What's in the beer fridge: Midwest Edition
It’s time for another installment of “What’s in the beer fridge?” and this time it’s a special Ohio edition, thanks to my father-in-law, Duane.
One of my favorite things to do while traveling in the United States is trying local beer. Almost any city in America has, or is at least near, a terrific brewery that has new and exciting beers to try. The problem is that when you get home it can be impossible to find these brews.
For example, my wife and I visit travel to Cincinnati several times a year to visit her family. One of my favorite parts of these trips is investigating Chelsea’ stepdad’s beer fridge (which inspired my own). It’s always packed with refreshing beers from Ohio breweries.
A peek into Duane’s beer fridge, affectionately named, “Norge”
But outside of one or two breweries, none of these beers are available on the west coast. I’ve never been bothered by this because I had something to look forward to when traveling to Ohio. But in this global pandemic, it seems uncertain when I will get to drink these beers next.
However, in an act of true love, Chelsea’s parents traveled across the country on a self-isolation road trip to stay with us for a month. Not only did they brave a cross-country drive, use a toilet in their car, and eat their weight in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but they also surprised us with a deliver of beer.
Here’s what’s in the beer fridge after an Ohioan refill:
Urban Artifact (cincinnati, Ohio)
Like I’ve mentioned before, we’re a sour beer family. Urban Artifact is a fairly new brewery. Founded in 2015, they’re located in the historic St. Patrick Catholic Church where they concoct delicious tart and sour ales. All of the Midwestern fruit tarts are delicious (although I prefer the ones that stick to a single fruit), but my favorite brews are their goses. The key lime gose is a dessert by itself and their dill pickle gose, while strange as it may seem, is the perfect pairing with salty snacks like popcorn and peanuts.
Great Lakes Brewing (CLEVELAND, Ohio)
If you’re from Ohio, then you should be acquainted with Great Lakes Brewing. Not only do they have what I think is arguably the best Christmas ale, they have a terrific porter and amber lager. Duane only brought one beer, the Burning River pale ale, from Great Lakes out to the West Coast but it’s perfect for summer. And if you ever want more Great Lakes, I've found Belgian Style Ales will ship to the West Coast.
Rhinegeist (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Rhinegeist is my favorite brewery in Cincinnati. I enjoy the variety of their beers and am a sucker for their branding. Bubbles and Cheetah are summer favorites of mine, perfect choices when I’m not in the mood for an IPA. Whiffle and Mathlete were new beers to me.
I’m on a big witbier kick after drinking Allagash White after Allagash White and having a secondary Belgian-style wheat is perfect to me. As for Mathlete, I’ve never had a low cal IPA before. I enjoy the fun name and stylish aesthetic on the can, but low cal IPAs are simply not my cup of tea. I suppose it’s great to have in the fridge for someone who likes them!
Madtree Brewing (Cincinnati, Ohio)
MadTree is the Cincinnati brewery that I’m least familiar with but learning more about with each taste. I was excited that Duane brought Lift, which is their Kölsch style ale, especially after my friend Mitch recommended it. In addition, I found their IPA very pleasant with a good blend of citrus notes and a slightly malty finish.
Until next time!
