First off we have the big one: Columbus Brewing Company
You will see their Pale Ale, 90 Shilling Ale, Ohio Honey Wheat and Apricot Ale in many local grocery stores. These are all quality examples of the style and tasty offerings, but to quench the thirst of your inner beer geek you need to go to the brewpub. Here you will find many pub exclusive selections. I have had the privilege of trying their Barleywine on two occasions and it never disappoints. It is by far their best and not a style you see many places these days.
Next we have Barley's
As you can probably tell from the picture, Barley's has two locations. One of these (Alehouse #1) is in the Short North right on High Street, and the other (Barley's Smokehouse) is on Riverside Driver near Grandview. Both are excellent places to enjoy a pint and a good meal as well. What makes Barley's stand out above the others is that they are constantly trying new recipes and styles. Combine that with the fact that they have a happy hour which allows most of their offerings at $3.50 a pint and you will be able to sample a couple of the reasons why Barley's will work its way into your routine. They are constantly updating their website with the draft selections of the moment. Watch for new styles and old favorites to pop up all throughout the year. I strongly recommend the Pint O' Joe coffee stout and the Hoptopus. Barley's also offers a weekly tapping of a "Firkin," several cask conditioned ales and a couple of nitro selections as well. Another feature that makes Barley's a great place to get a beer education is the events that are hosted at either location. The smokehouse location offers a couple of events coming up soon. On May 2nd a "real ale fest" will be held, featuring not only selections from Barley's, but selections from microbreweries from all over. At $25 a ticket and having the opportunity to try some truly great beer it can't be beat! For all of you Hopheads out there, June brings Barley's Hop-IPA-looza. Barley's has reserved some of the hoppiest beers around for this event and it is a must attend event!
The third stop is Elevator Brewing
Elevator is a company that seems to be gaining in popularity. Sandwiched in between the Short North and Arena Distract they offer a unique location for your post Blue Jackets game or concert festivities. You will also find their selections on tap at locally owned businesses (Red Door Tavern in Grandview comes to mind). I also recently saw their Dark Horse Lager bottled and for sale at Palmer's on Indianola! This is definitely a company to keep an eye on as they continue to offer their unique take on many popular styles.
I know I initially said that I would only talk about three Columbus Brewpubs and I am sticking to that! I cannot however write this post without offering up my favorite brewpub of the moment. You have to take a bit of a trip, but it will be worth it! Jackie O's in Athens is in a word amazing.
Does the phrase Imperial Double Chocolate Oatmeal stout get your mouth watering? It did for me. After hearing about this beer I made a special trip to Athens just to try it out. It was well worth it. The beer in question was a seasonal offering and was tasty indeed however it was the other beer I had at Jackie O's that convinced me this place is for real. Jackie O's offers a beer called "Razz Wheat" it is as you would assume a Raspberry Wheat Ale. Normally the raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, snozberry, etc. beer selections don't get me too excited. This one on the other hand was the perfect balance you would want, the perfect aroma, mouthfeel and most importantly taste. Just writing this post makes me want to make another trip down right now! Jackie O's offers many rotating selections and a few signature brews (like the Razz Wheat) are available year round. Please do yourself a favor and check this place out the next time you are in Athens (or sitting around in Columbus on a Saturday afternoon trying to think of something to do).
This project brought to you by the Columbus Social Media Cafe
