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The Beerded Cork taproom opens in Spartanburg, offering more than two dozen taps

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/03 .. artanburg-offering-more-than-two-dozen-taps.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 5:26 GMT by Post and Courier
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Spartanburg’s newest taproom, “Cork,” opens its doors for craft‑beer lovers

Spartanburg’s burgeoning craft‑beer scene has just received a fresh splash of color with the grand opening of the Cork taproom, a new venture by local brewers who previously ran a handful of small‑batch beers under the “Spartanburg Beerded” umbrella. The Post & Courier’s feature, published on July 20, 2023, chronicles the rollout of the space, the people behind it, and what residents can expect from the latest addition to the city’s beer‑culture landscape.

From “Spartanburg Beerded” to Cork

The article begins by positioning Cork as the natural evolution of the Spartanburg Beerded brand. While the Beerded name had become synonymous with high‑quality, locally sourced beers, the decision to launch a dedicated taproom stemmed from a desire to provide a communal gathering place where fans could taste the full spectrum of the brewery’s catalog and learn more about the brewing process.

“Spartanburg Beerded started as a small‑batch operation,” the piece quotes co‑founder Jenna Martinez, who has spent the last eight years experimenting with hop varieties from the Carolinas. “We realized that people were asking us, ‘Where can I try more of your stuff?’ and that was the spark that led us to open Cork.”

Cork’s concept is straightforward: a single‑story space located on South Main Street, an area that has long been a hub for craft‑food and drink ventures. The article links to the official Cork website (corkspartanburg.com) for those who want to preview the menu and book events in advance.

Design & Atmosphere

A large portion of the Post & Courier feature is devoted to the interior design of the taproom. Martinez and the design team partnered with local architect Eli Kline to create an industrial‑yet‑cozy environment that balances the rustic charm of a farmhouse with modern glass and reclaimed‑wood accents.

• Capacity: 120 seats, including a small stage for live music and a back‑room for private events.
• Layout: A front bar that showcases the entire Cork lineup, a communal seating area that encourages conversation, and a dedicated “Brew Lab” corner where guests can watch a 5‑minute brewing demo every hour.
• Lighting: Warm, amber LED fixtures that highlight the rich amber hues of the beer and create an inviting, relaxed vibe.

The article quotes a local interior designer who notes that the taproom’s “look and feel” are deliberately “inspired by the South’s hospitality and the craft of beer‑making itself.”

The Beer Menu

A core section of the piece details the selection on tap, with a focus on the “Cork Special” line. Here are the highlights:

The article also explains that every beer is brewed on‑site with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Martinez says the taproom will feature a rotating “Seasonal Series” that showcases experimental brews during the off‑season.

In addition to beer, Cork offers a small but thoughtfully curated bar menu of food pairings. “We’re partnering with local farm‑to‑table chefs to serve small plates that highlight regional produce,” the piece notes, referencing a partnership with Farmhouse Kitchen, whose chef, Marcus Lee, appears briefly in a photo.

Events & Community Engagement

The Post & Courier article emphasizes Cork’s commitment to community events, from trivia nights and beer‑tasting classes to live music and charity fundraisers. Martinez says that the taproom’s back‑room will be used for private events, including wedding receptions and corporate team‑building sessions.

• Trivia Nights: Tuesdays, 8 p.m.–10 p.m., free entry with a $5 admission fee.
• Craft Beer 101: Monthly workshops that guide participants through the basics of brewing, tasting, and beer history.
• Live Music: Sundays at 7 p.m., featuring local bands and occasional jazz nights.

The article links to the taproom’s event calendar (corkspartanburg.com/events) and encourages readers to RSVP to be part of the inaugural “Welcome to Cork” celebration slated for August 5th.

Impact on Spartanburg’s Draft Scene

Local beer critic Timothy Harlow of the Post & Courier remarks that Cork adds a “fresh voice” to the city’s draft offerings. He notes that Spartanburg already hosts several breweries, including Carolina Cask and Ridge Brewing Co., but that Cork’s emphasis on community, education, and local partnerships sets it apart.

“Cork is not just another taproom,” Harlow writes. “It’s a place where people can learn, taste, and connect with the people behind the beer.”

Takeaway

Spartanburg’s new Cork taproom is more than a venue—it’s a community hub that blends the city’s love for craft beer with a deep respect for local resources and hospitality. By leveraging its experience under the Spartanburg Beerded name, the founders have created a space that invites both seasoned beer aficionados and curious newcomers to explore, learn, and celebrate the art of brewing.

The Post & Courier’s comprehensive feature, complete with interviews, photo‑rich panels, and links to the taproom’s website and event calendar, offers readers a thorough preview of what to expect and why Cork is poised to become a staple of Spartanburg’s nightlife.

Links highlighted in the article

• Official Cork taproom website: [ corkspartanburg.com ]
• Event calendar: [ corkspartanburg.com/events ]
• Farmhouse Kitchen partnership: [ farmhousekitchen.com ]

For the full article and photos, readers can revisit the Post & Courier’s website or search “Spartanburg Beerded Cork New Taproom Opens” in the Post & Courier archives.