CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- With more than 30 craft breweries, the Lowcountry is loaded with options for beer drinkers.

The Lowcountry’s bustling brewery scene is indicative of the nation’s rising affinity for locally-made craft beers. A new report by the Brewer’s Association shows small, independent brewers collectively produced nearly 25 million barrels of beer and saw 8% growth in 2021.

While Budweiser takes the top spot for South Carolina’s most popular beer overall, Mt. Pleasant-based Westbrook Brewing Company was the state’s number three choice.

As we celebrate National Beer Day on April 7, we take a look at which craft beers Lowcountry residents and visitors can’t get enough of.

Top 10 highest-rated beers in the Lowcountry*

1. Mexican Cake – Maple Bourbon Barrel-Aged
   Westbrook Brewing Co.
   Stout-American Imperial | 10.20%
   Avg. Rating= 4.59
   
2. Sungazer- Double Dry-Hopped
   Charles Towne Fermentory
   IPA- New England | 6.80%
   Avg. Rating= 4.45
   
3. Mexican Coffee Cake
   Westbrook Brewing Co.
   Stout-American Imperial | 10.50%
   Avg. Rating= 4.43
   
4. Mexican Cake
   Westbrook Brewing Co.
   Stout-American Imperial | 10.50%
   Avg. Rating= 4.40
   
5. Order of Magnitude
   Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company
   Sour | 7.50%
   Avg. Rating= 4.38
   
6. Sungazer
   Charles Towne Fermentory
   IPA- New England | 6.80%
   Avg. Rating= 4.34
   
7. CocoNaughty – Maple Bourbon Barrel Aged
   Westbrook Brewing Co.
   Stout- American Imperial | 10.00%
   Avg. Rating= 4.33
   
8. Lassi What You Think About This
   Westbrook Brewing Co.
   Sour | 6.00%
   Avg. Rating= 4.28
   
9. Boy King Double IPA
   COAST Brewing Company
   IPA- Imperial | 9.70%
   Avg. Rating= 4.28
   
10. Viridi Rex
    Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company
    IPA- Imperial | 9.5%
    Avg. Rating= 4.28

*Based on the average rating (1-5) on Beer Advocate, the nation’s leading online community for consumer beer reviews