Boston Beer Co (Samuel Adams)
1625 Central Pkwy, OTR (Brewery)
1727 Logan St, OTR (Taproom)
Samuel Adams has been a part of the Cincinnati beer scene for well over 25 years, first contract brewing at the former Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewery in OTR and then purchasing the brewery in the late 1990s. While best known for its flagship Samuel Adams brand, Boston Beer also produces Truly in the fast-growing seltzer category, as well as Twisted Tea. To help keep up with production of all of their products, the company announced an $85 million investment in their Cincinnati brewery in 2020.
Something always felt off about the second-biggest craft brewery in the U.S. having a presence in the city, but nowhere for Sam Adams fans to go enjoy a pint a la the 50-plus other brewery locations in Cincinnati.
Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom
Enter the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom. When it was announced in early 2018, the Queen City embraced the idea despite the fact that it was well overdue. The taproom opened in the middle of November on the ground floor of the Film Center redevelopment in the shadow of the company’s large brewery across the street.
Upon entering the taproom a few things are evident. First, it’s a little smaller than what most people would expect, with a large U-shaped bar as the centerpiece. The bar top features glass bottle pieces and bottle caps, and the rest of the taproom has couches, swings, and some low- and high-top tables. There are also barrels and an overall cozy feeling of the place. Outside there’s a large patio that is perfect in the nicer months, giving Sam Adams perhaps one of the best indoor/outdoor taprooms in the city.
The beer on tap is of course mostly familiar, including Boston Lager, the Cincinnati-specific 513, and other favorites like Winter Lager and Cream Stout. The brewery also hired Chris Siegman formerly of Mt. Carmel and 50 West, and his taproom exclusives are one of the best reasons to visit.
Must-try beer: Boston Lager – It might as well be called Cincinnati Lager, because the recipe is from an attic in the city that founder Jim Koch began brewing in the early 1980s. Boston Lager may well be the ‘perfect beer’ – a perfect balance of malt and hops that goes down smooth any time of the year.
Major Awards (Cincinnati Taproom Only)
US Open Beer Championships
- Queen City Crown (American-Style Fruit Beer – Peach) – Silver Medal – 2022
- This Is The Year (Dortmunder Export) – Silver Medal – 2022
- Blackbeard’s Revenge (Rum Barrel-Aged Beer) – Bronze – 2021
- Stoutopias (Spirits/Non-Whiskey Barrel-Aged Beer) – Gold – 2021