Did you know that the Carolinas played a significant role in shaping the United States’ brewing landscape? From its humble beginnings to the popular craft beer scene of today, the art of brewing beer here stands as a testament to the region’s ingenuity and craftsmanship. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the fascinating history of brewing in North and South Carolina — and how one local brewery is making a name for itself in the wonderful world of beer!

In the Brewing Beginning

Although Native Americans had been making beer from corn and cedar berries for centuries, the first documentation of brewing in the Carolinas was in 1585, when Sir Walter Raleigh established the Roanoke Colony.

Over the decades, English, German, and Scottish immigrants brought brewing techniques and recipes with them that laid the foundation for the burgeoning beer industry. Then, in the 18th century, small-scale breweries began to emerge across both North and South Carolina, catering to the local populace’s thirst for beer.

The Rise & Fall of Prohibition

The early 20th century brought challenges to the Carolina brewing industry with the onset of Prohibition. The nationwide ban on alcohol production and sales dealt a severe blow to breweries across the country, including those in North and South Carolina. Many breweries were forced to close, and the art of brewing was driven underground.

With the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the brewing industry experienced a resurgence across the United States. However, it would be many years before commercial brewing would return to South Carolina. In fact, it was not until 1993 that the first commercial brewery since the fall of prohibition would open its doors in our state. Since then, many small, independent breweries have begun to spring up, catering to a renewed interest in craft beer among consumers. As the legal landscape for brewing continued to shift in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the explosive growth of the craft beer movement.

The Craft Beer Revolution

The early 2000s witnessed a craft beer revolution in the Carolinas. Inspired by the traditions of old-world brewing and fueled by a spirit of innovation, a new generation of brewers emerged, eager to put their stamp on the industry.

Today, the Carolinas continue to be leading the charge of the craft beer movement, with breweries of all sizes producing a wide range of styles and flavors. And there’s no better spot to sample a wide range of beers that are authentically Carolina born and brewed than at Black Drum Brewing!

A One-Stop Beer Shop

With 40 taps showcasing local breweries from the Carolinas, Black Drum Brewing is a popular oceanfront hangout in Myrtle Beach where you can always find something new to try — from pilsners and ciders to stouts and sours and more — all of which can be paired with delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. View the current list of what’s on tap on UnTappd.

Plus, the food menu is filled with items that are right at home in any Carolina kitchen. If you make your way to Black Drum Brewing with a group, the BBQ Sampler Board is a must. It comes loaded with Carolina Pulled Pork, Dry-Rubbed Smokehouse Ribs, Carolina Gold Chicken, CAB Brisket, Black Drum Beer Brat, and all the sides. You can also lounge around near the fire pits or in the beer garden while enjoying live entertainment every week. Between songs, pass the time playing classic yard games on the lawn space surrounded by ocean breezes.

Black Drum Brewing is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11am to 10pm. Make your reservation today to do your own historical tour of brewing in the Carolinas!

Cheers to Carolina Beers

Now that you’re more familiar with the history of brewing in the Carolinas, the only thing left to do is raise a glass here at Kingston Resorts! Book your stay at Kingston Resorts today.