Great Lakes Brewing News Archive

Ohio Beer News

Originally Published: 10/97

By Rhona Cadenhead

Here it is the day that the paper is due to go to the printer and we have no information for the column! Such is life in the "brewspaper" world. If you think you have the ability to send in a timely piece on the brewing scene in the great state of Ohio, give us a call and tell us why you're the right person for the job.

Although I'm not a resident of Ohio, I made some calls to get information for our readers. I apologize to those breweries who are not mentioned and can only say that by the next issue, our new writer will have his/her article submitted on time. I would also like to add that I don't know what you Ohio residents have in your water supply, but everyone I spoke with was very friendly and unusually energetic! (It was the beer. -Ed.)

Ohio Brewing Company offers a wide selection of foods, ranging from Cajun to Southwest to burgers. After enjoying some Jambalaya or Shrimp etoufée, you'll need to quench your thirst with one of Ohio Brewing Company's mouth watering brews. Some of your choices include: Steel Valley Stout, a full-bodied dry Irish Stout with a nice roasty flavor; a malty, medium- to full-bodied amber colored Fest ale; and Verich Gold, a light refreshing Kölsch style ale. The selection continues with OBC's salute to their home state--Cardinal Ale. Named after the state bird, Cardinal Ale is a nice stepping stone beer for those of you who are still a little timid. It is a caramel-flavored and lightly hopped. Buckeye Brown Ale, named after Ohio's state tree, is a smooth, medium-bodied, northern English style brown ale with chocolate undertones. OBC also offers Alt-Ernative Amber and an unfiltered ruby-colored Cherry Wheat Ale. Halloween is coming and you will certainly be able to find a treat or two--Pumpkin Spice Ale is coming. The Ohio Brewing Company is the only brewpub in the Mahoning Valley and can be found across from the Eastwood Mall in Niles, on Rte. 422.

Maumee Bay Brewing Cowelcomes you to their 275 seat brewpub. As you grab a seat at the second floor copper-top bar, you will find Buckeye Boys Blond, Broadway Pale Ale, High-level Lager, Boyer Brown, Oliver House Porter, and of course--Oktoberfest. Maumee's second annual Oktoberfest was re-introduced September 19th and is a big hit with their patrons. While at Maumee's you can play pool, shop in their gift shop, and select some beer to go (growlers, 12 oz, 22 oz and kegs). Denny, the kindest phone voice I've encountered, said Maumee's has off-premise bottle accounts, so feel free to enjoy one of Maumee's beers at your local Toledo watering hole.

Wallaby's Grille and Brewpub is still offering public stock to all Ohio residents, at $5/share. Wallaby's Great White Wheat is accounting for about 1/3 of its brewpub sales. Riding right in its heels is Big Red Roo, a strong English style red. Other offerings include: Ayer's Rock; Croco Pale Ale; Canberra Cream Ale; and Alexander's Apricot Ale, named in honor of Brad Unruh's new son. Congratulations Brad! Wallaby's is planning an Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 15th at the brewpub, so don't miss out on the music, beers and prize giveaways!

On the homebrewing front, Leener's Brew Works has expanded their home-brewing retail operation to include manufacturing and wholesale sales of service and gift shop items for the craft brewery industry. Custom made sampling paddles for beer tasting presentation are available in 3 4, and 6 glass designs. The paddles are finished hardwood and can be customized.