Friday Profile: Upstate Craft Beer Company

It's Friday, so let's do a profile, an about-to-open brewery in this case. Upstate Craft Beer Co. to be exact. Seems like just yesterday, Jack McDonald and Chris Hardin were putting up the first sign (actually it was October) on their new facility. Construction since has been on schedule, lots of boxes have been opened and permits and licenses obtained.


So, the big opening? Jack tells me that December 26 (a Saturday) is the day to let the crowds in. I'm not sure when the BIY (brew it yourself) component will be in operation, but I can tell you I plan to be among the first to use Chris' recipes and brew a keg for myself. (Still working on a beer name, stay tuned).
 
My first impression upon entering the bright orange door was that, despite some continuing construction, the place is stunning with the shiny steel and warm wood greeting you. The pictures tell the story so I have posted a lot of them.
With the addition of Loose Reed down the street on Augusta, craft beer lovers will soon have a happening new neighborhood in which to indulge their (and my) passion.

Action central: kitchen pass-thru, taps and cooler.

A brewery on wheels!

Part of the retail section, malts and grain bins.

I expect the seats will all be taken in the near future.

Jack on the "hot side" of things. Two of the brewing carts will be in use.

Best of luck to Jack and Chris and welcome to Upstate Craft Beer Company to the Greenville beer drinking/making world.

Cheers!

Swamp Rabbit Brewing and Taproom Septembrew Cont'd

Some additional photos from yesterday's Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom Septembrew Fest. Over 400 beer lovers showed up to enjoy new and old favorite beers in a festive, friendly environment. There were pretzel eaters, dancing girls (when they weren't pouring), even a couple celebrating the second day of their engagement. Music, food, sun, smiles and, of course, beer - that's a never fail recipe for a good time. Cheers!!

Oskar Blues Setting Major 2015 Production goals.

Gonna do my part and drink as much Pinner, their new Session Pale, as I can.


http://www.brewbound.com/news/2015/oskar-blues-sets-sights-200000-barrels-2015?utm_source=Brewbound&utm_campaign=b626fbb56d-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6026cb3473-b626fbb56d-168720889

Barley's Taproom Greenville Biggest (little) Beer Fest

A reminder of just how fast time flies, here comes Barley's Biggest Little Beer Fest on Jan 18. Last year's was a true beer blast, even with concentrated pacing, I still did not make it to every brewery represented. Hoping to do a better job this year.

Planning my strategy for this year's Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria (Greenville) Biggest Little Beer Fest (Jan 18). Visiting the library was a high light! So many beers, so little time.

Brewery 85 wasn't officially open when this photo was taken. Quite a year for them!