 |
| Photo via City Beat |
So I decided that I’d try something a little new with the blog. I’ve been thinking about getting more into writing about beer – specifically beer around the Cincinnati area where I live – and thought this would be a good way to jump in.
I’m not sure how regular these will be, but I plan to throw in little nuggets of news along with maybe an opinion or two.
So here goes:
Samuel Adams Taproom opens in OTR
I don’t think it can be overstated how big this is for the Cincinnati beer scene. Having Samuel Adams – which brews about 40% of its beer in Cincinnati – open a taproom is great for the city. The fact that it’s a cozy neighborhood style taproom is even better. I haven’t been able to visit yet, but it’s already getting rave reviews. By my count, this will be the 54th taproom in the Cincinnati area, with at least 11 more planned in the next year or so.
Former Mt. Carmel/50 West brewer Chris Siegman will soon be producing taproom-exclusive beers on their 2.5 barrel system soon.
The fact that they’re in OTR also got me thinking. Wouldn’t it be cool to see some sort of OTR brewery passport/tour to include Christian Moerlein, Rhinegeist, Taft’s and Samuel Adams? Heck, even throw in 3 Points if you want to jump off of the street car and take a scooter over.
Mt. Carmel Carriage House set to open
Mt. Carmel has been in the Cincy brewery scene since 2005, and 2018 seems a perfect time for a change. Their current taproom is located inside of an old farmhouse, but the brewery will open up a new 7,000 sq foot taproom this weekend.
This is awesome news for a brewery that was a pioneer in Cincinnati, and perhaps the biggest news to drinkers’ fans will be their expanded 20-tap offering, as well as a full scratch kitchen. I can’t wait to check out their new digs!
Sonder is already canning
Just a few weeks after opening, Mason’s Sonder Brewing is already set to release cans. The brewery will offer 6 packs of their Blanc Belgian wit in the taproom and select retailers.
Canning Blanc today! 6-packs available to go in the Sonder taproom and select retailers! pic.twitter.com/q5kwEgi25A— Sonder Brewing (@SonderBrewing) November 15, 2018
It’s definitely not a surprise to see them already offering cans. They had an amazing grand opening that I’m sure was a success by anyone’s standards, and they’re already increasing their reach well beyond their taproom. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that they are perhaps the one new brewery in the city that could be on the Rhinegeist/Madtree/50 West level someday soon.
Streetside releasing beer/wine hybrid
Streetside is one of the most experimental breweries in the city, so it’s no surprise to see them teaming up with OTR’s Revel winery to create a beer/wine hybrid ale. “This delicious beer/wine hybrid wild ale celebrates the crisp, bright flavors of the sauvignon blanc grape. Aromatics of light lemon are highlighted by a citrusy acidity.”
Yum.
March First hosts Stout Blowout
It’s definitely stout season, and March First has one of the better stouts in the city with their Swiss Chocolate Stout. The brewery is releasing a ton of variants of their stout in their taproom on Friday night:
Swiss Chocolate
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Imperial
Irish Coffee
Toasted Coconut
Strawberry Sundae
Chocolate Peanut Butter
Bourbon Cream
These are all very obvious combinations, but I’m really interested to try the bourbon cream and Mexican Hot Chocolate.
Grainworks vs. March First – burger eating?
Employees from West Chester’s Grainworks and Sycamore Township’s March First will square off in a burger eating contest at Bagger Dave’s in West Chester on Thursday night. I don’t know what goes better with a nice craft beer than a burger.
—
If you want to stay up to date with all Cincinnati beer news, check out my “Cincy Beer” Twitter list.