Cartridge Brewing
1411 Grandin Rd, Maineville
Cartridge Brewing opened up on Halloween weekend in 2020, as a major part of the renovation of the Peters Cartridge Factory in Maineville. In December 2022, Cleveland-based Saucy Brew Works purchased Cartridge and the original founders left.
With a full-service kitchen and 15-barrel brewhouse, the brewery was fairly large scale upon opening. The taproom also features a full-service bar and wine selections. The brewery is adjacent to the Loveland Miami bike trail on the banks of the Little Miami River.
Head brewer Adam Mills joined the team from Michigan, where he was the former brewer at Rockford Brewing Company and Raven Brewing & BBQ and winner of the “Brewer/Brewpub of the Year” award at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival.
Cartridge has eight to twelve beers on tap at a time, with styles ranging from kettle sours to stouts and pilsners. They’ve also said that rather than say what their core beers will be, they’ll let their customers decide based on feedback of their offerings.
Food service at the taproom is helmed by Jerry Johnson, who aims to provide an upscale yet approachable pub menu.
The taproom features three main sections: a traditional taproom with a large bar and high-top tables, a traditional dining room, and a conversation area with comfortable seating. They also operate a large patio outside.
Cartridge’s beer has quickly become a force to be reckoned with, as they won medals at the US Open Beer Championship for beers like Up the Hill Munich Helles, Covert schwarzbier, and Hollow Point hibiscus ale.
Must-try beer: Covert (schwarzbier) – It’s no secret that I’m a big schwarzbier fan, and Cartridge makes one of the best in the country. It’s robust yet super drinkable, and light enough that you can even have a few after a long bike ride on the trail.
Major Awards
US Open Beer Championship
- Hollowpoint (Tea Beer) – Gold Medal – 2023
- Covert (Schwarzbier) – Gold Medal – 2022
- Smokestack (Smoked/Rauch Beer) – Gold Medal – 2021
- Up the Hill (Munich Helles, Light) – Silver Medal – 2021
- Hollowpoint (Tea Beer) – Bronze Medal – 2021
Ohio Craft Brewer’s Cup
- Up the Hill (European Lager) – Gold Medal – 2022
- Hollowpoint (Herb/Spice/Pepper Beer) – Gold Medal – 2022
- Airborne (American Lager) – Bronze Medal – 2022
- Smokestack (Scotch/Smoked Beer) – Bronze Medal – 2022
- Escape (Specialty/Hybrid Beer) – Gold Medal – 2021
- Airborne (American Lager) – Silver Medal – 2021
- Leaded (Coffee Beer) – Silver Medal – 2021
- Pathfinder (American Pale Ale) – Bronze Medal – 2020