Ohio Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Buckeye State
Ohio boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with a wide variety of breweries and styles. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers, Ohio’s breweries offer something for every beer enthusiast.
Whether you’re exploring the breweries of Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus, Ohio’s craft beer landscape is rich with exceptional brews.
Here are ten of the best Ohio beers you absolutely must try.
1. Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s “Edmund Fitzgerald Porter”
Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Edmund Fitzgerald Porter is a classic and beloved beer in Ohio.
- Style: Porter
- ABV: 6.0%
- Description: Robust and rich with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt, this porter is both smooth and full-bodied.
2. BrewDog’s “Punk IPA”
BrewDog’s Punk IPA is a standout beer known for its bold hop character.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 5.6%
- Description: Juicy and aromatic with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and a balanced bitterness.
3. Fat Head’s Brewery’s “Headhunter IPA”
Fat Head’s Headhunter IPA is a popular choice for hop lovers.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 7.5%
- Description: Intense hop flavors with notes of pine, grapefruit, and a touch of caramel sweetness.
4. Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery’s “Black Maple”
Jackie O’s Black Maple is a rich and flavorful stout.
- Style: Stout
- ABV: 10.0%
- Description: Full-bodied and complex with flavors of maple syrup, coffee, and chocolate.
5. Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s “B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher”
Hoppin’ Frog Brewery’s B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher is a bold imperial stout with a strong character.
- Style: Imperial Stout
- ABV: 9.4%
- Description: Rich and robust with notes of roasted malt, coffee, and dark chocolate.
6. Columbus Brewing Co.’s “Columbus IPA”
Columbus Brewing Co.’s Columbus IPA is a well-crafted beer with a strong hop presence.
- Style: IPA
- ABV: 6.5%
- Description: Aromatic and hoppy with flavors of pine, citrus, and a balanced malt profile.
7. Rivertown Brewing Co.’s “Hala Kahiki”
Rivertown Brewing Co.’s Hala Kahiki is a unique fruit beer with a tropical twist.
- Style: Fruit Beer
- ABV: 5.0%
- Description: Refreshing and fruity with flavors of pineapple and a touch of sweetness.
8. Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.’s “Old Leghumper”
Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.’s Old Leghumper is a robust and flavorful brown ale.
- Style: Brown Ale
- ABV: 6.5%
- Description: Nutty and malty with notes of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts.
9. Platform Beer Co.’s “Julius”
Platform Beer Co.’s Julius is a popular New England-style IPA.
- Style: New England IPA
- ABV: 6.8%
- Description: Juicy and hazy with flavors of orange juice, mango, and a smooth, fruity finish.
10. Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s “Christmas Ale”
Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Christmas Ale is a seasonal favorite that captures the holiday spirit.
- Style: Winter Ale
- ABV: 7.5%
- Description: Spicy and warming with flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flagship beer of Great Lakes Brewing Co.?
Answer: Edmund Fitzgerald Porter is a classic porter known for its robust flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt.
What makes BrewDog’s Punk IPA stand out?
Answer: Punk IPA is known for its bold hop character, featuring juicy tropical fruit and citrus flavors.
What are the key characteristics of Fat Head’s Headhunter IPA?
Answer: Headhunter IPA is characterized by intense hop flavors with notes of pine, grapefruit, and caramel sweetness.
What distinguishes Jackie O’s Black Maple?
Answer: Black Maple is a rich stout with complex flavors of maple syrup, coffee, and chocolate.
What is unique about Rivertown Brewing Co.’s Hala Kahiki?
Answer: Hala Kahiki is a fruit beer with refreshing pineapple flavors and a touch of sweetness.
Summary
Ohio’s craft beer scene is diverse and vibrant, offering a wide range of exceptional brews.
These top picks represent some of the best beers Ohio has to offer. Enjoy discovering the rich and flavorful world of Ohio’s craft beer!