Ohio Brewery News
07.07.2023
Simply Having a Wonderful July
Thirsty Dog‘s iconic 12 Dogs of Christmas ale got its annual summer release on July 1, the earliest acceptable date for a Christmas in July theme, but who’s going to be the first brewery to put their winter warmer out in June, or even May? Or maybe an intrepid brewer will launch their holiday ale in the summer and just keep pushing it until year’s end, ensuring they’ll be first to market in October? Who’s the true maverick who will make their spicy seasonal into a year-round flagship? If any state can support bold moves like these, it’s Ohio, where our adoration of Christmas ales knows no bounds.
In honor of northeast Ohio’s signature ale, here’s a probably not comprehensive list of Christmas in July events in the Akron/Canton area this month.
Nochebuena
Muskellunge Brewing Company‘s owner/brewer Frank Estremera is throwing a Puerto Rican Christmas in July party this Saturday, July 8 at the brewery taproom in downtown Canton. Not only will he tap his delicious winter warmer, Striped Bass Xmas Ale, but Frank is also cooking up a traditional Puerto Rican holiday feast. Move over ham, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole… make way for savory roasted pork, arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pasteles de yuca, a tamale-like combination of adobo seasoned pork surrounded by cassava dough and wrapped in banana leaves. And because no holiday party is complete without a dessert table, there’ll also be tres leches cake to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If all that made you hungry – and thirsty for some great beer to pair with these killer flavors – make sure to stop by Muskellunge this Saturday. Details at facebook.com/muskybrewco
12 Cats of Christmas
Codex Brewing is teaming up with local pet shelter Pawsitive Hope for a very special Christmas in July event on Wednesday, July 12. Not only is owner/brewer Jason Gasper-Hulvat brewing up something special for the event – no peeking… it’s a Christmas in July surprise! – but Pawsitive Hope will have adorable cats and dogs on site that you can adopt on the spot. Give yourself an early holiday gift and give these animals the best gift of all: a forever home!
Get more details at facebook.com/codexbrewing
Visions of Fireworks Danced Through Their Heads
Lockport Brewery is extending the Christmas in July fun over three nights this month. Festivities kick off in the Bolivar brewpub on Wednesday, July 12 with the tapping of Cheer Beer, Lockport’s strong, spiced winter warmer ale. On Saturday, July 15, in the leadup to that evenings Sparks of Giving community fireworks display for charity, Lockport will donate 15% of their sales to the Tusky Valley Affordable Christmas program. Finally, on Friday, July 21, the brewery will host their official Christmas in July luau, adding a distinctly summer twist to the yuletide – or should that be Juletide? – festivities.
Find out more at facebook.com/lockportbeer
…and to all a Good Night!
Later this month, be sure to check out Christmas in July celebrations at these Summit, Stark and Medina county breweries as well (click links below for details):
McArthur’s Brew House (Cuyahoga Falls) – July 20-23
Aeonian Brewing Co. (Alliance) – July 22
Paradigm Shift Brewing (Massillon) – July 22
Wrecking Crew Brew Works, Medina Brewing and MAD Brewing (Medina) – July 22
R. Shea Brewing – Canal Place (Akron) – July 23
Eighty-Three Brewing (Akron) – July 25 [details forthcoming]