Aiken Brewing Company

Aiken Brewing Company
140 Laurens St SW
Aiken, SC
(803) 502-0707

by

Monroe James Lawrence (The Nightlife Sommelier)
Beer Historian
March 23, 2009

Overall Experience Rating: A-
Beer Rating: A
Food Rating: B+
Atmosphere: A-
Service: B+

I decided that I should review a proper Brewery to launch the new Brewery and Pub Review. I have been located in Augusta, GA since last July. I have been researching how the Plantation Complex influenced music (mainly jazz) and art in the American south. I will include a link with more info concerning my research. more information will be posted on my blogs, website The Nightlife Sommelier, and All About Jazz.

Last year, I started working on a project involving reconstructing ancient beers. Currently, I am trying to locate grain sources to continue with the project. I wanted to go to Aiken Brewery to talk to the owner and brewer about working with me to reconstruct some beverages and hold a tasting and class for the public about the history and origins of beer and brewed beverages.

I went to Aiken Brewery around 6:30 PM on Monday, March 23rd and it was busy with around 40-50 people at the bar, dining room, and outside eating areas. Certainly for a recession a busy Monday evening. One of the most notable features of the Brewery is the Brewing equipment is prominently displayed in the front of the brewpub to the sides of the front entrance.

I walked in and decided on a Jennie Cream 500 an American Cream Ale of 5.2% alcohol. The Brewery's website describes the beer as, "Golden in color with a dense white head. Light and refreshing with a hint of sweetness from flaked corn and a subtle hop flavor and aroma." (http://www.aikenbrewingcompany.com) My own impression was that it was a very well constructed cream ale with a long lasting finish that made a very good first impression of the brewmaster's ability. I thought to myself Jennie must be a play on, Genny a reference to the cream ale offering from Genesee Cream Ale. Now understand my Grandfather, went to Medical School in Rochester and he has fond memories of Genesee from his College days. Maybe, it was better when he went to school almost 60 years ago, but I have no way to verify that assumption. What I do know is it never struck me as deserving the accolades given to it by its "cult like" following. Although, I would venture to say the Cream Ale is Genessee's best offering. What I do know is that the offering at Aiken Brewery deserves a higher level of praise. The mark of a good brewer to take a style with a recognizable face and give it a face lift.

I asked for a menu as I was of considerable hunger. I took care to observe the activity and crowd to get a sense of place. One thing I noticed and others did as well was that the food was slightly pricey (For the South) with appetizers ranging from $4.50-13.50. Aiken is a nice area, so I naturally expect it to be priced accordingly. I was in a mood for something simple settling for a 3 piece Chicken Tenders with French Fries for $7. I ordered it at the bar along with a English IPA. I was there during happy hour so the beers were discounted a dollar. Most of the offering ran $4-5 regular price and $3-4 for happy hour. With this pricing I understood the food prices, with the rise of both food and grain prices they chose to charge more for food and keep the beer reasonable. Certainly, nothing to complain about, and I was content with my beer and the chicken tenders and fries were above average in quality and served with honey mustard.

in addition to appetizers the menu had a range of soups and salads to choose from. Entrees were in the $15-20 range. Again a bit pricey, but with the beer still being reasonable and the food seemingly better than average this represents a reasonable deal in exchange for a fun brewery atmosphere with attractive brick walls, and wooden accents. The outside dining seemed particularly enjoyable on a warm spring evening. I will update with a further review of the food on my next visit.

The English India Pale Ale was 6.2% alcohol. Aiken Brewing Company describes the beer as, "Deep amber in color with a pronounced malty sweetness, hints of caramel and a generous addition of earthy flavored East Kent Goldings hops." (www.aikenbrewingcompany.com) I really enjoyed this beer. Of the beers I tried it was the best in my opinion. The maltiness and the bitterness of hops were met in equilibrium in a great balancing act. The dry hoppy finish was just enough to start the process over again with the sweetness up front of each sip followed by the lengthy hops that lingered on the palate. Great beer!!! Very Enjoyable.

By this time it was getting to be 8:30 and I had been contemplating the location and beer and now had a full stomach. I had been reading various brew publications that were located conveniently at the bar. The bar had the NCAA tournament on all three televisions. I noticed the collection of Growlers prominently located above the bar. They were from various brewpubs and a nice touch. The bartender was talking to someone about them and she said they used to have more, but due to a shortage of their own they needed to send people home with some from the collection. I moved to the bar, ordered a Thoroughbred Red and asked about the Brewer. She said his name was Randy and a waiter nearby informed me he would be interested in helping me with my events. He also said the owner was upstairs if I would like to speak to him.

A few guys at the bar were talking about home brewing, so I took the liberty of introducing myself to them. We talked about home brewing for a while and the project I was working on and they assured me Randy, the brew master was the person I wanted to talk to in the near future. they needed to be on there way, so I thanked them and focused my attention on the Thoroughbred Red a Irish Style Red Ale of 5.2% Alcohol. Aiken Brewing Company describes the beer as, "Deep amber in color with a dense rich foamy head. The flavor is dominated by toasted malts with hints of caramel and very well balanced with English hops." (www.aikenbrewingcompany.com) For me this is what an Irish Ale should be--too many Irish reds come out well bright red, and they shouldn't be because they need more roasting to bring out the subtle dark and rich flavors. This was a very good offering and a representation of what the styling should be.

Finally to wrap up my evening I walked upstairs to introduce myself to owner, Rob Pruitt. I explained my events and he said he was interested and I indeed should talk to Randy the Brew master. I said, i would be writing about his establishment in my blog and potentially an upcoming book. He pointed out to me to use whatever information I needed off the website.

My experience at Aiken brewing Company was above average. Wait times were a little long, but the place was very busy for a Monday night. The people working were busy so not overly conversational, but if you spoke to them they lightened up and took the time they had to be accommodating. It really is the only Brewery in the Augusta/Aiken area and the next closest Brewery is in Columbia. I would suggest if anyone is in the Aiken area to stop by have some beer and a bite to eat.


Contact Info:

Monroe James Lawrence (The Nightlife Sommelier)
http://www.thenightlifesommelier.com
monroe@beerhistorian.com
Cell # 617-571-3309

All Rights Reserved by The Nightlife Sommelier, LLC. All Images and Materials Copyrighted 2009.

Welcome to the Brewery and Pub Review

Monroe (The Nightlife Sommelier) welcomes everyone to his Brewery and Pub Review blog. Please visit http://www.thenightlifesommelier.com for more information concerning Wine, Beer, Spirits and Food Tasting Events and Classes.


All Rights Reserved by The Nightlife Sommelier, LLC. All Images and Materials Copyrighted 2009.