Beer Week Comes West

As the nation’s craft beer industry grows exponentially, so has the local craft beer scene over the last few years. Charleston boast 14 production breweries (with 6 in planning), numerous craft beer-focused pubs and stores, and a population that is wanting more out of their beer than the mass-produced stuff that we’re force-fed from the big beer giants.
In West Ashley in particular the beer culture continues to grow. And with the Charleston Beer Week being held Sept. 11-17, it’s not surprising that this year features more events on our side of town. Below is a short description of the four official Beer Week events being held in West Ashley.
For a full list of Charleston Beer Week events, visit www.charlestonbeerweek.com.
 
Battle for the Paddle
Sunday, Sept. 11, 4 p.m.
Mellow Mushroom Avondale, 19 Magnolia Road
Mellow Mushroom Avondale is offering a mega-sampler called “The Paddle Royale!” Teams of four will fiercely compete in five unique, beer-related events to win a 30-sample paddle. The Paddle Royale holds 5-ounce samples of everything Mellow Mushroom has on draft, which includes numerous local craft beers. Battle events include: Beer Spelling Bee, Ranger/Poacher/Bear, Blind Taste Test, Best Team Spirit and Twister. There is no cost to play.
Craft Conundrum
Charleston Cup
Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6-9 p.m.
Craft Conundrum, 630 Skylark Dr.
Craft Conundrum hosts its inaugural Craft Conundrum Charleston Cup competition, featuring amazing local beer from amazing local breweries. There are five categories, each with a different number of local beers to be entered. The categories are: Wheat (6 beers), IPA (6 beers), Brown Ale (5 beers), Stout (5 beers) and a Wild Card Category (5 beers). Total, there’ll be 27 local beers participating in the cup.
Breweries are free to enter both flagship beers and one-offs in order to fit into the categories. Wild Card is going to encompass all sorts of beer styles. There will be a panel of “celebrity” judges who will vote on their favorites in each category There will also be voting cards for a People’s Choice in each category.
Rare Beer Class
Thursday, Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m.
Total Wine & More, 1820 Ashley River Road
Total Wine & More in West Ashley invites you out for a special rare beer educational opportunity.
Game of Foams Pub Crawl
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9 p.m.
Avondale area
Houses (teams) of four will track ravens and local brews throughout “WesterAvondale.” Each local pub is partnered with a local brew. Costumes are encouraged and rewarded.
•Mellow Mushroom — Frothy Beard Brewing  Co.
• Gene’s Haufbrau — Tradesman Brewing Co.
• Voodoo Tiki Bar & Lounge — Holy City Brewing
• Pearlz Little Oyster Bar — Palmetto Brewing
• Oak Barrel Tavern — Revelry Brewing Co.
• The Roost Bar ‘N Grille —  Freehouse Brewery