By Sarah Richardson
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, Old School Brewing held a ribbon-cutting event in downtown White Sulphur Springs. The space has been two breweries in recent years, Big Draft Brewing and then Country Roads Brewery. The new owners have experience in the hospitality industry across the east coast, and say they are excited to relaunch the space as a brewery.
“We’re proud to be part of the ongoing growth and revitalization of White Sulphur Springs, and we believe this brewery will serve as both a community gathering place and a destination for visitors from near and far,” said owner Niko Winstral, who is also one of the owners of the Schoolhouse Hotel in White Sulphur. She recognized several key people who were instrumental in the opening, starting with brewmaster and partner Dave Barron.
“Dave’s passion, creativity, and craftsmanship are poured into every batch we brew. He’s the reason our beers are something we can be truly proud of – and we can’t wait for you all to try them,” she said. “Next, our General Manager and partner Austin Ramsey. Austin’s leadership, hospitality experience, and tireless energy have helped shape Old School Brewing Company into the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and again.”
Much of the crew on-staff are familiar faces from the Big Draft Brewing days, so expect to see not only familiar faces, but favorite hits from the menu and on tap. “Some old favorites from before will be back, but we will also be brewing some new ones,” Niko explained, “and we are starting off with a limited menu, but we hope to be up to a full menu in just a few weeks.” Currently, the menu offers short ribs and potatoes, shrimp and grits, pretzels, nachos, a summer-berry salad, fried chicken, trout almondine, and more!
The brewery itself encompasses 15,000 square feet of indoor space with a stage, bar, seating and a large event space, and also a spacious outdoor beer garden with its own stage. There will be live music by Jonah Carden this Saturday, Aug. 23, to start their first weekend off strong.
“This is a very special moment for us,” said Niko, “and we’re incredibly excited to share it with the White Sulphur Springs community, our friends, family, partners, and all the folks who’ve supported us along the way.”
Visit Old School Brewing on Facebook for more information.
