Columbia, South Carolina, September 16, 2025

News Summary

Bierkeller Columbia, a German brewery, is set to open in the former River Rat Brewery space, enhancing beer accessibility in South Carolina. Owner Scott Burgess aims to start beer distribution in October, reaching various cities. The brewery plans to produce 1,500 barrels initially, with a vision to foster community engagement through upcoming events like a launch party and CanalFest.

Bierkeller Columbia Set to Revive Beer Production and Distribution in Former River Rat Brewery Space

Columbia, South Carolina, is set to welcome Bierkeller Columbia, a locally-owned German brewery, which is moving into the former River Rat Brewery space located near Williams-Brice Stadium. The new facility, named “Ratskeller,” will not only serve as a production hub but also allow Bierkeller to distribute its beer across South Carolina for the first time since its inception in 2015.

Owner Scott Burgess announced plans for their beer to hit store shelves in October, focusing on making quality and accessible beer available to South Carolinians. The brewery has previously operated mostly through pop-up events along the riverwalk, with locals enjoying their products at various locations without the option for retail purchase until now.

Bierkeller’s new initiative includes an ambitious goal of brewing and distributing 1,500 barrels in the upcoming year, with plans to scale production to 2,500 barrels over the next few years. Their partnership with Advintage Distributing has been described as a “perfect opportunity” to effectively reach consumers in cities such as Greenville, Rock Hill, Charleston, and Hilton Head, with Greenville identified as a natural market due to its abundance of German companies and family ties.

Transition from River Rat Brewery

The closing of River Rat Brewery at the end of 2023, after ten years of operation, has paved the way for Bierkeller’s new venture. The site is slated to be transformed into a development called “Finn’s Farm,” which will feature Bierkeller prominently. The brewing history of Columbia continues to expand, as Bierkeller becomes the second locally owned production brewery to open in the area following Peak Drift Brewing’s new facility at the beginning of the year.

Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

To celebrate their new distribution capabilities, Bierkeller plans to host a launch party on September 20, aligning with the Gamecocks football game. The event will feature several local food trucks, providing an opportunity for the community to sample their beer. Additionally, CanalFest is scheduled for May 17-18, aimed at connecting the community and enhancing river access, emphasizing Bierkeller’s commitment to supporting local culture and engagement.

Future Vision Along the Columbia River

Scott Burgess envisions a significant impact for Bierkeller on the Columbia riverfront, contributing to the historic canal, which has served as a power source and flood mitigation tool for over a century. The brewery’s move is set against a backdrop of growing interest in the local craft beer scene, making it an exciting time for both residents and visitors.

Conclusion

Bierkeller’s expansion into the former River Rat Brewery space marks a new chapter in Columbia’s brewing landscape. With an aim to enhance beer accessibility and community connectivity, Bierkeller is not only increasing its production reach but also striving to uplift the local economy and cultural heritage.

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Additional Resources

• The State
• Wikipedia: Brewery
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: Bierkeller Columbia
• Cola Daily
• Google Scholar: Bierkeller Columbia
• WLTX
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Brewing
• Columbia Metro
• Google News: Columbia SC breweries

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