River Rat Brewing throws a hot, tropical event for a hot summer day

You not be able to get to Jamaica this summer, but on Saturday, River Rat Brewing Company will bring Jamaica to Columbia with Ratstafest.

“We decided that a hot, tropical event would be perfect for a hot, tropical Columbia day,” said River Rat owner Mike Tourville.

The daylong party features reggae and island music by Jahson and the Natty Vibez, The Dubber and North Carolina's Chalwa; and The Pretty Faces Band will be on hand with their steel drums. Food includes River Rat BBQ jerk chicken and pork, coconut rice, M&M Italian Ice and, from KC Hot Dogs Caribbean Wrap Wagon, Jamaican Jerk Chicken wraps filled with rice, yellow corn, tropical-fruit pico de gallo and avocado spread served with island slaw and pink beans.

Then there’s the beer.

In addition to River Rat’s regular lineup of permanent and seasonal beers, ales and IPAs, brewmaster Drew Walker will be featuring Redrum beer, a creamy blend of Broad River Red Ale and organic rum extract that tastes like cream soda, and Pina Colada Kolsch, a pineapple and coconut-infused kolsch-style ale.

“It’s like a diet pina colada,” said Tourville. “You have all of the tropical flavor, but with none of the cream. The crispness and carbonation make it really nice. It will pair well with the coconut rice.” There will be surprise “guest taps” as well as – no surprise here – Red Stripe by the bottle.

Ratstafest runs from noon until 7 p.m. at River Rat Brewery, 1230 Shop Road, Columbia.

For more information, visit riverratbrewery.com

Katie McElveen, Special to The State

This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 3:00 PM.