing. The original Palmetto Brewery closed in 1916 due to bankruptcy, four years before national Prohibition took full effect in 1920. This marked the end of commercial brewing in Charleston for nearly 80 years.

The Craft Beer Revolution: Palmetto’s Rebirth and Beyond

The craft beer renaissance that swept across the United States in the late 20th century eventually reached Charleston. In the late 1980s, Ed Falkenstein and Louis Bruce, inspired by a trip to a craft brewery in Oregon, began the arduous process of bringing commercial brewing back to South Carolina. With no active breweries in the state since Prohibition, it took several years to navigate legal hurdles and secure the necessary approvals.

In 1993, Palmetto Brewing Company was reborn, opening its doors on Huger Street in Downtown Charleston. This marked a pivotal moment, as it was the first licensed brewery to open in South Carolina since Prohibition. Palmetto quickly became a local favorite, with its Amber Ale being one of its earliest and most enduring recipes. Ed Falkenstein is widely regarded as a pioneer of the craft beer movement in South Carolina.

Since Palmetto’s resurgence, Charleston’s craft beer scene has exploded.

Holy City Brewing arrived in 2011 and added fresh energy to the scene. What began in a garage quickly grew into one of the top Charleston breweries. With a varied beer list, live music shows and a welcoming attitude, it helped shape how the community thinks about local beer. Many people describe their brewery as a place where culture and craft come together in a relaxed setting.

Who’s Changing the Game in Charleston’s Craft Beer Scene?

As Charleston’s beer scene continues to evolve, a new generation of breweries is helping define its modern identity. These spots go beyond tradition, experimenting with bold flavors, innovative techniques and laid-back atmospheres that reflect the creative energy of the Holy City.

Revelry Brewing Co.

Located in the NoMo district, Revelry Brewing Co. stands out with its industrial-style taproom and popular rooftop bar. The brewery is known for its expressive IPAs, fruit-forward sours and lagers brewed for hot Charleston afternoons. Live music nights, local art and a rotating lineup of food trucks give this spot a distinctly local feel. It’s a place where you can sip a craft beer while watching the sun set over the city skyline. Revelry Brewing Co. is currently open and operating normally as of June 2025.

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. & Taproom

With a full-scale brewpub on Morrison Drive and a second taproom on King Street, Edmund’s Oast has helped shape the identity of Charleston breweries today. Their beers range from oak-aged saisons to dry-hopped lagers and hazy IPAs, with recipes rooted in creativity and careful technique. The main location pairs beer with an exceptional menu of house-cured meats, local ingredients and seasonal flavors. It’s part brewery, part dining experience, and fully committed to pushing the boundaries of what local beer can be. Both Edmund’s Oast locations remain open and active as of June 2025.

Charles Towne Fermentory

Tucked away in West Ashley, Charles Towne Fermentory has built a strong following by keeping things simple and high quality. Their focus on hop-forward ales and small-batch lagers keeps the taplist fresh, while the addition of rotating food trucks and casual outdoor seating makes the brewery feel like a neighborhood hangout. It’s one of the best examples of how breweries in Charleston, SC, blend laid-back charm with expert-level brewing. Charles Towne Fermentory is open and hosting regular events as of June 2025.

Each of these Charleston breweries offers something different, but they all share a drive to explore, experiment and redefine what craft beer can be in the Lowcountry.

Where Can You Find Charleston’s Most Unique Neighborhood Breweries?

Charleston’s brewing culture doesn’t stop at the city center. Some of the best hidden finds live just outside the peninsula. Each one offers its own take on Lowcountry beer and laid-back atmosphere.

Frothy Beard Brewing Company in West Ashley is bold, playful and never afraid to experiment. From tropical IPAs to quirky seasonal releases, their lineup keeps things interesting. The taproom is casual and family-friendly, complete with a pizza kitchen and space for board games or live events.

Munkle Brewing Co. brings a European flair to the Upper Peninsula. Known for its Belgian-style ales, this brewery takes inspiration from traditional monastic brewing methods. The result is a small but focused list of flavorful beers poured in a relaxed, artfully designed space.

Tradesman Brewing Company, located on James Island, is all about craft and community. This women-owned brewery leans into creativity with rotating taps, including dark ales, sours and small-batch experiments. The outdoor patio gives it a true neighborhood feel.

Low Tide Brewing on Johns Island blends coastal charm with a passion for local ingredients. Many of their beers are brewed in collaboration with Charleston chefs, making their tap list one of the most food-friendly around. From refreshing wheat beers to robust porters, there’s always something new on tap.

How Should You Plan Your Brewery Tour in Charleston?

Planning your visit to the best breweries in Charleston, SC, doesn’t have to be complicated. The city is spread out across distinct brewing neighborhoods, each with its own character and beer style. The Upper Peninsula has become a creative hub with spots like Munkle and Edmund’s Oast. West Ashley and Avondale offer laid-back hangouts like Frothy Beard, while areas like Mount Pleasant, James Island and Johns Island showcase smaller community-driven taprooms such as Low Tide Brewing and Tradesman.

If you’re sampling flights or pints at multiple Charleston breweries, safety is key. Riding with Old Town Trolley is a smart way to get your bearings during the day. Their friendly and knowledgeable guides provide live narration and a fun overview of the city’s history and neighborhoods. It’s a great way to scope out brewery districts before setting out on your own in the afternoon or evening.

Many of the breweries in Charleston, SC, offer more than just beer. From food trucks and in-house kitchens to live music, trivia, and even yoga events, there’s always something happening. Some locations even host guided brewery tours, where you can learn more about the brewing process and sample limited-edition releases.

The best time to visit most Charleston breweries is late afternoon into early evening, especially Thursday through Sunday. Taprooms tend to be more active, and outdoor spaces come alive with locals and visitors unwinding. Whatever your plan, pace yourself and enjoy the range of styles that make Charleston’s beer scene so rewarding.

What Makes Charleston’s Breweries Worth the Visit?

Charleston’s brewery scene is built on creativity, community and a strong connection to both past and present. Some locations operate out of repurposed warehouses, while others are tucked into neighborhoods where regulars gather after work. No matter the setting, you’ll find quality ingredients, skillful brewing and welcoming spaces that feel thoughtfully run and rooted in place.

Exploring breweries in Charleston, SC, is one of the most relaxed and rewarding ways to spend your time here. Many feature open-air patios, food truck pairings and seasonal releases that highlight regional flavors. Every stop adds something unique. You might sip a crisp pilsner in a former auto garage or try a tart sour in a garden-style courtyard.

Charleston breweries offer a laid-back, social atmosphere where it’s easy to slow down and connect.

FAQs: What Should You Know Before Visiting Breweries in Charleston, SC?

What are the top breweries to visit in Charleston, SC?

Some of the most talked-about breweries in Charleston, SC, include Palmetto Brewing Co., Holy City Brewing and Revelry Brewing Co. Palmetto holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest operating brewery. Holy City is known for its wide variety of beer styles and lively taproom atmosphere. Revelry’s rooftop bar and bold flavor profiles make it a standout. These Charleston breweries each offer a different experience, making them ideal for visitors hoping to explore a range of styles and settings.

Does Charleston have a good craft beer scene?

Charleston’s craft beer scene has steadily evolved into one of the most dynamic in the region. Today, Charleston breweries are recognized for their innovation, quality, and strong local following. From West Ashley to Johns Island, you’ll find a wide selection of breweries in Charleston, SC, producing everything from hop-forward IPAs to sours, lagers and barrel-aged stouts. The scene also supports a thriving culture of events, collaborations and beer-focused festivals that keep it fresh and growing.

Are there any brewery tours available in Charleston, SC?

Yes, several breweries in Charleston, SC, offer behind-the-scenes tours for guests who want a closer look at the brewing process. At spots like Edmund’s Oast and Holy City Brewing, you can learn directly from the brewers, see how each batch is made and enjoy fresh pours right in the production space. Some guided tour companies even offer brewery-focused itineraries that connect visitors to multiple Charleston breweries in one afternoon, making it easy to sample more without having to worry about transportation.

Which Charleston breweries are dog-friendly or have food trucks?

Many Charleston breweries welcome dogs, especially in their outdoor spaces, and offer a relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere. Breweries like Frothy Beard, Low Tide and Charles Towne Fermentory regularly host food trucks and community events, creating a social and casual vibe. Several breweries in Charleston, SC, go even further, offering water bowls, dog treats and covered patios so guests can comfortably bring their pups along while enjoying a meal and a beer.

What is the oldest brewery in Charleston, SC?

Palmetto Brewing Co. is considered the oldest among breweries in Charleston, SC. It originally opened in the 1800s, was revived in the 1990s, and remains a cornerstone of the local craft beer community. As one of the most established Charleston breweries, it helped lay the foundation for the city’s current beer scene and still operates a popular taproom that combines historic roots with modern-day brewing techniques. Today, visitors can enjoy a range of flagship beers and seasonal brews while learning more about Charleston’s early brewing legacy.