Bierkeller Brewing expands distribution in South Carolina

A popular Midlands brewery has inked a deal to produce beer for distribution at a former brewing facility.

Bierkeller Brewing Co., the long-time Columbia brewery with a focus on German styles, has entered into a joint venture to produce beer for distribution at the former River Rat Brewing facility at 1231 Shop Road, according to a news release. Bierkeller will supply cans and kegs for distribution throughout South Carolina from the facility.

A public celebration with a kick-off party will start at noon on Sept. 20.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch this new phase of Bierkeller,” said Scott Burgess, Bierkeller owner and founder, in the release. “Ever since we started this project 10 years ago, we’ve sought to bring our German-style lagers to all of Columbia — and indeed all of South Carolina. With the partnership with Finn’s Farm at the old River Rat brewery — which we will be calling Ratskeller — we finally have the production capacity we need to supply the freshest, purest Bier to stores and bars throughout the city and the state.”

Bierkeller plans distribution through Advintage Distributing, beginning with Columbia and spreading out to regional and extra-regional markets in the coming months.

“The Advintage Team is very excited to launch our Partnership with Bierkeller Brewing Company and to have the opportunity to bring their incredibly authentic German-style Biers to our customers throughout South Carolina,” said Advintage Regional Sales Director Judah Cannon.

Bierkeller will also be partnering with TheHonorProject, a 501(c)(3) and as a dedicated charitable partner in its Drink Beer Do Good initiative, the release stated.

“There’s a natural market in Greenville,” Burgess said, “with its concentration of German companies and families. We will also be expanding sales into markets such as Rock Hill, Aiken/Augusta, Charleston, and Hilton Head/Bluffton in the near future. We are the only brewery in South Carolina focusing exclusively on German beer.

“So be on the lookout for ‘South Carolina’s Bier’ in your local stores, bars, and restaurants soon.”

Bierkeller will kick off the activities with a free-to-attend launch party on Sept. 20.

“Come out and celebrate with us, Columbi-ja!” Burgess said. “We’ll have the Gamecocks game on the big screen, food trucks (including the Wurst Wagen), and lots and lots of fresh Bier. And when our products hit stores in the coming weeks, you can start taking a six-pack home, or ordering a fresh pint at your local bars and restaurants.”