Tucked away, just off a quaint little road, outside the hustle and bustle of Savannah’s well-known downtown district, lies an animated, humble and cozy warehouse where award-winning craft beers are born.
Coastal Empire Beer Co, well known for their Coco Pina Gose, prides themselves on being an innovative, community-driven, charming brewery where locals and tourists alike gather for a good time.
The Haborak brothers grew up in Charleston. They also grew up loving beer. Christopher, the IPA loving meticulous business man and Kevin, the stout-craving spontaneous dreamer with a talent for brewing. It was a perfect match. Even if they weren’t already brothers.
As is usually the case with most 20 somethings, the draw of the ‘big city’ pulled them to Atlanta. Not long after that, they discovered Savannah and like so many others were captivated by its sense of community, natural beauty and charm. It didn’t hurt that the beach was nearby. In 2011, Kevin and Christopher opened Coastal Empire Beer Company. The rest? Well, they are trying to get closer to making history with every pint they pour.
Eight years and eleven awards later, they’re still just as excited about craft beer as they were when the day they opened for business. Learning about the lush history, a demanding now and the promising morrow of Coastal was incredibly refreshing. The character of the brand, the personalities, the quality, the spirit and inspiration behind the beer.
Inside the taproom, 16 fresh, ice cold craft brews, an abundance of available pub-like snack mixes and games. What’s not to love? The scene is very casual, genuinely relaxed and deeply social. Pets are even welcomed with open arms, however, they do ask that alligators remain on a leash.
The owners are there, drinking beer with you. When Chris and his wife aren’t out and about on the town enjoying dinner and drinks at other local Savannah businesses, or traveling to beer fests, you can find them in the taproom drinking beers and enjoying the company of travelers and locals who frequent the brewery.
Of course, weekends are busiest. Scheduled events like live music, trivia nights and beer pairing events are the most popular. That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of time to come on down and just enjoy a cold beer. This is the brewery ‘date night’ that more and more people are realizing is perfect. No hassle for parking, no traffic to contend with in the heart of Savannah’s ever popular historic district.
If you can’t make it to the taproom, their canned brews can be found at most local liquor stores to grab and enjoy on your time, as well as being offered at several bars and restaurants around the area.
Coastal Empire Beers available year round include the Tybee Island Blonde Kölsch style ale, Inshore Slam IPA, Southern Delight Praline Amber, and Coco Pina Gose. Other distributed brews include limited release cans that rotate seasonally. At this time, you can find fresh releases of Nettles & Ross Extra Special Bitter, an extremely enjoyable beer with a truly fascinating backstory (one you’ll have to ask Chris or Mike Scott, Coastal Empire’s taproom manager, to explain in full the next time you visit). Rumor has it that we may even see an extraordinarily-special limited edition 16oz can release popping up later this year!
If you are making the beer rounds in Savannah, Coastal Empire belongs on your list. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and get ready to Drink It and Like It.
Coastal Empire Brewing Company 79 Ross Road Savannah, GA 31405 coastalempirebrewing.com
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