Cleveland, OH Local Craft Beer Guide
Navigating the Best Brews of the City
Cleveland, Ohio is establishing itself as a beacon for craft beer aficionados. Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, this midwestern city boasts a vibrant brewery scene that reflects its rich history and a growing appetite for locally crafted ales. Over the years, breweries have played a significant role in Cleveland's cultural renaissance, with institutions like Great Lakes Brewing Company leading the charge as the city's craft beer pioneer.
Visitors and locals alike are treated to an eclectic range of breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. Seasonal brews like the renowned Great Lakes Christmas Ale have become eagerly anticipated, while steadfast offerings such as the Burning River IPA consistently impress with their bold tastes and quality. With the plethora of options, the Cleveland brewery tour has become a must-do for those wanting to delve into the world of hops and malt firsthand.
Cleveland's breweries are more than just places to enjoy a pint; they are community hubs where creativity and camaraderie pour as freely as the beer. From the seasoned brewpubs that honor Cleveland's brewing traditions to the innovative taprooms fostering experimental styles, the city's craft beer guide is an ever-expanding mosaic of flavors well worth exploring.
Cleveland's Brewing Heritage
Cleveland, located in the state of Ohio, rests on the shores of Lake Erie and straddles the Cuyahoga River. This city's brewing heritage is as rich and robust as the beers it crafts. Ohio City, one of Cleveland's most vibrant neighborhoods, emerged as a brewery district in the 1980s, helping to lead a nascent craft beer movement.
In the mid-1800s, Cleveland's first breweries were founded, and over time, the industry flourished due to a surge in demand from the region's growing European immigrant population. These breweries capitalized on the access to pure water from Lake Erie and the ice-cut from the frozen Cuyahoga River, critical for pre-refrigeration era brewing and storage.
The craft beer scene in Cleveland today stands on the shoulders of this historical legacy, merging traditional methods with innovative craftmanship. A nod to its past is the Great Lakes Brewing Company, the city's pioneering craft brewery founded in 1986. It has become known not only for its fine beers but also for embodying the authentic spirit of Cleveland's beer culture.
Notable Local Breweries
Great Lakes Brewing Co. Platform Beer Co. Masthead Brewing Co.
With the craft beer renaissance of the late 20th century, Cleveland's beer scene experienced a remarkable upswing. The multifaceted beer scene reflects a deep respect for brewing traditions, underpinned by a constant pursuit of innovation. This respect is palpable at brewhouses across the city, where patrons can enjoy an array of styles from hoppy IPAs to traditional lagers, each telling a story of Cleveland's proud brewing heritage.
Notable Cleveland Breweries
Cleveland, Ohio, is home to a bustling craft beer scene with various notable breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. From established brands that put Cleveland on the craft beer map to innovative nano breweries and friendly brewpubs, there's a rich tapestry of options for any beer enthusiast.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Great Lakes Brewing Company is often hailed as the original catalyst of the craft beer movement in Cleveland. Located in the Ohio City neighborhood, this brewery is famous for its Dortmunder Gold Lager and seasonal Great Lakes Christmas Ale. Their brewery tours are highly regarded, making this spot a must-visit for beer lovers.
Masthead Brewing Co
Established in 2017, Masthead Brewing Co has quickly risen in the ranks with its wide selection of brews. Situated on Superior Avenue, Masthead is known for staple offerings like their Single Origin Coffee Stout and a rotating tap list that keeps locals and visitors constantly engaged.
Platform Beer Co
Platform Beer Co has made a name for itself with its innovative brewing approaches and varied beer offerings, gaining a loyal following in the region. With a trendy taproom to match their creative brews, Platform is a contemporary fixture in Cleveland's beer landscape.
Brewpubs and Taprooms
Ohio City is a hotspot for brewpubs and taprooms, each providing their own unique spin on craft beer culture. Market Garden Brewery boasts a diverse beer selection along with local cuisine, while Noble Beast Brewing impresses with its meticulously crafted ales and lagers. Butcher and the Brewer offers a gastronomic experience with their house-made beers and charcuterie (What wine goes well with charcuterie?).
Nano Breweries and Startups
The Cleveland brewing scene is also nurturing a growing number of nano breweries and startups. Bookhouse Brewing features cozy ambiance paired with artisanal brews, and Sibling Revelry Brewing takes a family-centric approach to their inventive beers. For beer enthusiasts interested in the ground floor of the Cleveland craft beer movement, these spots are exciting places to explore.
Craft Beer Varietals and Styles
Cleveland's craft beer scene is renowned for its diversity and quality, with a variety of styles that cater to every palate. The city's breweries have perfected traditional brews while also experimenting with modern twists.
Lagers
Lagers in Cleveland range from light and crisp to dark and robust. One notable local variant is the Schwarzbier, a darker, maltier lager that offers a smooth taste. Great Lakes Brewing Company features a Dortmunder Gold Lager, while other breweries may have their own take on this easy-to-drink style that often showcases a balance of hops and malts.
IPAs
India Pale Ales (IPAs) dominate Cleveland's craft beer offerings, with variations that include the popular Burning River IPA and the Canopy Crusher IPA. These beers are typically hop-forward, ranging from the classic bitterness of traditional IPAs to the fruity and juicy flavors found in Hazy IPAs. Each IPA brings its own unique set of hops and brewing techniques to the forefront.
Stouts
For those who adore a richer, more indulgent beer, Cleveland's stouts do not disappoint. Locals and visitors alike seek out these full-bodied beers with their signature dark, roasted malt flavors. Whether it's a traditional stout or a more experimental version with notes of coffee or chocolate, breweries in the area masterfully create stouts that are both hearty and satisfying.
Special and Seasonal Brews
Seasonal beers like the Great Lakes Christmas Ale reflect the city's love for unique and timely flavors. Breweries often release these special brews to highlight seasonal ingredients or to celebrate local events and traditions. Lake Erie Sunset Blood Orange American Wheat is an example of how local breweries incorporate fresh, seasonal flavors to create refreshing and memorable beers.
The Art of Brewing
In Cleveland's dynamic craft beer scene, the art of brewing is taken seriously, with a focus on local ingredients, precise brewing processes, and an unwavering commitment to quality and craft.
Local Ingredients
Cleveland's breweries, such as Great Lakes Brewing Company and Noble Beast Brewing Company, showcase a dedication to sourcing local ingredients. These breweries often highlight Ohio's agricultural richness, incorporating hops, barley, and other natural ingredients where possible, thereby supporting local farmers and the regional economy. This not only contributes to a fresher flavor profile but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Brewing Processes
Distinct brewing processes are at the heart of Cleveland's brew culture. Great Lakes Brewing Company, known for seasonals like their Christmas Ale, emphasizes traditional techniques, while Noble Beast Brewing Company experiments with modern approaches to flavor and fermentation. Breweries employ a variety of methods including barrel aging, dry hopping, and secondary fermentation, aiming to extract unique flavors and aromas from their natural ingredients. Spent grain, a byproduct of brewing, is often repurposed, reflecting the breweries' commitment to sustainability.
Quality and Craft
Quality control is paramount in the Cleveland craft beer community. Brewmasters rigorously test each batch for consistency and flavor, ensuring each pint meets their high standards of excellence. Craft beer enthusiasts will note that these breweries are not just businesses, but laboratories for beverage artistry, where precision and attention to detail create distinctive beer experiences. This pursuit of craft results in a portfolio of beers that are as diverse as Cleveland itself, with a range of profiles suitable for every palate.
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Cleveland's craft beer scene is vibrant, with a host of tours and tastings to sample the city's finest brews. From exclusive access to hand-selected breweries to award-winning pilsners and IPAs, enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the beer-making process and enjoy the fruits of brewing labor.
Tour Experiences
Brewery tours in Cleveland offer guests a behind-the-scenes look at the production of their favorite drinks. Cleveland Brew Tours provides an unforgettable experience, granting visitors entry to the inner workings of prominent breweries. Tour-goers can expect to see the intricate process behind beer creation, from mashing to fermentation. Notably, the Bryant Building is a common stop for its historic charm and modern brewing techniques.
Great Lakes Brewing Company: Known for their extensive tour, showcasing their renowned seasonal and classic beers.
Collision Bend Brewing Company: Offers picturesque views of the Cuyahoga River during its tour, complementing the brewing insights with an unforgettable visual experience.
Tasting Room Offerings
The tasting rooms in Cleveland's breweries are where the senses meet the craft of brewing. They serve as an intimate setting where one can taste the nuances of each brew.
Public Pilsner: Often found in tasting rooms, it is a crowd-pleaser with its crisp and refreshing taste, embodying award-winning quality.
Exclusive Selections: Tasting rooms often feature limited-edition brews that are not available elsewhere, giving visitors a unique tasting opportunity.
Visitors should look forward to:
Rotating Tap Lists: Breweries frequently update their offerings to include new and seasonal brews.
Informative Staff: Brewery staff are typically passionate about their craft and can offer in-depth knowledge about the beer styles on offer.
Each tour and tasting room in Cleveland provides an individual experience, reflecting the distinctive personality of the brewery. Whether one seeks education on the brewing process or the enjoyment of a finely crafted ale, Cleveland’s local breweries deliver with excellence and authenticity.
Dining and Beer Pairing
Cleveland's craft beer scene offers an indulgent blend of flavors that complement the city's diverse culinary offerings. Local breweries and restaurants skillfully pair their brews with dishes designed to enhance both the food and beer experience.
Gastronomy at Breweries
Several breweries in Cleveland take gastronomy as seriously as their beer. These establishments feature menus with dishes crafted to elevate the tasting experience of their brews. Noble Beast Brewing Co., for example, stands out for pairing innovative food with their beer selection. The harmony between bold flavors in their beers and the savory notes of dishes like schnitzel creates a balanced and enriching culinary experience.
Noble Beast Brewing Co.
Beer: Robust porters, hop-forward IPAs
Food Pairing: Schnitzel with a crisp lager or an IPA to cut through the richness
Beer With a Bite
For a more casual pairing, Clevelanders often turn to classic comfort foods like pizza (What wine goes well with pizza?) and sandwiches that are a natural match for a cold pint. Enthusiasts can enjoy a slice of pizza with a light pale ale or a hearty sandwich accompanied by a darker stout, depending on individual preference.
Pizza Pairings:
Beer: Pale ales, session IPAs
Pizza: Margherita, pepperoni
Sandwich Pairings:
Beer: Stouts, brown ales
Sandwich: Reuben, club sandwich
Cleveland breweries and restaurants have mastered the art of food and beer pairings, ensuring visitors can enjoy the full spectrum of flavors the city's craft beer scene has to offer.
Cleveland's Beer Scene and Culture
Cleveland's beer scene thrives on a diverse and rapidly expanding craft beer culture, complemented by an array of events and a vibrant nightlife that welcomes both locals and visitors alike.
Events and Festivals
Cleveland plays host to numerous beer-centric events and festivals throughout the year. One key event is Cleveland Beer Week, which showcases a wide variety of craft beers from local breweries through tastings, dinner pairings, and educational events. Another notable gathering is the Great Lakes Burning River Fest, celebrating the community, local music, and craft beer from Great Lakes Brewing Company and other local craft breweries.
Nightlife and Entertainment
The nightlife in Cleveland is enhanced by the numerous breweries that offer more than just great beer. Many offer trivia nights, creating a spirited and engaging atmosphere. Establishments such as Masthead Brewing Company intertwine Cleveland's sports culture with the craft beer experience, providing large screens for patrons to watch and celebrate Cleveland sports triumphs. The beer scene is not just about the beverages; it's often dog-friendly, with places like Terrestrial Brewing welcoming furry friends, especially on their spacious outdoor patios.
Beer Shopping and Merchandise
Cleveland is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts looking to purchase the latest local brews or bring home a piece of their favorite brewery. From specialized stores to on-site brewery shops, the city caters to both casual buyers and dedicated collectors.
Local Beer Shops
Warehouse Beverage is a standout destination for craft beer lovers in Cleveland. Known for its extensive selection, this store offers a variety of local and imported beers, including sought-after meads for those with a taste for the honeyed drink. The knowledgeable staff at Warehouse Beverage can guide customers through their choices to ensure they find the perfect brew.
Location: Conveniently located for easy access.
Inventory: A broad range of beers and meads, appealing to diverse preferences.
Brewery Merchandise
Many Cleveland breweries complement their drink selections with an array of branded merchandise. These items are not just souvenirs but a way for patrons to show support for their favorite local breweries. Southern Tier, for example, provides its followers with a variety of logo-bearing apparel and accessories.
Product Types: T-shirts, hats, glassware, and other collectibles.
Availability: Often sold on-site at breweries, as well as occasionally online for wider accessibility.
Note: The inventory and availability of merchandise can vary by season or demand, so visitors are encouraged to check with individual breweries for the latest offerings.
Community and Sustainability
Within Cleveland's vibrant craft beer scene, community engagement and environmental responsibility are served alongside quality ales and lagers. Breweries like Forest City Brewery aren't just pouring drinks; they engage in sustainable practices and support local initiatives, embodying the spirit of Cleveland's historical moniker, "Forest City."
The Jolly Scholar, operating on a local college campus, fosters a sense of community by bringing together students, faculty, and residents over craft beer, contributing to Cleveland's sense of togetherness.
In St. Clair Superior’s Hub 55 complex, sustainability takes center stage with initiatives that marry economic development with ecological mindfulness. These breweries often source ingredients locally, further supporting regional agriculture and reducing transportation emissions.
The cleanup and restoration efforts of the Cuyahoga River have encouraged breweries in the area to participate in water resource management, conserving the source that is not only vital to their brew but also to the community's well-being.
Breweries in Northeast Ohio reflect a collective ethos of caring for their environmental footprint. Their endeavors contribute to a more sustainable future in the region, continuously enhancing green practices that support the planet.
These breweries ensure that each pint not only tastes good but also does good, fostering Cleveland's community and laying the groundwork for a sustainable legacy.
