Brewery Feature: COAST Brewing!

Located in North Charleston, South Carolina (that sounds weird) this brewery has been getting it's fair share of attention since it's debut in 07'. COAST Brewing  is an all organic, locally minded, energy efficient brewery that strives to create unique and tasteful beers. I was fortunate enough to receive a solid and diverse representation of what this brewery is all about through a recent trade. While the labels don't display a certified organic logo, they are most definitely tasty, handcrafted, organic beers. Frankly, owners David & Jaime (a husband & wife team, how rad!) just think it is bogus to have to pay for the pretentious label. "Organic" labels have become a trend in marketing and I don't blame them for relying on their product to make the sales!

 With all that said, first up was their 32/50 Kolsch style ale. Kolsch is one of my favorite German styles and is rarely brewed in the states. Probably due to the fact that German law states "Kolsch" can only be brewed in Cologne, Germany by a licensed brewery. COAST'S interpretation of the style was pretty spot on with a little hoppy American flair. While it didn't possess the incredible crispness and fluffiness that a true Kolsch does, it was certainly easy drinking with delicate floral and citrus hop notes backed up with a solid wheat malt presence and slight graininess.

COAST Brewing: 32/52 Kolsch, 4.8%abv.

Next was their flagship beer, HopArt Ipa. I was thrilled to see a nice, legible bottled on date of 12/21/10! It was incredibly fresh and hoppy with solid citrus, and herbal hop notes with a touch of piney resign;creating a unique hop profile. Backed up by a nice earthiness and slight breadiness from the malts, this IPA was certainly hop forward yet balanced. At it's abv, it is on the fine line between IPA & Double Ipa; yet almost drank like a pale!

COAST Brewing: HopArt Ipa: 7.7%abv.

To round out the evening and showcase their diversity, I enjoyed their Limited Release Imperial Stout: Blackbeerd. Weighing in a little lower than the typical Imperial Stout, Blackbeerd had an incredibly roasty character to it with diverse chocolate notes, a hint of woodiness, and a lingering smoked malt presence. Rather drinkable this Imperial Stout had it's own unique personality, just as the previous offerings. It's safe to say that COAST is gaining popularity for all the right reasons. Environmentally conscientious, attention to detail, and offer unique and equally delicious beers!

COAST Brewing: Blackbeerd Imperial Stout; 9.2%abv.