A Revolutionary Brew: Raise a Pint to History with Spratt's Draft
By Mark Kerr & Dr. Ginger Williams
What comes to mind when you think about the American Revolution? Perhaps you picture muskets, tricorn hats, and fiery declarations of independence. But there's another important piece of Revolutionary history that often gets overlooked: beer.
As Americans celebrate our nation's birthday and continue commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we're taking a closer look at the everyday traditions that helped sustain the people who fought for independence.
Here in York County, South Carolina, Revolutionary history runs deep. From the decisive Patriot victories at Huck's Defeat and Kings Mountain to the perseverance of families living in the backcountry, survival depended on resourcefulness and making the most of every available resource.
That same spirit carried over into the colonial brewhouse.
The idea for this unique collaboration began with Visit York County as part of the YoCo Brew Trail, an initiative that celebrates the county's thriving craft beer scene while encouraging visitors and locals alike to explore the stories behind the places they visit. Visit York County brought together Amor Artis Brewing and the Fort Mill History Museum with a shared vision: create a beer that not only tastes great, but also tells a piece of York County's Revolutionary story.
The collaboration is also part of a larger regional effort led by the Olde English District Tourism Commission to showcase the people, places, and events that shaped the American Revolution. Through initiatives like the new Backcountry Revolution Trail, which connects Revolutionary War sites across seven counties including York County, the Olde English District is helping visitors experience the stories that changed the course of American history. Spratt's Draft offers another way to connect with that history, one pint at a time.
The result is Spratt's Draft, a historically inspired table beer that celebrates both the American Revolution and one of Fort Mill's founding families. The beer is named for Thomas Spratt, a local Patriot who served with distinction during the Revolutionary War and is buried in the Spratt family cemetery off Brickyard Road.
Unlike many modern craft beers, Spratt's Draft recreates a style that would have been familiar to eighteenth-century Americans.
During the Colonial and Revolutionary eras, brewers commonly produced two beers from a single batch of grain using a traditional technique known as parti-gyle brewing. Grain was too valuable to waste, so after brewing a rich, full-strength ale from the first runnings of the mash, brewers would run hot water through the same grain a second time to extract the remaining sugars. This second brewing produced a lighter, lower-alcohol beer known as small beer.
At Amor Artis, head brewer Travis Tolson followed this historic process. The first runnings became one of the brewery's signature Double IPA, while the second runnings were transformed into Spratt's Draft, a refreshing 2.9% ABV table beer that stays true to its Revolutionary roots.
Small beer was far more than an occasional beverage. Men, women, and children of nearly every social class drank it daily. Because drinking water was not always safe and could contain harmful bacteria, small beer provided a safer, refreshing alternative. Its low alcohol content made it suitable for everyday consumption while helping families stay hydrated.
Even General George Washington appreciated the value of small beer. He kept his own recipe in his military notebook and had it brewed for his troops during the Revolutionary War. Like many military leaders of the time, Washington understood that this humble beverage was more than a luxury. It was a practical necessity that helped sustain soldiers in the field.
Spratt's Draft is more than just another seasonal beer. It is a taste of history and a tribute to the ingenuity, thrift, and resilience that defined life in Revolutionary America.
As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary and celebrate York County's important role in the Revolution, remember that history doesn't only live in museums or on battlefields. Sometimes, it can be experienced one sip at a time.
Whether you're following the YOCO Brew Trail or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, stop by Amor Artis Brewing while Spratt's Draft is still on tap. Raise a glass to Thomas Spratt, the Patriots who helped shape our nation, and the partnerships that continue bringing York County's history to life.
Huzzah!