Bircus Brewing Co
322 Elm St, Ludlow
2 Highway Ave, Ludlow (Big Blue) – coming soon
If you like your craft beer with a side of clowns, then Bircus (beer-cus) is the place for you. Paul Miller adopted the concept from Belgium, bringing something unique to the previously-nonexistent Ludlow craft beer scene.
Miller has been producing circus shows inside the Ludlow Theater since 2009, and he served other people’s beers during his events. One day, he decided that he could just make his own beer, and that’s when Bircus was born – the brewery officially opened in December 2017. In December 2018, the theater with the new brewery opened, finally giving Bircus its true home.
Bircus Covington
In 2021, Bircus opened a second location in partnership with North South Baking in Covington. The location is across the street from Braxton‘s main location. The location closed in 2023.
Bircus Big Blue
Bircus was originally going to open an Ohio location in downtown Cincinnati, but in 2024 they pivoted and instead purchased the former Doxole Propane Plant in Ludlow with plans to open it as their second location. They are attempting to raise crowdfunding for the more than $5 million project that will be around 12,000 square feet.
Must-try beer: Alta Via (Altbier) – Bircus itself is a unique concept, and so it stands to reason that they’d have some unique styles not commonly seen in U.S. breweries. This traditional German style has a rich amber color and balances hops and malt for a nice smooth refreshing beer. Perfect to drink at the circus.
Other great beers: Showman, Comic Walrus