Conquest, All About Beer collaborate on festival brew

Conquest

All About Beer Magazine‘s World Beer Festival is returning to Columbia on Saturday, January 18, and in advance of the festival, representatives from the magazine teamed up with the city’s only active production brewery to collaborate on a beer that will debut at the festival.

On Monday, Conquest and AAB reps gathered at the brewery to brew a porter that will first be tapped at the festival. The occasion even garnered some attention from local news station WLTX. A full 3 BBL batch was brewed, so chances are you’ll be able to enjoy is at the brewery if you can’t make it out to the festival.

The 2013 World Beer Festival marked the debut of Conquest, and a week after next year’s festival will mark the brewery’s first anniversary and the release of its Finisher imperial stout.

Westbrook releases 3rd anniversary brew, plans anniversary celebration

Westbrook

They grow up so fast, don’t they? It’s been about three years since Westbrook opened its door to the public, and in keeping with tradition, the brewery has released its much-anticipated anniversary brew.

In addition, a few brand new brews will be on tap at the brewery this weekend to celebrate the occasion.

For its third anniversary, Westbrook brewed Orange Bliss, a 9.1% chocolate orange imperial stout. Early reports suggest it lives up to its name: a rich, chocolatey imperial stout with a strong orange-forward flavor. The beer was released in the tasting room late last week and hit distribution Tuesday. Expect to find it at your local beer shop soon.

Orange Bliss follows last year’s Cap’n Skoon’s Ballistic Stout and the first anniversary Mexican Cake.

And starting Thursday, December 19, the brewery will celebrate three years of great SC beer by tapping some special new treats. In addition to Orange Bliss, Mr. Chipper (a Flanders Red aged in red wine barrels for nearly three years) and Rhubarb Remix (Weisse Weisse Baby with rhubarb and strawberries added) will be available on draft and in bottles at the brewery’s tasting room.

Freehouse launches in Columbia today

Freehouse

South Carolina’s current “newest brewery” title holder – Charleston’s Freehouse – will launch in its first market outside of the Lowcountry starting Wednesday.

After tap events throughout the greater Charleston area a few weeks back and opening to the public recently, the organic brewery will be available in Columbia for the first time. The city’s first keg of Green Door IPA will be tapped at The Vino Garage Wednesday afternoon.

With Freehouse having signed to Advintage for distribution, expect to see further expansion in the near future.