New to Ohio (2016)

I found some Mandala Citra, finally. I guess the rep for the stores I frequent was on vacation so they got it in this week instead of last week.

 

And with a lot of great choices in this state alone.

 

Mother Stewart brewing company set to open on July 15!!!

 

My store called me yesterday, I guess the guy they were holding the case for only took half, was able to get a few bottles finally of sorrel. I saw sorrel at the liquor store, had about 6 if anyone is still looking in mentor.

 

Spencer Trappist Ale, Deschutes Hop Slice IPA & Heavy Seas released their Oktoberfest beer called Treasure Fest.

Don't all run to the store at once

 

Spencer Trappist Ale is a really, really good beer.

 

Didn't expect that...

Might have to get one and find out for myself.

 

I mean, I really enjoyed it

 

Highland Brewering Co. from Asheville launched some cans in OH? Huh. Keep your cans to yourself.

 

I would also suggest people who tried Highland when they first entered the market to try them again. Their IPA is pretty good and the rest of their beers seem to have gotten a bump in quality.

 

I'm moving out to Ohio from Mass end of August. I'll be in the Newark-Columbus area. What's the best place to get sours? Im a huge sour beer drinker and I can't go without them. I saw some Anderson Valley Briney Melon at a Kroger but I'm a little concerned about freshness. Any bottle shops/craft beer stores in the area with a good sour selection?

 

If Newark will be your steady location, The Beverage Source and Crafted Drafts (East edge of Columbus). Plenty of options scattered in Columbus but some of the most popular are The Andersons, Weiland's Market, The Hills Market, Kenny Rd Market, and Aficionados.

 

Sorry for the wall of text, but...

Welcome to Ohio.

For sours, you'll want to make Beverage Source your normal stop. Beverage Source is located at 1551 West Church St, just off of Route 79. That's the only place I've PERSONALLY found Cantillon east of Columbus, and they regularly get De Ranke, Fantome, The Bruery (probably still have the last batch of Rueuze on the shelf), Drie Fonteinen, Jacobins, etc. Scott and Joel are fantastic guys, and they know their beer. Their selection is the best within 20 miles (if you are talking a pure bottle shop). Plus they have a small bar with several taps and a singles fridge. If you see beers in that fridge that you want, you can do a create a 6 out of it for 9.99 and a $1 for any of the "top shelf" bottles which are usually stuff like Hopslam, Imperial stouts, etc.

In Granville, off of 79, is Brews. They also have a fantastic beer selection and bottles. They get some very rare stuff as well. Shitty parking, though.

East side of Columbus off of 79 on Hamilton Road is Crafted Drafts, and it will be the closest of the "good" stores in Columbus to you, and it's arguably the best. Singles of everything they carry, glassware, cold 6s, rare stuff, tastings. Mike and the rest of the crew are fantastic people, super knowledgeable, and will point you towards some gems if you ask for recommendations. Plus, Nazareth right next door has awesome food.

For local breweries, none of them do a lot, if any, in terms of sours in the Newark/Heath/Hebron/Granville area. If you like IPA's, Homestead does some fantastic ones (3MC's is criminally overlooked, IMO), and Shovelhead from Buckeye Lake is awesome as well (again, overlooked beer). The brewery I'd recommend where you are at is in Gahanna, which is on the east side of Columbus, and that is Kindred Artisan Ales. Patrick (@tat2dhllblly) is the head brewer there, and his sours are fantastic. As of now, I know he's got his Berliner on, which is delicious, if he has any others on tap, I don't know. But the real gem of his went into barrels not to long ago, and that's his lambic. His lambic is PHENOMENAL. When it is ready, I HIGHLY recommend stopping by there. You'll be happy you did. Next closest place that does sours is Wolf's Ridge, but they are a more rare occurrence there. Chris (@Spider889) is the head brewer there, and he makes some fantastic beers. The Dire Wolf Imperial Stout series (any of them) are fantastic. Then, in Athens (about an hour and a half from Newark) is Jackie O's and Little Fish. Those two make arguably the best sours in Ohio, currently. I don't think Brad (@beace) can do wrong, honestly. I'm still waiting for Dynamo Hum patiently, Brad. Just saying

If you ever have questions, feel free to shoot me a message. I used to live in Zanesville (about a 20 minute drive to the east) and worked for Weasel Boy Brewing, so I know the area pretty well.


Cheers!

 

Also, Crafted Drafts posts pretty much everything new that they get on social media. Twitter, FB, etc.

 

Thank you so much! That was more than I could have asked for. I was doing some research before posting this and Beverage Source sounds like it will be my go to with an occasional trip out to Columbus. I'll be living in Heath and working in Newark so you have really put me at ease. I was worried I would have to make lengthy trips and have to buy in bulk. Thanks again for the info, I loved the wall of text haha. I'll keep you in mind if I have any more questions.

 

Thank you! I now have plenty to do when I move out and lots of new beers to try!

 

Since you'll be in Heath, Homestead is the closest, with Buckeye Lake being the opposite direction.

And I screwed up, Beverage Source and Brews are off of 16, not 79. 79 is the main road that goes through Heath and Buckeye Lake.

Any questions, give me a shout. And if you like imperial stouts, make a trip to Weasel Boy in November for Anastasia. 2010 GABF Bronze and 2012 GABF Gold medal winner

 

The IGA/Ross Market in Granville also has great selection on new releases and current seasonals. Very limited (almost nonexistent) bomber selection but they move 6packs and 4 packs very quickly.

 

It's official they opened at 4pm today!!!