Your Grand Strand Beer Journey Begins Here!
Myrtle Beach Brews
The Fall is a special time of year on the Grand Strand. It's
a time where the entire beach can take a collective sigh and breathe a little
easier after the annual summer influx of tourists, traffic, and heat. The
weather is a little cooler, resulting in lower humidity, perfect for long walks
and sitting outside with a refreshing breeze. Going shopping is also a little
easier with less stress and noise plus - there's always great specialty fall
foods and produce at markets. It's a most welcome time when things slow down, a
time when you can reflect and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Like
beer.
What?
Yes, the Fall on the Grand Strand is a great time to
experience one of our less well-known charms: our local breweries. Since the
early 2000's, the Myrtle Beach area has been quietly growing as a source of
phenomenal and unique beers. It just makes sense as this area has grown tremendously
in both tourism and transplants. The Grand Strand is becoming a true melting
pot of cultures and beer is no exception. Folks from Pennsylvania have brought
their traditional Germanic beers and universal flavor appeal. New Yorkers have
perfected the I.P.A. and are blending tried and true flavors with local
essences. And let's not forget the great ales and lagers that are 100% SC, from
great breweries like New South. With all the aforementioned regalements of
autumn, coupled with Oktoberfest specialties, there's not a better time to
experience our area's growing breweries.
Where do you start?
You can always start in one of the chain restaurants (which
have some truly great beers, by the way) such as Gordon Biersch, the Grumpy
Monk, Liberty Tap House, or American Tap House. These are 100% safe bets that
you'll find something you like and the food is exactly what you expect. If you
don't know exactly what you like or if you are traveling with folks who aren't
as enthusiastic or adventurous as you on your newly embarked beer crusade,
these are where you start. These are especially good for families and if want
to try a variety of food as well. The American Tap House particularly has a
great selection of local brews and their bartenders and servers are very
knowledgeable.
Try These:
NEW SOUTH LILY THE GREAT RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT / Myrtle Beach, SC '? at the American Tap House
Myrtle Beach, SC. Imperial Stout. 10.6% ABV. Rich, roasty
and sweet flavors complimented by an assertive hop presence. This is a great,
heavy imperial stout that you should probably just drink one of. Eat something
light!
D9 Brewing Company Head of the Horseman (2021) Pumpkin / Yam Beer/ Huntersville, NC '? at The Liberty Tap Room
10% ABV A great pumpkin seasonal beer, this is what you
expect when you are looking for a true pumpkin ale. It puts you in the spirit
of the season without feeling artificial like one of those pumpkin ales that
are from the major beer distributors. '?mind your head'?!
Gordon Biersch MÃ?RZEN '? at Gordon Biersch
Amber Lager 5.7% abv - An original Oktoberfest style lager.
Extremely smooth, auburn colored with a mildly sweet Munich Malt finish. A fine
representation of a traditional MÃ?RZEN from Bavaria. This has a very nice bite,
finishes smooth and goes with any food. Very nice, I like!
Of course, if you do
want to be more adventurous and open your palette and schedule to experience
the freshest and most earnest sampling of local brews, you'll want to head
directly to our breweries. Here, you will be able to talk to the folks who
created the beer, who craft the beer, who LOVE
the beer.
We have several breweries who have been putting out Myrtle
Beach staples of hoppy delight. First, we have to mention New South Brewing.
This has been a fixture in the Myrtle Beach Beer scene for over 20 years. Their
two specialties are their Nut Brown Ale and their White Ale, both of which are
fantastic! New South has a great tap room and they take great pride in their
work.
The Tidal Creek Brewhouse also has some really delicious
offerings. They are located at the popular Market Common and are close to all
the great shops (which makes it a great place to wait while other members of
your party may want to look around!). Tidal Creek has a really cool tap room
with great music and atmosphere.
A newcomer to the Myrtle Beach Beer scene, Grand Strand
Brewing Company opened its doors in February of this year. It is located
downtown in Myrtle Beach, right across from where the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion
stood (ah'¦.the memories). It's a great location as you are only 2 blocks off
the beach and you can walk down the boardwalk after your visit. They offer
excellent food and their beers have a lot of Myrtle Beach influence.
Try These:
RAINY DAY Hefeweizen / Myrtle Beach, SC '? at Grand Strand Brewing
Myrtle Beach, SC Hefeweizen '? 6.0% ABV (available during
happy hour). Full bodied and a frothy head. Notes of Banana and Clove. The
Banana doesn't overpower and it's a delightful aftertaste!
Fiddler Festbier / Myrtle Beach, SC '? at Tidal Creek Brewhouse
Myrtle Beach, SC Lager-Amber '? 6.9% ABV. Clear, pale orange
appearance; aromas of floral, woody and sweet malt. Rich malt structure with
notes of honey, apricot, and warm bread crust. Soft, rounded malt base with a
balanced, floral hop bitterness. The Apricot is really nice!
Nut Brown Ale/ Myrtle Beach, SC '? at New South Brewing
Myrtle Beach, SC Brown Ale '? English 4.8% ABV '?
Easy-drinking with roasty notes and English Hops. The White Ale is their
flagship, but this is a personal favorite. This Nut Brown Ale is simply
delicious and flavorful. Even better on tap!
Having so many great new restaurants, breweries, and venues
for local talent has been such a great boon to our culture and economy here on
the Grand Strand. So many of the wonderful history, traditions and culture here
get covered up by the miniature golf courses, beachwear shops, and tourist
attractions. The next time you visit Myrtle Beach, be sure to head to a local
brewery and strike up a conversation about beer with a brewmaster or bartender.
It's a treat to hear the details and hard work that goes into crafting
something so beautiful!
'?God made beer because he loves us and wants us to be happy.'? - Ben Franklin
Jason Coker is originally from the metropolis of Burlington, NC and is passionate about vacation experiences. An aficionado of music, sports, and all things geeky, Jason spends his free time performing music, grilling out, and relaxing with his son, daughter, and lovely wife, Amy.
