Aiken Brewing Company
One of South Carolina's best brewpubs, is possibly it's least well known. 15 miles north of Augusta,GA in the small but tasteful town of Aiken. At 140 Laurens Street you'll find Aiken Brewing Company. I'm still not sure why this little place is such a secret, unless they like it that way. Either way, I'm going to let the cat out of the proverbial bag here.
The restaurant and brewery is housed in what was formerly a mid-century retail building just a block from the center of town. As you walk up on any given afternoon, you'll undoubtedly see a group of regulars congregating on the sidewalk or sitting at the wrought iron tables. There are also a few park benches for those who just want to enjoy the climate. Aiken was once home to several "health resorts" because of it's low humidity and clean air. Even though it is subject to the heat of the South, it usually measures a couple of degrees cooler than the surrounding area.
As you enter you will see that the former showcase windows now show off the kettles and fermenting tanks. Inside, you'll find the typical pub decor with lots of stained hardwood, a nice cozy bar area and only a couple TVs.
My partner and I spent the better part of an unseasonably warm February afternoon at ABC and tried several beers of their rotating line up. This was our fifth trip to Aiken primarily for the beer, if that's any kind of testament. Here's what we had:
The ABC Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. One of their all time best. I hear these sale out fast. This batch was a little flatter than last with less of a head, but it still had all the malty sweetness with just a hint of alcohol taste on the back end. At 9.0% ABV, you should taste a little.
ABC Thoroughbred Red. This is their bread and butter beer. Basically always on tap and very well balanced with a perfect 1/2 malt, 1/2 hops flavor. This red is highly drinkable and accessible while still offering a lot to the connoisseur. 5.2% ABV.
The ABC Nut Brown. This beer poured with a nice foamy hear that lasted a good length. It did have an expected and moderately strong nut flavor but didn't didn't have the body I like in a borwn. Still, a sharp dresser. 4.2% ABV.
The ABC Nitro Stout. Very full bodied and smooth as silk. Decent toasted malt flavor and a beautiful pour. Cascaded like it should and settled to a perfectly straight line between head and beer. I think one of the things I like most about ABC is their beers are ALL absolutely gorgeous, whether they are to your taste or not. 5.2% ABV.
Aiken is also ripe with shoppes. From "real" hardware stores, antique malls, art galleries and a great bakery (which I can vouch for!), Desserves. If you really want to indulge in the ABC beers or or make it a weekend there's Hotel Aiken. For a lot less than you would think, you can stay in this 100 plus year-old hotel and walk to almost everything in downtown.
L8R.
