Ohio store and distribution recommendations.

If he is going from Boston to Troy, Ohio he wouldn't need to pass through Cincinnati, that would be like 70 miles out of his way.

The best beer store in Cincinnati, hands down is Cappy's in Loveland. They get basically anything that comes into the area. I can't speak as well for Cleveland and Columbus, but there are some good beer stores in the Dayton area which is close to Troy.

3F stuff isn't super common in Ohio. We get a small share of the distribution and generally have a 1 bottle limit on anything we get, there are exceptions of course, before I get flamed for saying this.

We don't get a lot of distro from Illinois or Minnesota either. No Surly.

 

Lizardville, Cork and Bottle, and Rosi's in Lakewood all have great selections. Should be pretty close to Fat Head's/TBK depending on what location he is planning on going to for each.

 

Middletown fine wine is a great place. They should be closer to Troy. Cappys does holds on Twitter so if he watches that he may be able to get some good stuff. But they sell out fast of most their "limited" supply. They usually have great beers on tap too. But don't expect any whales around Cincinnati. You may get good timing and upland may show up on the occasion. Also hoof hearted shows up rarely. Also if you are looking for variety O'Bryans wines and liquor store in landed will let you build sixer of most their stock which is awesome

 

The Marengo brewery only sells beer on Sunday releases and you need a ticket, which sometimes sell out fast depending on the beer being released.

I think their Columbus brewpub will do growler fills anytime. They sometimes have bottle releases and leftover cans from Marengo for sale but they will sell quickly. They post all their events on their facebooks so check there for more info.

 

Near Cleveland, Lizardville in Bedford Heights has a great selection of singles and usually some 3 Floyds (possibly in the back, you may have to ask).

Detroit Ave. in Lakewood has a bunch of decent to great beer shops on it all within a few minutes of each other (Rozis is probably best.

 

You are correct, the brewpub in Columbus does growler fills now.

 

If he is going to Cinci, send him over the river to the Party Source. That is such a cool store and they have an amazing selection and do crowlers.

 

This. The Party Source selection is second to none.

 

If you are an IPA fan, I think the best one brewed in Ohio is Fat Head's Headhunter IPA. And I need to tout a Michigan beer whenever I can (and I know this beer does not make it to MA yet), so you do need to pick up some Bell's Two Hearted Ale too. Both beers should be easy to find in Ohio.

 

He can grab fresh Brew Kettle 6 packs at the brewery. White Rajah is their only must in 6pks imo. I second heading to Lakewood and hitting Rozi's and Lizardville within 5 minutes of each other. Both have nice singles selection and will have any 3F that is distributed to the area that week, which is limited (especially Lizardville). As noted, Fat Head's Head Hunter is an absolute must if you're an ipa drinker. No Surly or highly desirable IL beers in Ohio yet. Have him grab some Platform Speed Merchant too. Enjoy!

 

It sounds to me that his brother is coming across PA to Cleveland, and then down I-71 straight through to Cincinnati. Thus Cleveland/Columbus/Cincinnati.

IF that is the case, OP, he could get off of I-71 at the Cooke Rd. exit in Columbus, make a left at the traffic light onto Indianola Ave. and visit Weiland's Market. One of the better selections in Columbus, always has stuff that others simply don't, has a small growler station, plus is an independent grocer that sells all kinds of cool stuff from Ohio and elsewhere. After he's done at Weiland's, just make a right back to Indianola, another right at Cooke Rd. and then right onto the on ramp to I-71.

Simple as that.

 

I understand that, but if he's going to Troy, there would be no reason to go to Cincinnati.

He would go across I-70 from Columbus to Dayton and head north to Troy.

If he was to go down to Cincinnati it adds an extra 1:40 minutes without traffic.

 

Maybe he wanted to hit all 3? :shrug:

Otherwise, you'd be correct.

 

Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati has a ridiculous selection of beer and other stuff. Check out their website.