If you're a beer lover, you won't be disappointed in Charleston's craft beer scene. In the past few years, breweries have been popping up all over the Holy City, enhancing an already thriving food and beer culture.

Now, the only problem you might face is deciding which brewery you should visit first. If you are vacationing in Charleston and have limited time, you need to choose wisely.

To make things easier for you, here is your guide to the best breweries in Charleston:

Revelry Brewing

Revelry Brewing was one of the first breweries to open in downtown Charleston, and it quickly became a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Today, Revelry is still winning big and recently brought home numerous medals from the U.S. Open Beer Championship for its craft brews.

Their award-winning brews sound nice, but do they live up to the hype? Their Gullah Cream Ale won gold or silver at the U.S. Open for three years straight. It's also the perfect brew to enjoy during the blisteringly hot summer days in Charleston. Even if you aren't typically a cream ale person, give this one a try.

Don't forget to visit the rooftop in the evening. This will give you a nice view of the sun setting behind the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge.

Tradesman Brewing Co.

Another big winner at the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Tradesman Brewing has been winning over beer lovers since it first opened in 2014. This little gem has a wide selection of delicious brews, including their savory Circuit Breaker IPA and a blonde coffee stout. Check out the upstairs room where you may find different brews on tap and the occasional yoga session.

 

 

Palmetto Brewing Co.

Established in 1993, Palmetto Brewing Co. is South Carolina's oldest continuously running brewery and has paved the way for local breweries in Charleston. Their four signature brews are available year-round and include their Charleston Lager, Palmetto Amber, Palmetto Pale Ale, and Palmetto Espresso Porter.

They also have some fantastic special-release beers, which you can sample in their Tasting Room. Go on a Friday night to watch local artists perform as you sip your beer and grab a bite from one of the food trucks parked outside.

Edmund's Oast

It's hard to decide which is more appealing at Edmund's Oast -- their mouthwatering cuisine or their expansive list of high-quality craft beers. Fortunately, you can have both!

Edmund's Oast is a brewpub that features unique, house-made brews such as the Lord Proprietor's Mild, an interesting fusion of black tea with a nutty, chocolatey English-style mild, and the Tweed Jacket, a smooth brown ale with notes of candied pralines and red crisp apples.

The English names for their beers and their brewpub name are a nod to Edmund Egan, and English-born brewer who immigrated to Charleston and began brewing here. Egan's success took off, and he donated a large sum to the American Revolution, earning him the nickname of "The Rebel Brewer."

Their interesting brews and delicious pub food make it perfect for large groups, but you may way to skip this one for a quiet date night. It can get fairly loud in Edmund's especially on the weekends!

 

 

Frothy Beard Brewing Company

When Frothy Beard Brewing Company opened in 2013, it didn't take long for it to gain a legion of loyal fans. The three original brewers and owners of Frothy make some fine-tasting summer beers.

Their Watermelon Wheat beer is fruity, refreshing, and makes it possible to enjoy Charleston summers. Also, be sure to try their Holy Water, a light, citrusy Belgian saison with Sorachi hops that is another great beer ideal for hot days.

To make things even more exciting for beer lovers, Frothy Beard collaborated with Tradesman Brewing Company to create a special collection for their fans. Based on that success alone, you can expect even better brews on the horizon.

 

Ghost Monkey Brewery

Some breweries can come off as a bit pretentious, but Ghost Monkey Brewery isn't one of them. Not only are their beers top-notch with interesting flavors, but the atmosphere of this micro-brewery can't be beat.

This is no doubt the result of the owners, who seem to embody true Southern hospitality. The friendly atmosphere keeps visitors there, but it's their high-quality beer selection that attracts people to their Mount Pleasant-based brewery. You can't go wront with their Lemon Basil IPA or the JoJo nitro stout.

Westbrook Brewing Co.

If you're willing to try something new and exciting, head to Westbrook Brewing Company. These guys aren't afraid to experiment with their brews, which makes their impressive beer selection stand out in a growing sea of Charleston breweries.

Order a flight of beers to sample their year-round brews and seasonal selections. Their signature Gose, which is their interpretation of the traditional German-style sour wheat beer, is a favorite, as well as their White Thai.

In addition to their four year-round brews, beer enthusiasts will love sampling their more unique craft brews. Their limited-release brews like the Mexican Cake have been known to draw visitors from all over. Aged on cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and fresh habenero peppers, their Mexican Cake may be one of the best stouts you've ever tasted.

This brewery only serves small cheese plates, but there are usually food trucks parked outside if you're hungry. Eat a snack before you go, just in case!

Final Words

Charelston's craft beer scene is exploding, and even the lucky locals are racing to taste them all. If you have to schedule another trip to Charleston to visit them all, this coastal city will happily welcome you back!