Columbia, South Carolina’s River Rat Brewery now is providing beer to both South and North Carolina thanks to their recent brewery expansion that took place in 2016.
Partnering with Charleston, SC distributor Advintage, River Rat has had their award winning craft brews distributed throughout South Carolina for the past 3 years. With the new expansion, River Rat now has the capacity to branch into North Carolina with strength. The expansion has also allowed the brewery to expand their beer portfolio, providing new styles to compliment the existing flagship brews.
Branching into North Carolina will provide River Rat the opportunity to provide their product to a new market, a market saturated with different craft brews from North Carolina breweries. River Rat is excited to add diversity to the market, by bringing their South Carolina flare for consumers in the Tar Heel State.
“In a market where different and eclectic flavors are popping up all over the place, I think consumers in [North Carolina] will appreciate our consistency,” says River Rat Brew Master Drew Walker. “We have the ability to brew quality and consistent beer with every brew. Beer lovers all over the Carolina’s can receive a beer from us, wherever they may be. From Florence, SC to Hickory, NC, it will be the consistent tried and true brew every time.”
With the new surge into North Carolina, River Rat has experienced great success thus far. Beginning in the Asheville and Charlotte market to start, the brewery saw huge interest in consumers by way of beer festivals. River Rat participated in the Ashville Oktoberfest in 2016 and received a great response. By way of other festivals in North Carolina, Waynesville and the Up Country Beer Festival in Boone, for example, the brewery experienced an excellent response at every festival they participated in and, in the process, were able to meet the North Carolina beer nuts that help shape the craft beer industry in the Carolina’s.
River Rat sent over 300 cases to North Carolina in their first shipment to the state. Their brews are to be featured in 56 different establishments in North Carolina off the bat. From there, the brewery hopes to double their presence by the summer season. “The sky is the limit,” says Walker.
River Rat will be offering the state of North Carolina all brews that are available in their home state of South Carolina. For more information on these available brews, please visit their website, call the taproom at (803) 724-5712 or visit your local craft beer emporium.
Share Post