New craft brewery in Charleston opens to public
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Fife Street Brewing is more than just a brewery. It is a common area where you can socialize, have an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, listen to music, and have a good time.
13 News got an exclusive look into Fife Street Brewing ahead of its grand opening on Friday, May 27, just in time for the Memorial Day holiday.
When you walk in, whether that be through the Brawley Walkway entrance or the Summers Street entrance, you are instantly greeted by a modern, welcoming environment. A mural showing the city’s silhouette and text on another wall saying, “DRINK CHARLESTON BEER.”
Fife Street Brewing started as a passion project when Derek Godwin and his wife went to Florida three years ago.
When I think brewery, I want a place that has somewhere where you can sit, and socialize, and talk, but hear some background music. See some TVs, but not have to raise your voice and/or strain to hear the person next to you.
DEREK GODWIN, FIFE STREET BREWING
For those who prefer outdoor seating, Charleston City Council recently approved an outdoor dining area for the new craft brewery. Godwin says it can seat around 64 people, with seating available for 65 indoors.
Right now there are four beers. They include a golden ale called the “Charleston Beer”, a west coast IPA called the “Charlie West Coast IPA”, an American porter called “Chuck’s P-51 Porter” and a Weissbier calls the “Summers Street Wheat.” When the brewery opens to the public, they are hoping to have 9 beers, with 12 later on.
The beer is brewed in-house. The initial boil step takes anywhere from five to eight hours, and then the wort (water that the grain was boiled in) then goes into a fermenter. It stays in there for up to 12 days while carbon dioxide (CO2) is being released. The beer is then put into another tank where CO2 levels are added. That step can take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours.
A question many will ask is, “is it cold?”
As Godwin showed me, beer kegs are kept in a cooler downstairs near the prep kitchen. He says this is the largest walk-in cooler in the city, not including hospitals.
These kegs are kept in there at 36 degrees with lines running up to the bar.
And what goes best with beer, drinks, and socializing? Food.
They say there will be artisanal grilled cheeses, popcorn, and other appetizer and snack foods. They say if you want a big meal, go see and support restaurants in downtown and on Capitol Street.
Not only will you be able to find beer and food, but you’ll also find the start of what Godwin calls a brewery district. He is hoping more breweries pop up in the area which will bring more people into Charleston.
