Where to go for High Gravity Beer Tastings In Charleston, SC

Recently South Carolina finally passed a law allowing high gravity beers to be sold. High gravity beers are those with an alcohol content up to 14%. Previously only beers with an alcohol content of 5% or less were able to be sold in South Carolina. Several wine and beer merchants around the lowcountry are offering beer tasting events to celebrate and to learn what will sell best in this area. Tastings are a fun and fairly inexpensive way to enjoy a variety of beers and determine what you like without having to purchase a whole bottle or six-pack. They usually offer a discount on the beers tasted that night, which makes it an even better bargain. Here are a few upcoming tastings in the Charleston, SC area.

O'Hara & Flynn's at Mt. Pleasant Towne Center offers beer tastings on Thursdays from 5-7:30. The cost is $5 for 5 beers. In the near future they will taste the following: Aventinus, Great Divide Hercules, Victory Hop Devil, St. Louis Peche, and more. Call (843)-216-1916 for more information.

Ted's Butcherblock at 334 East Bay St., Charleston, SC 29401 will offer another beer and food pairing on Tuesday, July 31^st from 6:30-8 PM. Several beers from around the world will be paired with gourmet foods prepared by their chef. The cost is $15 and includes the beer and food. The last event was extremely popular so you might want to call for reservations. (843) 577-0094.

Avondale Wine and Cheese at 813B Savannah Hwy., West Ashley, Sc 29401 is hosting a Beer Tasting and Judging event on Friday, July 27, 2007, 7-9 PM. For only $10 you can sample over 30 different beers and help Avondale decide what varieties to stock. They plan on offering future beer tastings along with their already established wine tastings on Mondays and Thursdays from 5-7 PM. For more information call Manoli Davani at (843)-769-5444.

Carolina's Restaurant at 10 Exchange St., Charleston, SC 29401 offers a Beer and food pairing menu on a monthly basis. The restaurant emphasizes fresh and local foods paired with exotic, and now high gravity, beers. The cost is a little steeper at $65 a person yet it's a full menu and the cuisine and pairings are well worth the price. For more information on future Beer Dinners call (843)-724-3800.

Beer and food tastings are becoming more common in the Charleston area now that high gravity beers are available. Stay tuned for more information on beer tastings as they become more popular. In the meantime try attending one or all of these events for a casual evening filled with fun, beer, and good food. Cheers!