I've found a number of highly rated brewpubs/beer stores. Is anyone able to identify which, if any, establishments offer growlers and have a relatviely large and diverse selection of local brews on tap? Thanks.
Charleston Beer Exchange is the beer store to go to in that city. You can check out their site for up to date inventory and growler station info. The other store I would consider is Bottles in Mt. Pleasant. When I was in the city this past Tuesday I was able to get a diverse assortment of growlers and/or bottles from all 4 local breweries by visiting those two establishments. If the traffic isn't horrible they are also not too far from each other if you are pressed for time. If you are there at the right time you can also go directly to the breweries (COAST, Westbrook, Palmetto and Holy City) and get samples and bottles/growlers. Be sure to check their hours though; due to some very outdated beer laws which prevent them from selling pints they are only open limited hours during the week. The Charleston Beer website (chsbeer.org) offers a great rundown of events, places and hours in one convenient location.
I just got back from a week in Charleston and I'd enthusiastically second the Charleston Beer Exchange. They have 8 beers on their growler station and they are constantly changing kegs. They also do a great job updating their website and Facebook pages with their latest taps. I sat on the beach all week drinking Westbrook White Thai...like heaven in a can. Cheers.
Check out James Island Piggly Wiggly off Maybank Hwy. They have 80 taps available for growler fills. Unfortunately, no COAST, but Westbrook, Palmetto and Holy City are there. Check out James Island Piggly Wiggly on Facebook. They have a list of their offerings. Cheers
Thank you all very much for your suggestions. I've already visited the South End Brewery, Closed for Businesss and the Piggly Wiggly(Mt. Pleasant). I tomorrow plan to travel to the Charleston Beer Exchange. I without reservation recommend Closed for Business. the ambiance has the charm of a living room in a cabin retreat: sofas and worn stuffed chairs strategically placed in proximity to a fire place. For those seeking refuge near the taps, they have ample stools at the bar. They have a relatively extensive draught selection which is geographically representative of national and international brews. They honor the local beer culture by carrying at least one style from Charleston/Mt. Pleasant breweries. In addition, they offer growlers of all tapped brews. I believe they welcome growlers purchased at other establishments.
