Ohio Brewery News
2.18.2021
CENTRAL
Collaboration brews have traditionally allowed brewers to share their knowledge and expertise while trying out a new experimental ingredient or production method. Forbidden Root has teamed up with Land-Grant Brewing to produce a unique sour ale inspired by Brazilian beer makers. Suco is a Catherina-style light sour ale containing heavy additions of feijoa – a sweet and fragrant fruit native to South America – and acerola (aka Barbados cherry.) The beer recipe developed by brewers Nick Gabriel of Forbidden Root and Dan Shaffer of Land-Grant uses a special strain of yeast to ferment and sour the beer, as well as Brazilian pink peppercorns to add earthy, spicy notes that complement the rich fruit profile. Suco is available on draft at both brewery taprooms starting today, and Land-Grant will also offer a limited number of six-packs for carry out, local Columbus delivery and statewide shipping. Order at landgrantbrewing.com
GREATER CLEVELAND
Fat Head’s dropped the beer tease to end all beer teases earlier this week, posting a heavily cropped photo of a “long-time fan favorite” set to make its can debut. Today, it’s confirmed: Alpenglow weizenbock will soon be available in 16 oz. cans. Alpenglow is one of the most highly decorated beers in the Fat Head’s portfolio, earning a gold medal at the 2018 World Beer Cup on top of three gold medals and one silver won at the Great American Beer Festival from 2012-2017. If you’ve never tried a weizenbock – essentially a stronger cousin of the German dunkelweizen dark wheat beer – you’re in for a treat and an exemplary execution of the style. Take in the aromas of wheat, bubblegum, clove and spice before enjoying the rich, malty body and smooth finish. Fat Head’s anticipates a mid-March release date for Alpenglow, follow them on social media for more details: @fatheadsbeer on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
NORTHEAST
When Hannah Ferguson started brewing at Modern Methods Brewing Company in August 2018, she was the first black woman to brew professionally in the state of Ohio. Since then, she’s added dozens of beers to the brewery’s portfolio, regularly experimenting with new styles and flavors to feature in the taproom in Warren. One of those brews, Modern Methods’ take on the nationwide Black is Beautiful collaboration, will be released on draft and in cans on Friday, Feb. 19. The addition of cocoa nibs and strawberry lends additional richness and sweetness to the base imperial stout recipe. Modern Methods will donate 100% of Black is Beautiful proceeds to United Returning Citizens, a Youngstown-based non-profit that offers job search and training services to formerly incarcerated citizens. Friday’s beer release will also be accompanied by a virtual release party hosted by Black and Brew, a non-profit working to diversify the cultural and social landscape around craft beer (Youngstown’s chapter was founded by Ferguson.) Get details at instagram.com/modernmethodsbrew
NORTHWEST
Most of our regular readers are familiar with the concept of a lawnmower beer, a light, crushable refreshing brew that pairs perfectly with the smell of fresh-cut grass on a summer day. But since this is Ohio – the home of unpredictable weather – the question must be asked: if lawnmower beers exist, shouldn’t snowblower beers be a thing too? Just in time to dig out from this week’s intense winter storm, Moeller Brew Barn introduces Rooster Light, their take on the classic American light lager. At just 3.9% ABV and only 128 calories, it’s the perfect reward after getting those sidewalks shoveled and salted. Turns out lawnmower beers and snowblower beers can be the same thing. Some beer styles don’t need to be pigeonholed into a season. Try Rooster Light on draft at Moeller Brew Barn’s locations in Maria Stein and Troy. Read more at facebook.com/moellerbrewbarn
SOUTHEAST
This week, Three Tigers Brewing is remembering their beloved former brewer by raising funds to support the next generation of brewers. The brewery established the Patrick Gangwer Apprentice Scholarship Fund in 2020 to honor the brewer, who passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer. Starting today and running through 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, Three Tigers is holding the Centaur Mug Auction, offering 19 Markgraf Clayworks handcrafted mugs for sale bearing Gangwer’s nickname and stylized visage. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the fund and made available to students pursuing a fermentation science degree at Hocking College in Nelsonville. Auction winners may pick up their mugs starting Saturday, Feb. 20 at the brewery taproom in Granville. To bid on a Centaur mug and support the scholarship fund, go to auction.threetigersbrewing.com
SOUTHWEST
16 Lots Brewing co-owner Del Hall started his famous Lenten fast in 2019, eating no food and getting all his sustenance from beer alone from Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday. The practice dates back to the 17th century when, with the blessing of the pope, German Paulaner monks subsisted on their home-brewed doppelbock for the 40 days of Lent. Hall didn’t require the approval of a higher authority before undertaking his fast (besides some advice from his doctor), but he did decide to parlay the publicity surrounding this year’s fast to help the community. Hall is partnering with local breweries, bars and restaurants to promote Sgt. Del’s Virtual Tip Jar, a fundraiser providing monetary assistance to Cincinnati-area hospitality employees impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Hall aims to raise $50,000 to distribute to people in need this year. To find out how your brewery, bar or restaurant can help, or to donate and follow Hall’s journey, follow him on Instagram at instagram.com/sgtdel
WEST CENTRAL
A lot of us are picking up new hobbies and pursuing new interests during our stay-at-home time during the pandemic. Maybe you’re reading more, or doing jigsaw puzzles, or knitting or learning to play the trombone. If you’re still in need of a new hobby, Star City Brewing in Miamisburg wants to help you learn how to brew beer. Star City will offer a four-class course starting on Saturday, March 13 with sessions covering beer styles and brewing methods, all-grain brewing, and ingredients and recipe development. The final session on Saturday, May 1 will include a hands-on brew day at the Star City brew house where students will apply what they’ve learned throughout the course. “Tuition” is just $60 and includes a beer at each session and lunch on the final brew day. Get full details at facebook.com/starcitybrewingcompany