Best 7 Breweries in Charleston WV: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots in the City

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Charleston, WV is home to some of the best breweries in the state. With its rich history and culture, it’s no surprise that the city has a thriving craft beer scene. From classic and fresh to bold and familiar, there’s a beer for everyone in Charleston.

Top Breweries in Charleston WV

Charleston, WV is home to some of the best breweries in the state. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you can find a wide variety of craft beers to suit your taste. Here are some of the top breweries in Charleston WV.

Fife Street Brewing

Fife Street Brewing is one of the newest breweries in Charleston, but it’s already making waves in the local beer scene. Located in downtown Charleston, Fife Street Brewing is all about celebrating craft and community. Their beer is brewed with the highest quality ingredients and is sure to please even the most discerning beer drinkers. Plus, their food menu is just as impressive as their beer selection, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family.

Website: https://fifestreetbrewing.com/

Address: 180 Summers St, Charleston, WV 25301, United States

Mountain State Brewing Co.

Mountain State Brewing Co. is a popular brewery located in Morgantown, WV. They are known for their delicious craft beers and their commitment to sustainability. They use local ingredients whenever possible and have a zero-waste policy. Some of their most popular beers include the Seneca IPA, the Almost Heaven Amber Ale, and the Cold Trail Blonde Ale.

Website: https://www.mountainstatebrewing.com/

Address: 54 Clay St, Morgantown, WV 26501, United States

Bridge Brew Works

Bridge Brew Works is a small brewery located in Fayetteville, WV. They specialize in handcrafted, small-batch beers that are made with locally sourced ingredients. Some of their most popular beers include the New River Pale Ale, the Long Point Lager, and the Ace of Spades Black IPA.

Website: https://bridgebrewworks.com/

Address: 335 Nick Rahall Greenway, Fayetteville, WV 25840, United States

Chestnut Brew Works

Chestnut Brew Works is a brewery located in Morgantown, WV. They are known for their unique and creative beers, as well as their commitment to sustainability. They use solar power to brew their beer and have a zero-waste policy. Some of their most popular beers include the Halleck Pale Ale, the Farmhouse Saison, and the Coffee Stout.

Website: https://www.chestnutbrewworks.com/

Address: 444 Brockway Ave, Morgantown, WV 26501, United States

Big Timber Brewing

Big Timber Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in Elkins, WV. They are known for their traditional, German-style beers, as well as their commitment to using local ingredients. Some of their most popular beers include the Helles Lager, the Schwarzbier, and the Hefeweizen.

Website: https://www.bigtimberbrewing.com/

Address: 2 Davis Ave, Elkins, WV 26241, United States

The Freefolk Brewery

Another must-visit brewery in Charleston is The Freefolk Brewery. This brewery and restaurant is known for its delicious craft beer and mouth-watering food. Their menu features a mix of classic bar food and more elevated dishes, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Freefolk Brewery also has a spacious outdoor seating area, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer on a warm summer day.

Website: https://freefolkbrew.com/

Address: 1690 Court St, Fayetteville, WV 25840, United States

Brewery Tours in Charleston WV

Charleston, WV is home to a variety of breweries that offer tours to visitors. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the brewing process, taste different beers, and experience the local craft beer scene.

One of the most popular breweries in Charleston is Fife Street Brewing. This brewery offers tours of its facility, giving visitors a chance to see the brewing process in action. They also have a taproom where visitors can sample their beers, including their popular Golden Ale.

Another brewery that offers tours is Bad Shepherd Beer Company. This brewery is known for its unique beers, such as its Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter. Visitors can take a tour of their facility and learn about their brewing process, as well as sample their beers in their taproom.

For those who want to experience a variety of breweries in one tour, there are several companies that offer brewery tours in Charleston. These tours typically visit multiple breweries, providing visitors with a chance to taste a variety of beers and learn about the local craft beer scene.

Beer Festivals and Events in Charleston WV

Charleston, West Virginia is a hub for beer lovers, with a thriving craft beer scene that’s only growing stronger. The city hosts a number of beer festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing the best local and regional brews.

One of the biggest events on the calendar is the West Virginia Beer Festival, which takes place in front of the State Capitol Building. The festival offers a chance to sample beers from around the state, as well as from other regions. General admission tickets cost $45, while those who want to get in an hour early and sample special beers can purchase a $55 ticket. This event is held annually in August.

Another popular event is Foam at the Dome, which was postponed from its traditional May date slot in 2023. This festival is held at the riverside State Capitol location and offers a wide selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries. The event is known for its lively atmosphere, with live music, food trucks, and other activities to keep attendees entertained.

For those who want to explore the local craft beer scene in more depth, the Brewers Row area of Charleston is a must-visit. This area consists of three unique breweries: Bad Shepherd Beer Company, Fife Street Brewing, and Short Story Brewing. Each offers a different selection of beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and all are committed to using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.

Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just looking to explore the local scene, Charleston has plenty to offer. With a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, as well as a thriving brewery scene, it’s a great destination for anyone who loves a good brew.

Pairing Food with Charleston WV Beers

Charleston, WV is home to some of the best craft breweries in the country. With a wide variety of beer styles available, it’s easy to find a beer that pairs perfectly with your favorite foods. Here are some suggestions for pairing food with Charleston WV beers:

Black Sheep Burrito and Brews

Black Sheep Burrito and Brews is a popular spot in Charleston, WV that offers a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes and craft beers. Some of their most popular beers include the Black Sheep IPA and the Black Sheep Porter. These beers pair well with spicy foods like their famous burritos and tacos.

Website: https://blacksheepwv.com/

Address: 702 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301, United States

Fife Street Brewing

Fife Street Brewing is another popular brewery in Charleston, WV that offers a variety of beer styles. Their Chuck’s P-51 Porter is a rich and hearty beer that pairs well with grilled meats and stews. Their West Coast IPA is a hoppy beer that pairs well with spicy foods like buffalo wings and nachos.

Freefolk Brewery

Freefolk Brewery is located in the heart of the WV New River Gorge National Park and offers a variety of craft beers. Their Hazy IPA is a juicy beer that pairs well with seafood dishes like shrimp and lobster. Their Belgian Dubbel is a complex beer that pairs well with rich, savory dishes like beef stew and pot roast.

Final Thoughts

Charleston, WV is home to some of the best craft breweries in the country, and with so many beer styles available, it’s easy to find a beer that pairs perfectly with your favorite foods. Whether you’re looking for a rich and hearty beer to pair with grilled meats or a light and refreshing beer to pair with salads and vegetables, there’s a beer for every taste and occasion in Charleston, WV.

Conclusion

Charleston, WV is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers. With a variety of breweries offering unique and flavorful beers, there is something for everyone in this charming city.

From the new and trendy Short Story Brewing to the classic and established Bridge Brew Works, there is no shortage of options for those looking to explore the local craft beer scene. The Freefolk Brewery offers delicious food to pair with their tasty brews, while Charleston Nano Brewery is a great spot for a laid-back evening with friends.