Revival Of The Brews

Old world charm, fabulous restaurants, sightseeing, southern hospitality; those are just some of the many reasons why Charleston is a destination second to none in the south. For those presently living in the Lowcountry, it may be hard to remember just how great we have it. The area certainly has a style all its own, and the allure is there.
I have said it before and I will say it again: Charleston has, quite quickly, become one of the best beer spots in the southeast. Up and coming breweries, great beer bars, and one of the best small beer events in the country in Brewvival are an extremely solid resume for such a small town. We are lucky to have these options. And Brewvival is a unique showcase for some of the best brewers in the country to bring out their specialties.
From California to Texas, Colorado to New York, Michigan to North Carolina, beers and brewers arrived in North Charleston for this year’s version of what I have called the best small-scale beer festival in the country. And the liquid wares on hand were the finest in the land.
To begin, compared to years past, the event planners decided to cut down on not only the quantity of tickets sold to the event, but also the number of brewers invited to pour. In years past, the event had been oversold, and when the weather wasn’t optimal, issues arose. Also, this year, gone were the mediocre regional and national brands, the breweries who’s beers hadn’t progressed or were just a bit too ‘rookie’ to play in the pro game. Kudos to the event planners for both decisions.
Of course, the event is about the beer – at this year’s fifth fest, nationally recognized leaders were present like Dogfish Head, Bell’s, Green Flash, Founders, Sierra Nevada, Brooklyn and Stone among others. The best of the south was also well represented with Terrapin, Foothills, Westbrook, and of course, Coast, along with newcomers Burial and the increasing excellent and sought after Fonta Flora.
As always the festival was an overwhelming success. Great attitudes from attendees and staff, a very chill event at the least, a brisk but beautiful day was made even lovelier by the jovial nature of all involved. It really was a lovely day all around, and I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday.
Favorites from this year’s Brewvival kicked off from the outset. The second beer in my glass was one of my winners – Cigar City Brewing’s apricot barrel aged sour. Cigar City also had the Endless Nameless barrel aged stout that was amazing. Belgian Brewery Cantillon was pouring from the bottle! Coast’s barrel-aged Blackbeerd was dark chocolate and coffee delishioness; Cognac Hand and Seal from Brooklyn Brewery was rich, big, and decadent. The Wildest, much like in 2012, was DFH with their randalized version of Bitches Brew, this year forced through espresso beans and mango and jalapeno jellybeans!
Coast, the Charleston Beer Exchange, and most importantly the Lowcountry does it again! Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
Gene’s Haufbrau has at more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. While they don’t have every beer the Beer Snob writes about, they probably have most. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.