Heading up to central Ohio for a class reunion this holiday weekend, and was wondering if there are any beers I should look for/can’t miss bottles or drafts?? It’s been awhile since I’ve been there and it used to be a bit of a wasteland but I know things have changed…
I’ve had the Head Hunter IPA which makes it down to Florida now, very good. :cheers:
You ought to check out the Great Lakes Forum or the Beer Release Forum on Beeradvocate.com. There are always people updating releases.
It’s not an Ohio beer, but Founder’s just released reDANKulous within the last few weeks. It should be distributed through Ohio, though. I’ve never been disappointed by any of their backstage beer releases.
If IPA’s are your thing check out Brew Kettle’s White Rajah. This actually placed first in a blind taste test of some 150+ IPA’s from around the country. It’s not as good as Headhunter IMO but still one of my faves. You should be able to get this at most beverage stores and also at their location in Strongsville.
I would head down to the Ohio City area where you can do a Great Lakes brewery tour and check out Bier Market which has a crap load of Belgian beers and an amazing tap selection.
You are also in luck as this is also our annual Oktoberfest at the Cuyahoga county fairgrounds this weekend. If you decide to check this out, head over to the event pavillion where they have a number of craft breweries with stands where they will usually have a number of seasonal selections. That’s where you’ll find me anyway, probably with a few too many in me 
Edit: I misread that you were coming to central Ohio and not the Cleveland area so that would be quite a trek up north. But if you do happen to venture up to the CLE those are my suggestions.
Ok, I’ll look for the Brew Kettle as well as the limited release Founders. I’d like to try some of the Great Lakes brewing offerings to. I believe they should make it to central Ohio.
The Oktoberfest sounds like a good time. You’re right though, it’s a stiff drive from Muskingum county to Cleveland.
[quote=“Voodoo donut”]Ok, I’ll look for the Brew Kettle as well as the limited release Founders. I’d like to try some of the Great Lakes brewing offerings to. I believe they should make it to central Ohio.
The Oktoberfest sounds like a good time. You’re right though, it’s a stiff drive from Muskingum county to Cleveland.[/quote]
Great Lakes can be found as far west as MN and as far east as NY. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding any in the state of Ohio. If you limit yourself to just one, I suggest the Edmund Fitzgerald. It’s a world class Porter. It also looks like Nosferatu was just released so hopefully it’s made its way to central Ohio. That’s a very good Imperial Red. Very bitter (70 IBU) and packs a punch at 8%.
The Brew Kettle may be a little more difficult because I am not sure how far out of the greater Cleveland area they distribute. I know there are a couple Columbus based folks on the boards, maybe they can shed some light on its availability.
There’s an Anderson’s store at Brice Rd./I70 that offers a good assortment of beers and actually has an “Ohio section.” There’s another place on Hamilton Rd. just south of Morse Rd. that offers even a better selection of beer but I can’t remember what it’s called. These stores offer quiet a bit of Ohio selections.
Rhinegeist out of Cincy makes some good beer, namely Zen. Columbus Brewing Co. (CBC) also makes a good PA and IPA. If you can find Bohdi (DIPA) or Creeper (TIPA) on draft grab a pint.
Edited to add: just found out you can score a 50L keg of Creeper at Superior Beverage for the measly amount of $250.00. 
Great ideas thus far. Do not make the mistake I did with CBC, their flagship beers are rarely on tap in house which is baffling to me and food is average. Call ahead if plan to go there. IF you have the time, the drive to either Fat Heads or The Brew Kettle is totally worth it. The food is as good as the beer and both places have other killer stuff on tap besides their own. Headhunter and White Rajah are even better on tap than in bottles… My vote would probably go to TBK as it is bit of a shorter drive for you. http://www.thebrewkettle.com/ Be sure to try their smoked wings with the dry rub.
Wow, great ideas all! Thanks a bunch, except now I’ll have to make room for that 50L keg 
in my carry on… Hmmmmm
I know there is a lot of good beer in Columbus area these days. A few years ago we visited Barley’s near the University. And we’re pleased with both food and beer.
Yep, Barley’s is the best of the Columbus brewers but still worth the ride North if you can do it IMO.
If your gonna be anywhere close to Wooster Oh you got to check out JFB brewerie in wooster…He has wonderfull award winning stouts and ipa,s… :cheers:
Have to agree with Matt. Edmond Fitzgerald is hard to beat. Just had one this weekend. I’ve got family in columbus and when they come down I always have them bring me Ohio beer, which is almost always spectacular.
My two favorites from Great Lakes are EF and the Dortmunder.
Also, had a few from Rockmill brewery . Don’t know exactly where the brewery is, but my cousin bought them in columbus. They have some strong belgians that are fantastic.
:cheers:
Ron
Will second Rockmill Brewery, based in Lithopolis (near Lancaster, ~30 miles SE of Columbus). Belgian focused brewery putting out some really great stuff; the Cask Aged Tripel is incredible, and they do several very nice saisons. On top of it, the brewery is on a former farm, and is the most idyllic setting to enjoy a beer that I’ve ever come across. I’m in the area for a couple weeks every summer and spend as much time there as possible.
Thanks all again,
didn’t have time to track down Rockmill as I am back in Cocoa Beach now…However will be up there again in Nov/Dec timeframe and will look them up as they are not too far from my hometown(the metropolis of Zanesville )…wow…Lancaster has a Belgian focused brewery,who knew??
Had this last night…super tasty beer…really enjoyed it.
