I will be visiting Columbus Oh this upcoming weekend, Reynoldsburg is where I am actually staying. I will also probably be hitting up Cincinnati on my way back home. I have never been to Ohio, what are some beers that I MUST bring back, or are there any releases happening this weekend. Also, any breweries or bottle shops I should hit up. Also, are there any New England Style IPAs happening in Columbus or Cincinnati that I should try as well? Thank you in advanced for your suggestions.
If you're in search of NE IPA's, Hoof Hearted Brewpub in downtown should be first on your list. I do believe they are the only people in Ohio making the "New England" style. And they do it well.
If you like IPAs, a must-get is Fathead's HeadHunter. It should easily be found in Columbus. Also, Columbus Brewing has a very good IPA. I always get some of both when I visit Ohio.
The Jackie O's 11th anniversary party is happening this coming weekend in Athens. I don't know what your schedule is, but if you have the time, it's worth the trip. The best locally available IPAs are made by Columbus Brewing (CBC IBA, Bodhi IIPA), Fat Head's (Head Hunter), and The Brew Kettle (White Rajah), though none are what you'd called New England style.
If you have the chance, head to Wolf's Ridge. The food is very good and I have yet to have a beer from them that I didn't enjoy. Everything seems to be based on well thought out recipes with great execution. Their Dire Wolf is a great RIS. Also if you see CBC Bodhi on tap or in bottles, definitely get it. It's always excellent.
If you're looking for IPAs with a NE influence in Cincinnati check out Streetside Brewery. Also while you're there you might as well stop at Blank Slate which is pretty much right down the street and they make very solid beer
I'll send you a message when I get back to my desk from lunch, OP. I tend to be the unofficial Columbus guy
For Cincy, I totally disagree about Streetside. Good brewery and space, but their "NE" inspired beers are far from the style. Listermann is doing some now (and has a couple on draft with cans to come in a couple weeks), and Woodburn has an NE style Session IPA that's pretty good called Hammer. But "Suh, Brah" was not an NE IPA under any circumstances - even if it was a pretty good IPA in its own right.
As you're staying in Reynoldsburg, it's worth stopping at the East side Andersons (off of Brice Road) at some point since it's the closest good bottle shop that's in the area. Everyone else has made some good suggestions too.
I went there for a short minute. Going back tomorrow to look through it. But in my quick stop, came away with an eeek! Which didnt hit Chicago distro, so super happy.
