Savanah/Hilton Head

[Lamprey]

I'm traveling to Hilton Head, SC in a few weeks - kicking off a 6-month sabbatical from work.:D I'm flying into Savanah, then will be driving to Hilton Head. I'm looking for some suggestions for some real beer that I can pick up for my stay - both brew pubs and good beer stores - that are in or between Savanah/Hilton Head. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks!

[threecb]

I know that both places have BP's that haven't really had great reviews, but you never know. I was considering this as a vacation destination, so I'd appreciate a report when you get back!

[Lamprey]

Originally posted by threecb
I was considering this as a vacation destination, so I'd appreciate a report when you get back!

Will do!

[Lamprey]

I apt to be a bit wary of "Big Joe the Duck" HHB (http://www.hiltonheadfun.com/brewpub/brewpub-index/brewpub-index.html)

[chazwicke]

I have been to brewpubs in both places. Both were many moons ago. I had forgotten. I think I still have a shirt from HHB. If I remember correctly, the one in Savannah may have just been one of the Hops chain. I have been to several of those in FLA. They generally suck. We actually have one in my area that I have never been to. I guess it is still open. Anyway, That particular trip had slipped my mind completely. It was early to mid 90s. The only thing I really remember is Antiquing in Savannah and finding a few decent items still in my possession and the long drive out to HHI. None of the breweries really Stand out in my memory as exciting. I also visited A1A and one in Jacksonville, FLA. And Palmetto in SC. I do not know if any of them are still even open.

[chazwicke]

Actually It may have been as late as 1996. I also visted Ragtime and River City was the one in Jacksonville I think. Anyway here is a site for one in Savannah.

http://www.moonriverbrewing.com/

[Boats]

Hey Guys,

right down on Bay street we have two locals. The first is Moon River. Walk in and on your left are the kettles. They used to brew a Hefeweizen that was delicious, however as of 3 weeks ago not being offered. Current offerings should be mentioned online.This pub is on the web and the beer is tasty with a nice atmosphere. Strongly suggest around 1300 or later as any place offering food in the historic district is usually pretty hectic during lunch as all the offices empty out.

Immediatly next to it,just reopened in its new location is CHURCHILLS PUB also on the web. Good offering of imports and british ales on tap as well as a few domestics. GREAT fish and chips!!! Wonderful atmosphere. 2adults one kid,food and drinks about $35 -filled up.

Habersham Beverages (2 locations-I use Abercorn) has a FANTASTIC selection including LOTS of Belgians if you just want to grab something to go.

Hope this helps! Sean McDonald

[chazwicke]

Welcome to the board! That is very useful information. Savannah is a beautiful city. I like the antique shops.

[threecb]

Welcome, Sean, and thanks for the info! From what I've seen, Savannah seems like a great town and I look forward to visiting in the near future.

[Lamprey]

Report on my visit to Hilton Head...

My wife and I enjoyed the Patriots spanking of the Steelers (had to get that in there) at HHB. The food was good - not out-of-this-world spectacular - but enjoyable. The setting was great - nice bar, brewery in the corner and a few HD TVs - not a bad seat in the house.

I started off with a sampler of their beers. I'm not sure if I recall all the styles, but this is what I remember: Pub Ale (light), raspberry ale, stout, pale ale, amber ale. With the exception of the pale ale, they all had a similar underlying taste that was not pleasant. I'm certainly not a beer judge or anything like that, but the flavor was not pleasant - and it was the same for all the styles - except the pale. The pale was decent - maybe the bitterness and hop aroma masked what I tasted in all the others. I did enjoy a few of the pale during the game. The raspberry tasted like raspberry syrup.

This was the first brew pub I've been to where the brewing operation is in the pub (i.e. not behind glass or in a separate room).

[Lamprey]

Unfortunately, on our way down, our plane was hit by a de-icing truck in Charlotte...the short of it is that we were very late getting into Savannah and were meeting other folks that night in HH so we spent no time in Savannah. On our flight out, a very nice woman on the plane convinced us to get back to Savannah which we definately are in June and I might in late March.

Thanks Sean for the info. I have printed directions to the places you mentioned and hope to get there on my next visit.

[threecb]

I'll be hitting Savannah over Memorial Day weekend. I'll keep these places in mind, too. Thanks.

[Lamprey]

Well, it's about time I get this up here...

Habersham Beverages in Savanah is highly recommended for anyone looking for good brews in the area. I've attached a picture of my June vacation package. The Konings Hoeven Quad was fantastic - I haven't found it since.:( I bought the Delerium because it had purple elephants on it. I didn't enjoy it that much, I don't know why.

Thanks for the suggestion Boats.

[chazwicke]

I picked up a bottle of Konings Hoeven Quad packaged in a tall box with a Konings Hoeven goblet included. Have not opened it yet.

[Lamprey]

I don't think you'll be dissapointed.

Are you sure there aren't 2 goblets? If not, does the one I bring have to say Konings Hoeven on it?

[chazwicke]

LOL! I was looking in at the box last night only by the light of the computer and sans reading glasses. The box might have two goblets. But I think it is only one. I found it by accident in a liquor store that has limited beer selection but a tasting bar for single malt scotches.

[Boats]

Hey guys,

Apologize for absence,Just retired from military-been a little busy with things going on you know! (Honey do list from hell!making up for all that deployment time etc,etc!lol)

Anyways, was driving the other day and saw a land rover with "Old Savannah Brewing" painted on the doors. Could there be another micro or pub opening?? Will try to track down. Octoberfest comming up on the riverfront, not exactly a "real beer" festival if you know what I mean but it is a start.

[chazwicke]

Welcome back. Will they at least have Spaten, Paulaner, or Hofbrau at the riverfront fest?

[Boats]

OK Guys,

I guess that here in Georgia Oktoberfest means that an all american light lager is available in bulk at warehouse prices!! LOL! I must say that the weiner dog races (which made the front page of the local news by the way!) was the "kick off" for this event. Seriously though, it is improving-I think that the potential is definitely there and is recognized by the folks in charge.

On another note, MOON RIVER BREWERY picked up a silver for their Kolsch, Claire De Lune at the GBAF last week.

Still have not been able to track down the "new brew pub site". Apologize for the delay,will pursue.

Sean McDonald

P.S. Trying to figure out that whole avatar thing-it is a challenge.