Monday, March 29, 2021

New SC Breweries

 

As since we seem to be on a new brewery theme, here's another one rapidly working on completion down in Orange Land, aka Clemson.
And when Magnetic South opens, the route along I-85 will get you to Carolina Baurenhaus and Golden Grove too! Making the trip to GA better, one brewery at a time!
 

 Cheers!

Think Tank Brew Lab Opens Its Doors

 

Think Tank Brew Lab update:
 
In the interest of clarifying their opening schedule, I visited Brewer/Owner Ryan Kurlfink and wife Julie at the brewery where I learned that they are prepared to open any day now, but, as frequently happens to startup breweries, some unexpected circumstances created delays, including City permit issues. Ryan is confident that those issues will be quickly resolved and his doors will soon open for eager folks wanting to try his five beers (for now) on tap. 
 
Fortunately I was able to sample his beers and was very impressed, especially since they are all first runs. All but one were sessionable, consistent with his goal of keeping the ABV low and flavors high. I thought the Porter was a stand out for the style and his Pale has one of the hoppiest finishes I've had in a long time. And I expect his Belgian Golden Strong to be a crowd pleaser as well.
 
While we're hoping that any final hurdles are promptly overcome, here are a few snaps of the facility so you'll know what to expect upon entering the place:
 










 Cheers!

Monday, March 1, 2021

Critical Research (Traveling during COVID)

Despite some inconveniences due to C-19 restrictions, research must continue so a recent road trip to BiloxiMS, with a side trip to New Orleans offered the opportunity to indulge.

The route took us through Montgomery, AL, which has an active downtown area near the river, important historical museums and civil rights monuments and, of course, a brewery, Common Bond Brewers. I can truthfully state that it's Montgomery's best brewery! Due to some signage issues and location glitches, it can be a little difficult to find, on the first try anyway. But find it we did, which led to some a tasting of several excellent beers, thanks to the headbrewer, Andrew McNally. Coming over to our table to chat (masked all the while) his passion and enjoyment of the brewing experience was quickly evident. Like many brewers these days who began as a home brewer, his interest in getting more beers out to more and more people led him to create this, his first, brick and mortar venue.  Side note: he knows Greenville well, having gotten a Chemical Engineering degree from Clemson and is familiar with some of our more recent breweries.

Here's a link to their beer lineup and also some research pix taken during the visit:

https://www.commonbondbrewers.com/beer







Next up, Biloxi area breweries!