A Guide To Charleston Breweries (Part 3)

It's time for another installment of Charleston breweries for today's "Friday Five!"  Our part of the Lowcountry (greater Charleston) is now up to nearly 25 breweries - crazy!  With so many popping up, it's taking me less and less time to write these installments.  If you want to see where I've been previously, here are the links to part 1 and part 2.

Charles Towne Fermentory (Savannah Highway, West Ashley): We first went to the Fermentory in June when our friends were in town.  They are huge beer people and do their own home brewing.  They said this place had awesome reviews, and we are eternally grateful for them introducing us.  Since then, it's become our favorite neighborhood spot.  Everyone is so friendly, the beer is our favorite in town, and they only just had their first anniversary party!  If you're looking for a New England-style IPA, they are the place to go in Charleston.  Plus, they have a rotating kitchen with so many awesome chefs.  Lobster rolls, paella, the best burgers in town - you name it, they've got it.
What to try: Sungazer IPA or the current La Vida Gose offering!

Freehouse Brewery (Pringle Street, North Charleston): Another place we tried for the first time with our beer-loving friends.  This brewery has some of the best views in the city.  Right on the Ashley River, you can sit outside and watch the boats go by.  I love this low key spot, and their fruity beers are some of the best around.
What to try: Pink Squirt saison or Kiwi Peche ale

Tradesman Brewing Co. (King Street Extension, Charleston): Of all the breweries in the city, this place has the absolute best branding.  Everything is tool and handyman-related.  We first went to their location on James Island, which we loved.  It was an old house with lots of different rooms for parties.  Now, they moved downtown and their taproom is under construction but open with pop-ups on some weekends.  We've visited once but can't wait to see the final product.  My favorite thing about their brewery is their beer board, where you can buy a beer in advance for anyone, and they'll leave the person's name on the board until they pick it up.
What to try: Transmission Fluid American wheat or Coconuts and Bolts stout

Twisted Cypress Brewing Company (Sam Rittenberg, West Ashley): Another neighborhood brewery for us, this location used to be a moose lodge.  They did a fantastic job renovating the entire interior and opened up a few walls so you can watch them brew and relax at the same time.
What to try: Blueberry Blonde or Carolina Common

Rusty Bull Brewing Co. (West Montague Avenue, North Charleston): This was the most recent brewery we went to last month.  They have a really big, industrial space in North Charleston (just by the outlets), and I have to admit, we went for their collaboration with Glazed Gourmet.  Boozy Maple Bacon Doughnut?! Yes, please!
What to try: Cardigan ale or Over Boar'd stout

I already have a few more breweries on tap for my next post, so hopefully I'll get to five or six by the spring to post another installment!