NEOH Brewery Map

Winter Warmer Fest tickets go on sale Fri. Nov. 29 at 7 a.m. $10 off early admission and general admission tickets if you buy on Black Friday. Fest date is Sat. March 1 at Windows on the River. Best beer fest in Cleveland? Definitely. Best beer fest in Ohio? Likely. Best beer fest in the Midwest? Arguably.

https://ohiocraftbeer.org/winter-warmer-fest

Here is the link to winners. You can sort by style or by state if you want to browse through. Apparently the pilsner categories were stacked with entries this year as it's a trend in brewing.

Ohio in general took home only 7 medals. 2 out of the Columbus region, 3 from Cinci and 2 from Cleveland. This compared to 6 medals last year for NEOH and 18 for the state. Brew Brothers out of Columbus took home a back-to-back for Toasty. I'm assuming this is down to low entry numbers from Ohio and not that there were lots of entries with no medals.

The two medals for NEOH were:

GOLD for Eau Rouge from Noble Beast in the Belgian Style Sour Ale Category. This won over a Russian River beer, one of the most highly touted breweries in the country known mostly for Pliny the Elder

and

BRONZE for IPA for Aliens from Masthead in the West Coast IPA Category. Interestingly only the gold came from the actual west coast (Long Beach, CA), silver came out of Kansas.

Always worth noting that you have to commit time and money to enter this competition and it's not as if every beer in the country is judged. The vast majority of breweries do not participate.

I may be blind or dumb or both, but I remember I used to drink Yeti from great divide brewery some years ago, but have not seen any as of lately.

The full article is behind the paywall of Crains Cleveland

https://www.crainscleveland.com/small-business/how-brew-kettle-building-largest-craft-beer-company-ohio?fbclid=IwAR1xbqrljkP0qneEqozzDh23ZL1okZvw20O_-7bYY9wjKu4_AAUScSu6fHE"

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The sweeping plans to achieve this include: an improved approach to beer production and distribution; more Brew Kettle locations; an M&A strategy for rolling up those other craft brands; a company rebrand that should roll out next spring; construction of a new and improved manufacturing facility with its own taproom and restaurant—making for a potentially sprawling complex Weber compares to the Fat Head’s Brewery mothership off I-71 in Middleburg Heights; and the placement of some new executives to help execute the vision."

It'll be interesting to see the direction things take, particularly with recent developments involving North High, R-Shea, and Terrestrial. The current state of craft beer doesn't appear to be the most opportune for expansion. It might be better to concentrate on ensuring the smooth operation of their existing five locations, especially considering the discontent some individuals have voiced regarding the new menu. Personally, I no longer frequent the Strongsville location, despite having been a monthly visitor for years. Although, that was due to how expensive Brew Kettle has become within the past few years. I understand everything has raised because inflation, but damn.

"Hello everyone and welcome to our new page for Schnitz Ale Productions, we can't thank everyone enough for your continued support. Please keep following and check back regularly for exciting updates about our grand opening. We can't wait to embark on this journey together. Stay tuned!"

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Glad to have them coming to Strongsville. I love their original location, but it's a pain to get to that side of town.

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I have yet to visit the brewery. Friends and others have told me only good things and good experiences at the brewery. I'm glad they can stay open and find a way to restructure debts with their creditors. Here's to a good and hopeful future.

Source: Terrestrial Brewing Co. files for bankruptcy protection - cleveland.com

I found the website for Richfield Brewing Company of Richfield, Ohio. Expected to open Spring 2024. I'm looking forward to visiting this place as it is down the road from where I live, and in close proximity from other great micro breweries, such as Broadview Brewing Co and Hoppy Dudes. Its great to see more breweries opening South of Cleveland.

Website: Richfield Brewing Company - Craft Brewery in Richfield, OH

Does anyone know of any so called 'Black Friday events' featuring Ohio BA stouts on Black Friday? Last November, there was a Black Friday event at Rozi's Wine House, though I don't know if they'll have one this year. Would love to try new BA stouts and revisit old favorites made by Ohio breweries.

Source: L’uva Bella Enters into Partnership with Brew Kettle (businessjournaldaily.com)

From the article: " L’uva Bella now has a 10% ownership stake in Brew Kettle, and the brewery has a 10% stake in the winery, Bryan Weber, Brew Kettle’s majority owner, reported. Weber first invested in the brewery in 2016, assumed majority ownership in 2020 and assumed operational control of the company in July 2022. "

I like Luva Bella wines and Brew Kettle beers. Both are great Ohio products. This is the first time I've heard of this kind of partnership. I am cautiously optimistic and hope for the best for both companies. What are your thoughts?

I am not a fan of the overly sweet, cloying pumpkin ales that taste like too-early-for-the-season winter warmers (for example, Spooky Tooth, Pumking, etc). Anyone have a suggestion for a local pumpkin beer that has a slight pumpkin taste, but isn't all nutmeg and cinnamon? Even better if they distribute in bottles/cans.

American Style IPA Gold: Head Hunter - Fat Head's

Belgian-Style Sour Ale Silver: Earth & Aether - Noble Creature

German Wheat Ale Gold: Alpenglow - Fat Head's

Honey Beer Gold: Smashing Honey Blonde - Hoppin' Frog

Pumpkin Beer Bronze: Pumpkinslayer - Royal Docks

South German-Style Hefeweizen Gold: Goggle Fogger - Fat Head's

This is back to back golds for Alpenglow in the German Wheat Ale category. Goggle Fogger has won in that category as well in 2020. The south german category did not exist at that time.

Keep in mind these awards have to be entered and I believe there is a significant cost to enter so this is by no means a definitive ranking of breweries in Ohio or the USA. Many breweries pick and choose when and what to enter as well as many breweries never participate.

The biggest winners for Ohio this year were Fat Head's and Third Eye Brewing (out of Sharonville/Cinci) who each took home 3 medals and Third Eye took home Brewery of the Year in the 1000-2000 barrels category.

I believe this is the first medal for any brewery in the Youngstown area!

#Link to the full winners list

While it might not be an official beer festival, the lineup of breweries seems promising. Has anyone attended this event before and found it worthwhile? If so, is the additional $35 for a meal ticket and extra drink tickets justified?

Included Breweries

1. Akronym Brewing
2. Blue Monkey Brewing Co.
3. Broadview Brewing Company
4. Eighty-Three Brewery
5. Fat Head’s Brewery
6. Feisty Brood Meadery
7. Franklin Brewing
8. Great Lakes Brewery
9. Hoppy Dude Brews
10. Lock 15 Brewery
11. Masthead Brewing Co.
12. Missing Falls Brewery
13. Planted Flag
14. Platform Brewery
15. Schnitz Ale
16. The Brew Kettle
17. Unplugged Brewing Co
18. Working Class Brewery
19. ESP Brewing Company

General Admission: $50:

• includes Drink Tickets*

StrongFest Premium Passport $85:

• admission with dedicated check-in
• food pass
• additional drink tickets*
• souvenir

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Looking for some recommendations on short (4 hours or less from Cleveland) trips that would make for a good weekend of brewery exploring. Ideally two or three spots along the way that would allow us to check out a handful of breweries from one central location (hotel or Air BnB). The thought is to leave Friday morning, stop in an area to explore that afternoon and evening, then crash for the night. The next morning, head to another area to explore, and get a room in that new area. Walkable or short Uber rides would be the best. To give it some context, if I was suggesting the Cleveland area to someone, I would recommend Medina, Cuyahoga Falls, or Akron as one stop, then downtown Cleveland the next day. Obviously in Cleveland you can walk to a few downtown, then hit up a few at a time with Uber rides to Ohio City or Cleveland Heights. My initial thoughts are Columbus, Cincy, Pittsburgh, Michigan etc. But would need to know specific areas within those areas to stay so we are centrally located. Thanks in advance for the expert help!

Did anyone else attend the inaugural Mai Tag Beer Fest at Ben Franklin Community Garden? If you were there, I'd love to hear your thoughts and experience.The Tickets were $50 dollars and came with 25 beer sample tickets

Participating Breweries:

1. Schnitz Ale
2. Forest City
3. Broadview Brewing Company
4. Planted Flag
5. Working Class
6. Blye Monkey
7. Red Wagon
8. Four Paws

Food Truck:

1. Schnitzel House

Hours:

1:00 PM -5:00 PM

Overall, I enjoyed the event for what it was. Being someone who attended Ben Franklin Elementary and grew up in Old Brooklyn, I will say there aren't many events that take place in this area unless they involve the zoo. One thing I particularly liked was that each brewery brought two different beers, so with 25 tickets, you had the opportunity to try at least one of each and have enough to have a couple more of your favorites.

For next year's event, I believe that they should consider lowering the price to $25 and providing 12 tickets instead. I have a strong feeling that this adjustment would lead to a significantly higher turnout( around 70 people showed up). Additionally, I enjoy drinking beer, and the idea of consuming 25 samples within a span of 4 hours seemed unrealistic.

The second edition of the CLE South Brewery Crawl is set to kick off on April 1st! Finally, winter is behind us and spring weather is on the horizon.

Collect your punch card at any of the 5 locations, and visit all by April 16th to receive a commemorative glass at your last spot!

1. Broadview Heights Brewing
2. Blue Monkey
3. Hoppy Dude Brews
4. Schnitz Ale Brewery
5. Jolly's Pizza

I have a feeling that I have a better chance of completing this compared to the Cleveland brew passport.

I'm aiming to attend a beer festival this year, and I was hoping to gather some recommendations from those who have experience with the ones in Ohio. Which ones have you attended and which ones are your top favorites?

I was considering the Hell is Ohio Craft Beer & Punk Rock Fest, but I wasn't certain if it only features Swine City Brewing beer.

There are quite a few there that I haven't visited before. I live out in Strongsville, so the majority of the breweries I go to are between Medina-Downtown. Never had any reason to go out east, but I've heard great things about Crooked Pecker.

Between Cleveland's passport and the Medina passport, there's going to be a lot of beer-drinking this year.

Here's my compiled list of breweries that seem to be in close proximity. I broke them into smaller groups because I would imagine most people are not visiting more than 3-5 in a single day.

• Bascule Brewery and Public House
• Ghost Tree Brewing Company
• ESP Brewing Company
• Unplugged Brewing Company

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• Avon Brewing Company
• Railroad Brewing Company
• Hop Brothers Brewing
• Sibling Revelry Brewing

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• Four Paws / Red Wagon Brewing - COMING SOON
• The Brew Kettle Strongsville
• Cornerstone Brewery Co
• Fat Heads Brewery

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• Blue Monkey Brewing Company
• Broadview Brewing Company
• Schnitz Ale Brewery

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• Working Class Brewery
• Rocky River Brewing Co
• Immigrant Son Brewery

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• Hansa Brewery
• Great Lakes Brewing Company
• Market Garden Brewery
• Forest City Brewery

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• Bookhouse Brewing
• Saucy Brew Works
• Brick And Barrel
• Collision Bend Brewing Company

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• Butcher and the Brewer
• Southern Tier Brewery Cleveland
• Hofbräuhaus Cleveland
• Noble Beast Brewing Co.
• Masthead Brewing Co.

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• Goldhorn Brewery
• The Cleveland Brewery
• The Jolly Scholar
• BottleHouse Brewery And Meadery
• Boss Dog Brewing Co.

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• Phunkenship
• Terrestrial Brewing Company
• Platform Beer Co.

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• 8th Day Brewing Company
• Crooked Pecker Brewery
• Bummin' Beaver Brewery

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• Mentor Brewing Company
• Pulpo Beer Company

With five locations under their belt, it's interesting to see Saucy acquiring another Brewery vs opening another location. Probably the best way to expand their reach with a wider selection of award-winning beer.

Some cool news for Medina County. Ignite Brewing Company will be opening a second location in Brunswick, Ohio, in early 2023. I haven't been to the Barberton location, but their tap list is looking good. Has anyone been to the Barberton location?

Full article:

https://www.cleveland.com/community/2022/10/ignite-brewing-company-to-open-new-location-in-brunswick.html

Did anyone have the chance to check out any of the 180 participating breweries for Ohio pint day?

My wife and I started off by going to Medina Brewing Company. We've only been there a couple of times, but it's always nice when we stop in. On a side note, It was a breath of fresh air seeing other people bringing in their infants.

Btw, are Medina and Avon owned by the same people?

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Next, we stopped in at Wrecking Crew Brew Works. It was my first time there, and it was solid. The beer was excellent, and the vibe was awesome. Although, I could be biased due to being a skater for almost 20 years. Also, how the hell is "The Night We Met GWAR" so damn good. I never thought I would be interested in a pumpkin yam beer.

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This sub is waaaay too quiet and at this time of year it would make a ton of sense to reference Cleveland Beer Week events. Any takers?

Looks like the owner of the Jolly Scholar is opening a pizza and beer place in North Royalton. I haven't been able to find a lot of information, but I guess it should be opening in October. Does anyone know if they're actually brewing beer on location?

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083592027419