Changes at Peak Drift Brewing: Columbia’s New Brewery Shifts Focus from Taproom to Production Hub

Changes at Peak Drift Brewing: A Shift in Plans for Columbia’s New Craft Brewery

As twilight began to settle over Columbia, a lively group gathered at 3452 North Main Street to check out the buzz surrounding Peak Drift Brewing. Local influencers, city officials, and a few curious journalists wandered around, taking in the impressive sights of this large brewery establishment. The facility is brimming with modern brewing equipment—including shiny stainless steel tanks and bustling forklifts—that underscore its serious beer-making capabilities. With a state-of-the-art can printing operation producing an astounding more than 4 million cans over the past eighteen months for both Peak Drift and other craft breweries, there’s no denying that things are in full swing.

The Taproom Dream Deferred

However, amidst the excitement, there was a notable absence—the much-anticipated taproom. Peak Drift Brewing, co-owned by the Middleton family, had initially envisioned a vibrant hub featuring a taproom, a duckpin bowling alley, an entertainment stage, and other community-friendly amenities. But recently, the company announced a significant pivot, opting to operate primarily as a production facility and distribution center instead.

Local residents have voiced their disappointment over this shift, feeling let down after having high hopes for a venue that could bring more joy and activity to the area. The news of the brewing facility’s new direction has left many scratching their heads, wondering what happened to the promises made a few years back. After all, the original proposal had painted a picture of a lively meeting place in the north of downtown Columbia—a much-needed boost for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Why the Change?

In a candid discussion, Peak Drift CEO Jordan Styles shared the realities facing the company. Factors like economic fluctuations and ongoing legal hurdles regarding surrounding road access influenced their decision. Despite the initial excitement, the brewing business had to be reevaluated, particularly since their aspirations coalesced during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We just had to pivot everything moving forward,” Styles admitted. “We couldn’t even think of putting amenities out there without ensuring safety first.”

As part of this new venue-specific plan, Peak Drift has officially named Smoked, an upscale restaurant owned by the Middleton family, the “official taproom” for their beers. This means that beer lovers can still indulge in Peak Drift beverages, but they will now have to venture downtown to enjoy them. “We have over 40 taps at Smoked,” Styles explained. “Doing so makes the most sense for the time being.”

What the Neighbors Are Saying

Reactions from the local community have ranged from understanding to outright disappointment. Ellen Fishburne, an active member of the neighborhood association, voiced her concerns over the shifting plans, reminiscing about past hopes for a diverse offering of restaurants and recreational spaces. “We were really hoping our neighbors would get some good jobs,” she expressed, conveying her disappointment in losing out on what could have been a thriving taproom nearby.

Residents like Erin Curtis, who lives close to the brewery, echoed these sentiments, noting a shared feeling of disappointment amongst neighbors. “We were looking forward to a place that could bring the community together. It’s fair to feel that disappointment when promises change,” Curtis said. A local city council member, Aditi Bussells, also recognized the community’s desire for a lively gathering space in the area, underscoring how crucial it was to support local businesses.

Looking Ahead

As things currently stand, the focus at Peak Drift is on production. The brewery boasts an impressive capacity of 35,000 beers per week, including both its own creations and contributions for regional partners. While the idea of a taproom at North Main isn’t completely off the table, any plans for that future have been knocked down a few pegs in light of current circumstances.

In the end, while everyone may still be hoping for the lively, community-focused establishment initially proposed at 3452 North Main Street, this journey is just beginning for Peak Drift Brewing. The brewing company promises to remain connected to the community, and as Styles noted, “there’s a feeling that anything is possible down the line.” Only time will tell what else is in store, and maybe one day, Columbia will have that bustling taproom after all.