Here’s a peek at Peak Drift Brewing’s big plans for 2023

Peak Drift Brewing Company started up in 2021 in Columbia, S.C., but 2023 will be the year things really take off.

Peak Drift Brewing Company was founded by siblings Sara Middleton Styles and Greg Middleton with a vision to create an innovative, environmentally conscious beverage company that “promotes life’s peak moments.”

From production to packaging, they definitely spared no expense for the initial buildout of their large-scale production facility:

• In-house fruit processing equipment for better sours and hard ciders.
• Surface Tension Technology that will allow the brewery to produce alkaline water and natural cleaning solution to cut down on chemical use.
• An onsite, state-of-the-art lab for testing all products to ensure optimal quality.
• A state-of-the-art packaging system.
• A membrane filtration system to produce hard seltzers and non-alcoholic craft beer.
• A high-volume digital printer to print can graphics in-house and keep cans 100% recyclable.
• Additionally, the company uses locally sourced ingredients.

“Our vision is to become a leader in sustainable, innovative brewing that elevates the industry,” says Greg Middleton, co-owner of Peak Drift. “Additionally, we hope this project will be a catalyst for revitalization in an important downtown corridor and will become a destination for our region.”

What’s coming in 2023

Production is now up and running at Peak Drift’s new production facility located in Columbia, S.C. Peak Drift’s 20-hectoliter brewhouse production facility is 25,000 square feet and has the capacity to produce up to 25,000 barrels per year.

Meanwhile, construction of the full 64,849-sq. ft brewery and entertainment complex located in Columba, S.C. continues. Set to open to the public in 2023, the former Stone Manufacturing Company facility — which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind complex with indoor and outdoor dining, lounge areas, a full bar, games, entertainment and more.

“Peak Drift is committed to celebrating everything that makes the Southeast special — the mountains, the oceans, the rivers, and most of all, the people,” says Sara Middleton Styles.

The company launched its inaugural line of craft beers in select Columbia-area bars, restaurants and stores, including a NEIPA, Golden Ale, a rotating series of Red IPAs, Berry Crumble Fruited Sour Ale, and a rotating series of Fire Pit Dark Ales. Its seltzers include Mixed Berry, Peach/Citrus and Soda City Hard Seltzer (cucumber and mint).

Peak Drift will begin expanding its product in additional markets in 2023.

“Launching Peak Drift from the ground up has been an experience of a lifetime,” says Ashley Kinart-Short, one of the only female certified master brewers in the southeastern region. Originally from Wisconsin, Kinart-Short brings a wealth of knowledge and experience — coupled with a degree in biology and a commitment to innovation — to the region. “Between the support and collaboration from others in the industry, as well as the cutting-edge technology, this has truly been a special project. We can’t wait for the public to enjoy the great products we’ve been brewing.”