Northern Row Brewery
111 W McMicken Ave, OTR
Northern Row Brewery & Distillery occupies a historic 1895 building in OTR just around the corner from Rhinegeist Brewery and convenient to the streetcar. The space once served as a lagering icehouse for Christian Moerlein prior to Prohibition.
After beginning brewing in 2018, the taproom and patio finally opened in 2020. The space is large and open, with a bar at the front with plenty of seating surrounding in a warm industrial feeling.
Northern Row has focused on brewing lagers, and their Brewer Oktoberfest has won multiple medals at the US Open Beer Championship. They also put out some great ales as well, though, including Small Pail Mosaic Pale Ale and Preacher, a peach ale. They’ve leaned into their love of lagers with their annual Lagerfest, featuring lagers from around Cincinnati surrounding areas.
The taproom also serves farm to table food from Chef Monroe, as and features a pet-friendly outdoor courtyard.
Must-try beer: Brewer (Marzen) – Very few breweries have a Marzen on year-round, and their Oktoberfest style beer is one of my favorites. It’s got a nice bread malt character that is smooth with a crisp finish. This is one to drink all year round, as it’s not overly heavy and makes you yearn for some German food.
Other great beers: Preacher, Helles Lager
Major Awards
US Open Beer Championship
- Coaster (American Fruit Wheat – Misc) – Silver Medal – 2024
- Brewer (Marzen/Oktoberfest) – Bronze Medal – 2022
- Dubliner (Classic Dry Irish Stout) – Bronze Medal – 2022
- Preacher (American Style Fruit Beer – Peach) – Bronze Medal – 2022
- Brewer (Marzen/Oktoberfest) – Silver Medal – 2021
- Test of Time (Barrel-Aged Dark Beer) – Silver Medal – 2020
Ohio Craft Brewer’s Cup
- Screamer (Imperial IPA) – Bronze Medal – 2021