A pair of Columbia breweries have joined forces under a newly established parent company. Peak Drift Brewing Company, which operates a production brewery on North Main Street, and Columbia Craft Brewing Company, the microbrewery and taproom on Greene Street, have come together under the establishment of Craft Brew Inc., a company that will work to “strengthen the craft beer industry in the Midlands and throughout South Carolina,” per a Thursday news release. Craft Brew Inc. came together “through joint efforts from both brewery management teams and was established to be a holding company of multiple brands,” the release said, adding that the company will “serve as a one-stop shop for craft breweries and beverage companies that want to scale up their production, directly print their cans in-house and utilize resources within a family of brands where economies of scale are created.” Brewery leaders say it was a move made with the future in mind.
“Peak Drift is forming strategic partnerships for long-term success,” Peak Drift owner and CEO Jordan Styles said in a statement. “We are committed to industry collaboration and the creation of Craft Brew Inc. will help cultivate the security of craft beer in South Carolina.” Peak Drift and Columbia Craft will each maintain their respective brand identities, the release noted. Columbia Craft will continue to operate the taproom on Greene Street, and Peak Drift will continue its production brewery on North Main. Craft Brew Inc. will look to add other breweries in the future, the release noted. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Craft Brew Inc. family and we look forward to growing our footprint and creating amazing products for craft beer enthusiasts everywhere,” former Columbia Craft managing member Richard Strauss said in a statement. “This partnership will further develop the region and industry by continuing to position South Carolina as a leader in producing award-winning craft beer.”
Peak Drift’s partnership with Columbia Craft started in 2023, when Peak Drift began partner brewing select Columbia Craft beer at its 25,000-square-foot production facility. As Craft Brew Inc. continues to expand its family of brands, the individual brand identities of the breweries and management teams will remain in place. Columbia Craft will continue to operate its taproom located at 520 Greene Street in Columbia.