New Columbia Brewery Closing – Columbia Business Report

Raising the Bar High, Then Saying Goodbye: A Farewell to River Rat Brewery

Picture this: a sampler of assorted beers, each a testament to the innovation and community spirit that once flowed freely within the walls of one of Columbia‘s craft brewing trailblazers. It’s a snapshot of good times, of a journey through hops and barley. But as all good tales go, some must come to an end. And so, after a storied decade-long brew voyage, River Rat Brewery is toasting its final cheers.

The Bittersweet Announcement

In a recent, heart-tugging Facebook revelation on the 5th of December, the owners of River Rat Brewery expressed their decision to shutter up at their charismatic stopover on Shop Road, near the iconic Williams Brice Stadium. They set the date for the final curtain call: December 30th. While they held back on the details, the emotional weight of their message was clear.

A Node of Thanks and Memories

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of River Rat Brewery,” read the heartfelt missive to their devoted patrons. The owners leaned on the support they’d received over the years, acknowledging the customers and employees who became the lifeblood of their establishment. “RRB grew organically over these last 10 years,” they reminisced, a period adorned with memories and bonds, leaving a mark on the Columbia community and far beyond.

Savor the Last Drop: Merchandise and Beer Discounts

In the spirit of their decade-long journey, River Rat Brewery heralded a parting gift to their loyal followers – discounts on merchandise and beer, tempting aficionados to fill their cellars with one last taste of their favorite craft essence.

The Hub of Columbia’s Craft Beer Scene

Strategically perched on Shop Road, River Rat Brewery had long been a prime prelude to USC football games. Its close-knit location to downtown also crowned it a beloved haunt for a diverse crowd, from college students craving a cold one to families savoring the ambience. The brewery played host to an array of popular events, including the beloved Oktoberfest celebrations, that became etched in local tradition.

Not the First “Last Call” for Columbia Breweries

This forlorn headline closely follows the prior year’s exit of Swamp Cabbage Brewery, nestled near the State Fairgrounds since 2014, which shut its doors on a startling December eve. And then there was Conquest Brewing Co., a pioneer that hoisted its flag as the city’s first production brewery post-Prohibition, bidding adieu in 2019. Their legacies, now part of Columbia’s rich brewing lore, live on in the city’s thirst for craft mastery.

End of an Era, But the Pint Glass Remains Half Full

While doors close and taps run dry, the spirit of locality, of communal gatherings, and of Columbia’s intimate relationship with its breweries, persists. The camaraderie forged over perfectly poured ales and lagers, robust stouts, and tangy IPAs set in the cozy River Rat taproom remains unshaken.

Parting But Not Forgotten: An Ode to Craftmanship

So, we raise our glasses high to River Rat Brewery. As the sun sets on their decade-long affair with malts and mirth, let us not hang our heads in sorrow, but in respect and celebration. Remember, no last call can diminish the indelible impact made upon Columbia’s beer scene and the patrons’ palates. To River Rat, we say not goodbye but thank you, for being a vital stitch in the fabric of our capital city’s vibrant craft tapestry.

Stay Tuned with Bated Breath: The Future of Brewing in Columbia

As the kegs roll out and the bar stools find their peace, curiosity peeks around the corner. What’s next for Columbia’s age of craft? Who will step into the brewhouse limelight? While some legends depart, the cycled lore of brewing ensures that others are waiting in the wings, ready to etch their names into the wooden bar tops of local legacy. One thing is certain – the city’s collective thirst for local, distinct, and hearty beers will call forth a new brewing protagonist.

The Craft Community: Holding Glasses High, Spirits Higher

With the closing of River Rat sounds a somber note, it strikes a vibrant chord within the craft community. As they say, when one hop vine withers, another thrives. Columbia’s beer aficionados, armed with a passion rivaled only by their resilience, continue their quest, parched but hopeful, eager to support the next venture that embodies their robust spirit and passion for craft.

Celebrating the Heart and Soul of Brewing

And so, as we flip through the beer-stained pages of this chapter in Columbia’s brew history, let us embrace the memories, the friendships forged, and the communal cheers. The clinking glasses may quiet, but the echoes of revelry and the essence of River Rat Brewery linger long after the final sip. After a decade, as the brewery closes, Columbia holds its breath, anticipating the next pour of a budding beertisan’s dream.