It’s National Beer Day, Cola. Craft beer is huge in Columbia, and we have plenty to celebrate today and everyday. Remember when we used to spend our weekends at our favorite brewery or taproom and enjoyed a pint in the sunshine with our friends? Yeah, we do too. In our new normal, many breweries are still open + the beer is still flowing. What does this mean for local beer enthusiasts? How can we support our local breweries during COVID-19?

Let me break it down for you.

According to SCDHEC, on March 18, Gov. Henry McMaster ordered all restaurants, which prepare, produce or sell any food + beverages in South Carolina to suspend dine-in services until further notice, which includes taprooms.

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Hazelnut Praline Porter from Columbia Craft Brewing | Photo via @columbiacraft

Making matters even more complicated, due to the spread of COVID-19 + to ensure everyone stays as healthy as possible, some locations are not allowing you to bring your own growler to be filled right now.

Have no fear, many breweries have new growlers available to fill or canning systems to fill a crowler with fresh from the tap beer. You can also purchase pre-packaged cans or bottles.

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Cans of Astronaut Sauce | Photo via @riverratbrewery

The best way to support these breweries now is to go directly to the source, if you are feeling well, and take a beer or three to-go. Gift certificates are also a great option to use or share later. The breweries are making the best of this situation by offering specials and releasing new beers. Make sure you check the hours before making the trip.

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Can of Key Lime/ Coco Sour from Hazelwood Brewing | Photo via @hazelwoodbeer

#ProTip: Mixing half of Steel Hands Coffee Lager and half of the Pecan Brown is a delicious combination. Also, if you want to venture out to Lexington, Angry Fish released a new IPA called Six Feet Away.

Let’s raise a toast to Cola’s breweries, through the good times and the unforeseen emergencies, we will support the best we can today and enjoy their taprooms again soon. Cheers. 🍻