My third edition of this annual write-up won’t be as extensive as it has been in the past. Most things haven’t changed, and I would encourage you take a look at my 2014 & 2015 posts for some more in-depth expositions.
So where do we stand in 2016? To answer that, lets look at the area’s newest craft beer developments.
This Beer Purgatory will soon be the home to two (at least) new craft breweries! Just outside of Downtown Augusta, the newly opened Riverwatch Brewery is Augusta’s first brewery in ~90 years! Owner and brewer Brey Sloan has already begun production, and looks to have product on local taps for Masters. Brey recently retired from the Army, has been homebrewing for years, and has a great business plan and Siebel schooling to stand on. We cant wait for our first pint!
By this time next year, Augusta will also be home to Savannah River Brewing. The operation just received its tanks and equipment, and hopes to be up and running by this Summer. Just this week however, they ran into a bit of trouble when the received a Cease & Desist letter from The Masters for looking to name one of their brews 'Green Jacket Pilsner'. I suppose we will allow them a Mulligan for that one. Or perhaps a 'Mulligan Pilsner'....
Outside of this exciting development, what are the best places in Augusta to get your Craft on? Follow me…
If you are looking for the best place to sit down and enjoy great craft beer variety, along with great food, then look no further than the block of 10th St between Ellis and Broad Sts. This is the area’s epicenter of craft beer, housing 3 restaurants that you should most definitely be on your visit’s itinerary.
- Bee’s Knees (211 10th St; @beeskneestapas): Bee’s Knees is the has the longest tenure on the block, well known for its tasty small plate tapas (Get the Smoked Gouda Nachos!) and a good craft beer selection. They have several taps and additional bottle/can selection, mostly of rotating and eclectic craft variety.
- Hive Craft Beer Bar (215 10th St; @hivegrowlerbar); Right next door to TBK is its new younger sibling. Hive features 76 taps, 58 of which offer an impressive and constantly changing craft menu, and a food menu with a yummy eclectic take of pub grub. You can also get growlers filled here as well.
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| Hive Growler Bar |
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If you are looking to top off you’re a growler or two during your visit, Augusta now has several places that can do so, which is a huge improvement over 2 years ago.
- Gravity Growlers (341 Furys Ferry Rd, Martinez; @gravitygrowlers) Run by two years ago by two brothers who know their stuff, at Gravity offers 25 taps and numerous bottles of great craft beer. Visit them and you will not be disappointed!
- Tip Top Taps (4317 Washington Rd, Evans; @TipTopTapsEvans) Opened just after Masters last year, Tip Top you can find 20 taps for growler fills. Convenient for those further up Washington Rd.
If you are looking to find a bottle shop in order to build a craft six-pack, or buy a sixtel, there are three great choices in the area. First is Toast Wine & Beverage (417 Furys Ferry Rd, Martinez). Equally as impressive is the selection at sister stores Beverage Outlet (248 Bobby Jones Expy, Martinez) & North Augusta Wine & Beverage (1135 Knox Ave North Augusta, SC). Beverage Outlet is currently claiming 50+ brands available in kegs of various sizes. Both also have what seems to be acres of wine and liquor selections to finish out your drinking needs. Lastly, if you are pressed for time, you can find a fairly good selection at our new Whole Foods while out shopping for some gourmet eats. They have a 5-tap growler station, and have a good variety of craft single and six-packs to choose from.
While we don’t have any Brew Pubs here in Augusta, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Aiken Brewing Company (140 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC). This brew pub is located in the Aiken shopping district, and if you are staying North of the river, I would recommend you check them out.
