While kegs of their beer have popped up in and around Greenville recently, River Rat has never had an official Upstate launch. That changes this week as Columbia’s second brewery holds a launch party at the Greenville Beer Exchange.

River Rat announced Tuesday it would be expanding into the Upstate beginning this Thursday, April 17, with a tasting at GBX. River Rat’s year-round selection – Hazelnut Brown, Broad River Red, Double IPA and Moncks Corner Abbey Ale – will all be on for samples and growler fills. One of the Rats will also be on hand to answer questions. Expect more launch events soon.

The brewery also said it’s looking to “go further south,” meaning an expansion into Charleston, the state’s other major beer market, is in the cards. Stay tuned for more details about that.