Columbus, Ohio boasts a thriving craft beer scene that has gained national recognition in recent years. The city’s breweries showcase innovative flavors and techniques while honoring traditional brewing methods. Visitors and locals alike can explore over 50 craft breweries in the greater Columbus area, offering a diverse range of beer styles and tasting experiences.
Beer enthusiasts can embark on the Columbus Ale Trail, a self-guided tour of local breweries that rewards participants with exclusive merchandise. Many breweries feature taprooms where guests can sample flights, enjoy pints, and often pair their drinks with locally-sourced food offerings. Some establishments also provide brewery tours, giving patrons insight into the brewing process and the stories behind their favorite beers.
The Columbus craft beer community is known for its collaborative spirit, with brewers often working together on special releases and events. This camaraderie contributes to the vibrant atmosphere found in the city’s brewing districts, such as the Short North, Franklinton, and German Village. Whether seeking hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or experimental sours, beer lovers will find plenty to savor in Ohio’s capital city.
History of Craft Beer in Columbus
Columbus has a rich brewing heritage dating back over 200 years. The city’s beer scene has evolved from early German-influenced breweries to a thriving craft beer culture today.
Established Breweries
Columbus’ brewing history began in the early 19th century. Hoster Brewing Company, founded in 1836, became one of the city’s most prominent breweries. It produced popular lagers and ales until Prohibition forced its closure in 1919.
The Columbus Brewing Company, established in 1988, helped revive the local brewing tradition. It became one of the first modern craft breweries in the city, paving the way for future ventures.
Other notable early breweries included Born and Schlee, which contributed to Columbus’ reputation as a beer town in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Rise of Craft Brews
The craft beer renaissance in Columbus gained momentum in the 2010s. New breweries opened rapidly, catering to growing consumer demand for unique, flavorful beers.
Olentangy River Brewing, founded in 2018, exemplifies the recent wave of craft breweries. It focuses on creating innovative beers while fostering a sense of community.
Local beer enthusiasts played a crucial role in supporting and promoting the craft beer movement. Their passion helped drive the expansion of taprooms and brewpubs across the city.
By 2024, Columbus boasted over 30 craft breweries, earning recognition as the third-best beer city in the US by USA Today 10Best.
Guide to Columbus Breweries
Columbus boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries scattered across the city and surrounding areas. From downtown hotspots to suburban gems, beer enthusiasts can explore a diverse range of styles and flavors throughout Ohio’s capital.
Downtown and Short North
North High Brewing stands out as a popular destination in the Short North district. This brewery offers a wide selection of craft beers, including their signature IPAs and seasonal brews. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of their taproom or join a brew-your-own-beer session.
Barley’s Brewing Company, located downtown, has been a Columbus staple since 1992. Known for their traditional ales and lagers, Barley’s also features a full-service restaurant. Their Centennial IPA and Blood Thirst Wheat are local favorites.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing combines excellent craft beer with upscale dining. Their downtown location showcases an impressive lineup of year-round and seasonal beers, complemented by a menu of locally-sourced dishes.
Franklinton and Grandview
Land-Grant Brewing Company has transformed a former factory in Franklinton into a spacious taproom and beer garden. Their core lineup includes the popular 1862 Ale and Stiff-Arm IPA. The brewery often hosts food trucks and community events.
Endeavor Brewing and Spirits in Grandview Heights offers both craft beer and artisanal spirits. Their diverse beer menu features styles from around the world, including Belgian-inspired ales and German lagers.
Zaftig Brewing Co. specializes in bold, high-alcohol beers. Located just outside Grandview, their taproom serves up popular brews like Too Cans IPA and Juicy Lucy Imperial IPA.
The Brewery District and German Village
The aptly named Brewery District is home to several craft beer establishments. Rockmill Tavern, an outpost of the Lancaster-based Rockmill Brewery, offers farmhouse-style ales in a cozy setting.
Sideswipe Brewing, tucked away in the Brewery District, produces a range of ales with unique flavor profiles. Their Fisticuffs IPA and Coop Looter Saison are particularly popular among locals.
In nearby German Village, Parsons North Brewing Company combines a laid-back atmosphere with a rotating selection of house-brewed beers. Their dog-friendly patio is a hit during warmer months.
Surrounding Suburbs
Seventh Son Brewing in Italian Village has gained a strong following for their innovative beers. Their spacious taproom and patio provide a perfect setting to enjoy favorites like Humulus Nimbus Strong Pale Ale.
In Gahanna, Nostalgia Brewing offers a trip down memory lane with their retro-themed taproom and beers named after pop culture references. Their Breakfast Club Stout and Pretty in Pink Berliner Weisse are must-tries.
Combustion Brewery in Pickerington impresses with their diverse beer lineup and wood-fired pizzas. The spacious taproom and outdoor seating area make it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Columbus Brewery Highlights
Columbus boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These local establishments offer unique flavors, inviting atmospheres, and award-winning brews that showcase the city’s brewing talent.
Land-Grant Brewing Company
Land-Grant Brewing Company has established itself as a Columbus favorite. Located in the historic Franklinton neighborhood, this production brewery and taproom has earned accolades from local publications. Land-Grant was named “Top Columbus Brewery” in 2021 and 2022 by Columbus Underground, and “Best Local Brewery 2023” by 614 Magazine.
The brewery’s spacious taproom features a rotating selection of beers on draft. Land-Grant is known for its creative seasonal releases and core lineup of ales and lagers. Visitors can enjoy their drinks in the industrial-chic interior or the outdoor beer garden when weather permits.
Land-Grant also hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music performances. Food trucks often park outside, offering tasty pairings for the brewery’s beers.
Seventh Son Brewing Co
Seventh Son Brewing Co has become a staple of the Columbus beer scene since opening in 2013. The brewery occupies a renovated garage in the Italian Village neighborhood, creating a unique industrial-meets-cozy atmosphere.
Seventh Son specializes in hop-forward ales and creative small-batch brews. Their flagship American Strong Ale, also called Seventh Son, has gained a devoted following. The taproom features a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental beers alongside their core offerings.
The brewery’s large patio is a popular spot for gatherings in warmer months. Seventh Son hosts various events throughout the year, including beer releases and collaborations with local artists and businesses.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing combines craft beer expertise with culinary excellence. This downtown brewery and restaurant has earned praise for both its brews and its food menu. Wolf’s Ridge offers a diverse selection of beers, ranging from traditional styles to innovative creations.
The brewery’s taproom provides a more casual setting to sample their beers. Visitors can try flights or pints while enjoying views of the brewing equipment. Wolf’s Ridge is known for its barrel-aged offerings and seasonal releases.
The attached restaurant serves elevated American cuisine designed to pair well with their beers. Wolf’s Ridge also offers brewery tours, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process and philosophy.
Craft Beer Varieties and Selections
Columbus boasts an impressive array of craft beer options, from reliable staples to innovative seasonal brews and limited releases. Local breweries showcase their creativity and skill through diverse styles and flavor profiles.
Staples and Seasonal Offerings
Columbus breweries maintain a solid lineup of year-round favorites. Popular styles include crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, and rich stouts. Many taprooms offer flights, allowing patrons to sample multiple beers.
Seasonal offerings reflect the changing Ohio weather. Light, refreshing wheat beers and fruited sours dominate summer menus. Fall brings pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest-style lagers. Winter sees the release of warming barrel-aged stouts and spiced ales.
Special Releases and Limited Editions
Local brewers frequently experiment with unique ingredients and brewing techniques. These special releases generate excitement among craft beer enthusiasts.
Limited edition brews often incorporate local flavors, such as Ohio-grown hops or fruits. Collaborations between breweries result in one-of-a-kind beers. Barrel-aged varieties, including those aged in bourbon or wine barrels, are highly sought after.
Many breweries host release events for these exclusive beers. Fans line up early to secure bottles or cans of rare brews. Some limited releases become annual traditions, eagerly anticipated by the Columbus craft beer community.
Columbus Beer Culture
Columbus boasts a vibrant and diverse beer culture that attracts enthusiasts from all walks of life. The city’s craft beer scene has flourished in recent years, offering unique flavors and experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Beer Events and Festivals
Columbus hosts several beer-centric events throughout the year. The Columbus Winter Beerfest showcases over 350 craft beers from local and national breweries. In summer, the Columbus Summer Ale Festival brings together beer lovers in a festive outdoor setting. The Ohio Craft Brew Festival, held annually at the North Market, highlights the state’s best brews. These events often feature live music, food pairings, and educational sessions on beer brewing techniques.
Local Beer Aficionados
Columbus has a passionate community of beer enthusiasts. The city’s World of Beer location serves as a hub for aficionados to explore new brews and share their knowledge. Kenny Road Market, a beloved bottle shop, offers a wide selection of craft beers and hosts regular tastings. Beer enthusiast groups organize meetups and brewery tours, fostering connections among like-minded individuals. Many local beer experts contribute to blogs, podcasts, and social media channels, sharing their insights on Columbus’ evolving beer landscape.
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Columbus offers diverse options for exploring its thriving craft beer scene through guided tours and self-guided trails. Visitors can experience behind-the-scenes brewery operations and sample unique local brews.
Guided Experiences
Several companies provide brewery tours in Columbus. Trolley Pub Columbus offers mobile pub crawls, allowing groups to pedal between breweries while enjoying drinks. Buckeye Brew Bus provides guided tours to multiple breweries in air-conditioned vehicles.
Land-Grant Brewing Company hosts 30-minute tours of their production facility on Saturdays. Visitors learn about the brewing process and sample beers afterward. Reservations are recommended.
Gemüt Biergarten offers guided tastings of their German-inspired beers. Knowledgeable staff explain the brewing methods and flavor profiles of each beer style.
Self-Guided Brewery Trails
The Columbus Ale Trail encourages beer enthusiasts to explore local breweries independently. Participants collect stamps in a “Brew Book” by visiting participating locations.
Endeavor Brewing participates in the Ale Trail. Visitors can try their rotating selection of experimental beers in the taproom.
The trail features 33 Franklin County breweries. Completing the trail earns participants a commemorative t-shirt, redeemable at The Ohio Taproom in Grandview Heights.
Many breweries offer self-guided tours during taproom hours. Informational displays and viewing windows provide insight into the brewing process.
Food and Drink Pairings
Columbus offers an exciting array of food and drink pairings for craft beer enthusiasts. Local breweries have embraced culinary experiences, creating perfect matches between their brews and delicious dishes.
Brewpubs and Eateries
Many Columbus breweries have expanded into full-fledged brewpubs, offering tasty food alongside their craft beers. Gemüt Biergarten, located in the historic Brewery District, pairs its German-style beers with authentic Bavarian cuisine. The brewery’s charming 19th-century building adds to the dining experience.
Land-Grant Brewing Company collaborates with popular local food trucks like Mikey’s and Ray Ray’s to provide diverse meal options. Their spacious taproom and beer gardens create an ideal setting for enjoying a burger with a house beer.
Beer and Food Truck Collaborations
Columbus’s craft beer scene thrives on partnerships between breweries and food trucks. These collaborations bring variety to brewery visitors and support local culinary businesses.
Hoof Hearted Brewing regularly hosts food trucks at their taproom, offering patrons a chance to pair their innovative beers with rotating food options. This setup allows guests to try different cuisines alongside their favorite brews.
During Columbus Craft Beer Week, many breweries create special food and beer pairings. Some even offer multi-course menus with suggested beer pairings, showcasing the versatility of craft beer in complementing various dishes.
Shopping for Craft Beer
Columbus offers numerous options for craft beer enthusiasts to purchase their favorite brews. From specialty stores to growler shops, the city caters to diverse tastes and preferences in the craft beer scene.
Local Retailers and Growler Shops
Perfect Pour Beverage Company stands out as a top choice for craft beer shopping in Columbus. Located in Dublin, this retailer offers an extensive selection of local and regional craft beers. Beer Zone and Palmer’s Beverage Center are also popular destinations for beer aficionados.
The Ohio Taproom, situated on West 3rd Avenue, specializes in Ohio-made craft beers. It features a rotating tap list and offers growler fills, allowing customers to take fresh draft beer home.
Growl, a local favorite, focuses on growler fills and craft beer sales. Their knowledgeable staff can help customers navigate the diverse beer options available.
Souvenirs and Merchandise
Many Columbus breweries and beer shops offer branded merchandise. T-shirts, glassware, and bottle openers are common souvenirs for craft beer enthusiasts.
Land-Grant Brewing Co. sells a range of branded items in their taproom. These products make great gifts or mementos for beer lovers visiting Columbus.
Bob’s Bar, known as “The Cultural Hub of the Midwest,” offers unique beer-related merchandise. Their selection often includes rare or limited edition items from various craft breweries.
Local bottle shops like The Bottle Shop and Hausfrau Haven also stock beer-themed gifts and accessories alongside their craft beer selections.
Local Craft Beer Community
Columbus boasts a vibrant and collaborative craft beer scene. Breweries and enthusiasts come together to share knowledge, resources, and a passion for quality brews.
Brewery Cooperatives
Several Columbus breweries have formed cooperative alliances to support each other’s growth. These partnerships allow smaller breweries to share equipment, ingredients, and distribution channels. Gemüt Biergarten, known for its German-style beers, participates in a cooperative that focuses on sourcing local hops and barley.
Combustion Brewery has joined forces with other craft brewers to create limited-edition collaborative brews. These unique offerings showcase the creative spirit of Columbus’s beer community.
Homebrewing and Craft Beer Education
Columbus embraces homebrewing culture with enthusiasm. Local homebrew supply shops offer classes and workshops for aspiring brewers. Brothers Drake Meadery, while primarily focused on mead, hosts sessions on fermentation techniques applicable to beer-making.
Several breweries, including Combustion Brewery, offer guided tours and tasting events to educate the public about craft beer styles and brewing processes. These educational initiatives foster a knowledgeable consumer base and inspire future brewers.
The Ohio Craft Brewers Association organizes annual events that bring together homebrewers and professional brewers to share ideas and techniques. These gatherings strengthen the bonds within Columbus’s craft beer community.
Sustainability and Innovation
Columbus craft breweries are leading the way in eco-friendly practices and creative beer offerings. Local brewers focus on reducing environmental impact while pushing the boundaries of flavor and brewing techniques.
Eco-Friendly Brewing Practices
Many Columbus breweries have adopted sustainable practices to minimize their carbon footprint. Forbidden Root uses energy-efficient equipment and recycles spent grains as animal feed. Getaway Brewing implements water conservation measures, reducing usage by up to 30% compared to traditional brewing methods.
Some breweries source ingredients locally, supporting Ohio farmers and reducing transportation emissions. Others have installed solar panels to power their operations. Recycling programs for cans, bottles, and packaging materials are now standard across the industry.
Experimental and Fusion Brews
Columbus brewers are known for their innovative approach to beer making. Hoof Hearted Brewery creates unique flavor combinations, like their popular mango-habanero IPA. Forbidden Root specializes in botanical beers, incorporating herbs, spices, and flowers into their recipes.
Getaway Brewing focuses on international styles, bringing global beer traditions to Columbus. They offer rotating taps featuring lesser-known styles from Europe and Asia.
Collaboration brews between local breweries and food artisans are becoming more common. These partnerships result in distinctive beers that showcase local ingredients and culinary expertise.
Map and Directory
Columbus boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous breweries scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas. Beer enthusiasts can easily locate these establishments using online maps and directories.
The Ohio Craft Brewers Association provides a comprehensive map tool on their website. This resource allows users to find open breweries nearby and view options for carry-out, delivery, and shipping.
For a broader view, the US Brewery Guide offers an Ohio brewery map and directory. This tool helps visitors discover breweries in Columbus and other cities across the state.
Columbus itself is home to 39 craft breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. These establishments can be found in various neighborhoods, providing ample opportunities for exploration.
Some popular Columbus breweries include:
- Garage Beer
- Wild Ohio Brewing Company
- Land-Grant Brewing Company
- Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
- Seventh Son Brewing Co.
Beer aficionados can also use websites like BeerAdvocate to find additional information on Columbus breweries, bars, and eateries specializing in craft beer.
