Columbia brewery launches line of craft beer, hard seltzer in Midlands

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Peak Drift Brewing Co.,, a new beverage company headquartered in Columbia, is launching its inaugural line of craft beers and seltzers in select Midlands-area bars, restaurants and stores this week.

Peak Drift Brewing was founded in 2021 by siblings Sara Middleton Styles and Greg Middleton.

“Peak Drift is committed to celebrating everything that makes the Southeast special — the mountains, the oceans, the rivers, and most of all, the people,” Sara Middleton Styles, co-owner of Peak Drift, said in a news release. “Through our innovative production facility, award-winning products and new brewery coming to the North Main area, we are dedicated to industry collaboration and strengthening our local communities.”

Peak Drift’s team has decades of combined industry experience and has worked with experts from across the world. Ashley Kinart-Short, one of the only female certified master brewers in the southeastern region, oversees the brand’s flavors, recipes and overall brewing process.

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.

“Launching Peak Drift from the ground up has been an experience of a lifetime,” Kinart-Short said. “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.”

The following craft beers from Peak Drift can now be found at select bars, restaurants and stores throughout the Midlands: NEIPA, Golden Ale, a rotating series of Red IPAs, Berry Crumble Fruited Sour Ale, and a rotating series of Fire Pit Dark Ales. Additionally, Peak Drift will have the following hard seltzers on draft: Mixed Berry, Peach/Citrus, and Soda City Hard Seltzer. 

Throughout the month of December, Peak Drift will be hosting a series of grand opening events. A full list of events can be found online.