New to Ohio (2015)

Seventh Son...

 

What ever happen to Terrapin coming into Ohio? I knew there were rumblings.

 

Hoof Hearted is expanding their distribution footprint! To Maine?

 

Really? Shouldn't they try Ohio first?

 

I'd have a hard time arguing with that statement.

 

I'd have to disagree...have had one good beer from them and the rest have been just ok. Still a lot of refinement to be done there but I can see the potential.

 

My interpretation of that statement is less to do with the quality of their beers (which IMO is very high) and more to do with the heat surrounding the brewery, their releases and the like.

 

I think the thing with Hoof is that they are doing a style that is really new to the Ohio area... There are no IPA/IIPA's that I can think of that is similar. So they have that niche in the local market. I assume in Vermont and such they wouldn't stand out, from what I hear.

So far I like what I have had from them... Musk I thought was very good (I thought what was on tap at the canning release was better than what they had at the South of Eleven release), and the South of Eleven is good as well. I am curious to try the Roller Blabe in a few weeks.

But to be honest, that IPA "style" in general is a bit weird for me... The low bitterness, heavy tropical fruit IPA. I would prefer to take a JuJu, Head Hunter, White Rajah, Libre, etc...


On a different topic, more to Ohio stuff... Just spent a few days to/from Orlando and stopped at six breweries this trip... We Ohioans are beyond spoiled with incredible IPA/IIPAs... There was not one I had (had about 70 new beers this trip) that was near the quality of our local hoppy stuff... Except for Cigar City and of course, Jai Alai. Made sure to bring two six packs of that back home... Mmmmm.

 

In other Hoof Hearted news, cans of both Sidepipin' and Dragonsaddle are also in the works.

Listermann Brewing Company is releasing 22oz. Nutcase Peanut Butter Porter with Coffee bottles this Saturday at 10:00 AM.

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Why HH would expand to Maine before Cleveland is a mystery to me and I'd love to hear the reasoning behind it...

 

I think it is because they are one of those rare breed of breweries who don't like to play by the rules they are "supposed" to and they follow the beat of their own drum. I mean really, it's not normal.

 

Making a lot of noise, and making some excellent beers. You bet. Dominating? He needs to look a little closer at the list. The brewery "dominating" the Ohio beer scene right now is the one with 22 of the 100, and 3 of the top 5. Oh, and there is that one brewery you spend a lot of time at too

 

From what I understand they bought their new brew system in Portland, ME and made some friends out there who love their stuff. I don't think it's 'Maine distribution' as much as it is their friend who is pretty connected in Portland beer scene going out of his way to get some of their cans in some popular Portland restaurants and shops. At least thats kinda how i see it. If Cleveland wants more HH tell your shop owners to drive down and buy cases, or make the trip yourself. Self distributing makes it pretty difficult to go statewide, they don't even have a full or part time delivery driver. There are a couple distributors licking their chops to get that account, i do know that, but not sure they're into going that route at the moment.

 

Speaking of Fat Head's, any idea @miketd if they have plans to bottle Midnight Moonlight? I still think Black Rajah is one of the best black ales/ipas I have had. Curious how this one compares.