In the recent "Guy's Corner" section of our last newsletter, Rene Lurion wrote about the origins of beer plus other interesting facts. We thought it would be a great idea to add a list of the best Fort Mill local area breweries. Let's start with what Rene had to say in the newsletter first.

The good news of the day is that according to the most reliable weather forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, we are in for an early spring. I was walking our dogs yesterday morning in freezing cold temperatures, and on passing our local elementary school noted that the kids were already out there playing soccer and flag football, always a sign that we are heading into warmer days.

In light of that, I thought I would touch on a subject near and dear to the hearts of most guys I know; Beer. If you have been reading my last couple of posts, you know that I like to throw a little history into the mix, so here goes. Did you know that Beer, in one form or another, has been around for around 5,000 years? That is an actual fact.  Evidence of Beer brewing was found in excavations in Summaria and picture writings on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs show women making Beer, proving that the first brewers were, in fact, women.

There is even a goddess of Beer called Ninkasi, so the ancients took their Beer very seriously. Beer was a staple in their diets, and it was also used as payment for work done. Considering the hygiene standards of those days, water was not very healthy, so Beer was a healthy alternative.

A hymn to Ninkasi, that was uncovered in a tomb, detailed exactly how they brewed Beer. So recently, at the British Museum in London, some archeologists and a brewer attempted to make the same Beer using ingredients and reconstructed vessels that were around in ancient Egypt – the result apparently was a light, cloudy, and somewhat fizzy Beer that tasted a bit like a white wine…very drinkable.

So when you next pop a bottle of your favorite brew, give thanks to Ninkasi, the goddess of Beer!

Now, as promised, here's a list of the best Fort Mill local area breweries!

Amor Artis – Amor Artis is known for its craft brews from Fort Mill, South Carolina. They are a family-owned operation who are deeply involved with the Fort Mill community by hosting several events year-round.

Location: Historic Fort Mill, 204 Main Street, Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC 

Website: armorartisbrewing.com

 

Lore Brewing Company – Lore Brewing Company is the very first brewery in Indian Land, SC. This brewery is also family-owned.

Location: 1218 Rosemont Drive, Suite 100, Indian Land, SC F

Facebook Page: facebook.com/lorebrewingcompany

 

Dust Off Brewing – Interesting name, right? It was chosen as an homage to the Armed Forces and a nod to one of the founders, Josh, who was a Blackhawk pilot in the South Carolina National Guard. Their goal is to deliver high-quality craft beer in a comfortable setting.

Location: 130 W. White St., Suite A, Rock Hill, SC Website: dustoffbrewing.com

 

Legal Remedy Brewing – Known as the local choice for beer, fun, and food. Legal Remedy is located inside a converted auto dealership and has over 11,000 sqft of interior and exterior space.

Location: 129 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC  Website: legalremedybrewing.com

 

Rock Hill Brewing Company – Rock Hill Brewing is another community-focused brewery which hosts several community events.

Location: 121 Caldwell St., Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC Website: rockhillbrewingcompany.com

 

Slow Play Brewing – Whether you sit outside on the patio or inside, you’ll have a nice experience with your friends and family at Slow Play Brewing. Also, if you sit outside on the patio you can bring along your dog. They are definitely dog-friendly.

Location: 274 Columbia Avenue, Rock Hill, SC Website: slowplaybrewing.com