Cheers to Beer: Charleston Breweries Shine at the Great American Beer Festival!
In the bustling city of Charleston, where the Southern charm meets creative craft, this fall brought with it some fantastic news from the annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF). Our local breweries have been making waves, and guess what? They brought home not one, not two, but four shiny medals from the event! That’s right, folks—Charleston is officially on the beer map!
A Toast to Holy City Brewing
First up, let’s raise our glasses to Holy City Brewing. These folks are no strangers to the winner’s circle, taking home a medal that marks their triumph for the second time in this competition. It’s impressive to note that Holy City has racked up more than 50 awards from various festivals across the nation, solidifying their reputation for brewing excellence.
Lead brewer Jack Pitts, a proud Mount Pleasant native and Citadel graduate, has been with Holy City for over a decade. He started as a home brewer, transitioned through bartending roles, and now brings his talents to the production side of things. One of the star players in their lineup is the classic Washout Wheat, a traditional South German-style Hefeweizen with hints of banana and cloves. Who doesn’t love a refreshing wheat beer?
Hobcaw Brewing’s Bright New Star
Next, let’s talk about Hobcaw Brewing, the fresh face among Charleston’s medal winners. Under the guidance of head brewer Ram Khalsa, who relocated from New Mexico just over a year ago, Hobcaw has already made a splash. They snagged a silver medal for their delightful Mercy Cloud American wheat beer.
Khalsa’s journey into the beer world began when he started working on the packaging line at Santa Fe Brewing Company. Fast forward a few years, and he’s here in Charleston crafting unique flavors. Mercy Cloud is a Belgian wheat ale infused with oranges and coriander, giving it a zesty twist that beer lovers won’t want to miss out on. Its lively notes of lemon and passion fruit will invigorate your palate—whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny day or at a cozy gathering.
Munkle Brewing: A Flavorful Homecoming
And let’s not forget about Munkle Brewing, which caught the festival’s eye as well. Co-founder and lead brewer Joe Bowden, who grew up in Summerville, blended his horticulture background at Colorado State University with the rich tradition of brewing. After years in Colorado, he answered the call to return home to team up with Palmer Quimby and start Munkle Brewing.
Munkle’s Munk Lager has a beautiful balance of malt character and hop presence, making it a delightful example of an American light lager. Who doesn’t appreciate a “beer-flavored beer”? And the Gully Washer Wit? An homage to Allagash White, it incorporates dried lemon and orange peel for a refreshing punch with soft, floral notes from coriander and chamomile. Talk about a flavor explosion!
What This Means for Charleston
The success at this year’s GABF isn’t just about the awards; it’s a testament to the vibrant craft beer culture blossoming here in Charleston. It reflects the dedication and passion our local brewers pour into their craft daily. So next time you’re sipping a cold brew in the Holy City, just remember: you’re part of a larger story—a story of innovation, community, and a shared love for incredible beers.
Cheers to our local brewers, and here’s to many more award-winning beers to come!
