Sunday, December 23, 2018

Winter Warmer Fest Breweries Announced



CLEVELAND – The Ohio Craft Brewers Association released the list of participating breweries for the 13th Annual Winter Warmer Fest. 61 Ohio craft breweries will showcase their winter seasonal, limited-edition and high-gravity beers at Windows on the River on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 2-5 p.m. The total number of breweries is up five from 2018's sold-out event and features 11 first-time participants, reflective of the rapid growth of craft breweries in Ohio.

The Winter Warmer Fest is a fundraiser for the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, a non-profit organization founded to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry.

Winter Warmer Fest will once again feature a cask area with several breweries offering special infusions available only at the event. Many of the brewers will be on hand throughout the day to meet and talk with Ohio craft beer enthusiasts.


More than 60 Ohio breweries to feature seasonal, rare and strong beers.


Participating breweries (first-timers marked with*):

General admission tickets are available in advance for $45, which includes a souvenir glass and tasting tickets for 20 four-ounce samples. Early admission tickets are also available in advance for $55, granting admission at 1 p.m. Designated driver admission is available for $15 and includes a food voucher. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.beerfesttickets.com/winterwarmer2019

Attendees will enjoy a spirited entrance courtesy of 
Black Sheep Pipes & Drums, plus live music throughout the event from Austin Walkin’ Cane and Chris Allen. Four food trucks will be set-up on site: Fired Up Taco TruckThe Manna TruckScott’s Fire and Ice, and Slyman’s Tavern.

Winter Warmer Fest is supported by 
Boelter BeverageThe Country Malt GroupFrantz Ward, and Mosaic Employee Benefits. Winter Warmer Fest is also sponsored by the following Ohio craft breweries: Columbus Brewing Company, Fat Head’s Brewery, Great Lakes Brewing, Masthead Brewing Co., Muskellunge Brewing, Saucy Brew Works, Brick & Barrel, Butcher & the Brewer, MadTree Brewing, Platform Beer Co., The Phoenix Brewing Company, Royal Docks Brewing, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, The Brew Brothers, The Brew Kettle, Catawba Island Brewing, Cornerstone Brewing, Grainworks Brewing, Hansa Brewery, HiHO Brewing Co., Hofbrauhaus Cleveland, Hoppin’ Frog Brewery, Jackie O’s Brewery, Lucky Owl Brewing, Market Garden Brewery, Millersburg Brewing, Noble Beast Brewing, Paradigm Shift Brewing, Rhinegeist Brewery, Seventh Son Brewing, Sibling Revelry Brewing, Streetside Brewery, Thirsty Dog Brewing and Working Class Brewery.

Founded in 2007, the 
Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Cincinnati Based Urban Artifact Brewery Nominated for Good Food Award


Press Release: Cincinnati, OH - The 2019 Good Food Awards Finalists have been announced, and for the second time in three years local brewery Urban Artifact is again a finalist with their dry hopped barrel aged sour, Orbexilum. Only 21 brewers across the country qualified as finalists and Urban Artifact is the only brewery in the tri-state area of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana to make the finals for the 2019 Good Food Awards.

Orbexilum was dry-hopped with hops from local growers Dave & Nina Volkman, of Ohio Valley Hops, as well as using local yeast for a true taste of local terroir. Barrel aged for over a year and a half, at which time hops from Ohio Valley Hops were selected for their intensity and quality of flavor. Dry-hopped for three days and immediately bottled, Orbexilum was a mix of wild yeast character and fresh hop aromatics.

The 2019 Good Food Award Finalists are taking care of the commons for future generations, strengthening their communities through their decisions as small businesses, and building international relations with direct trade and above fair trade prices for cocoa, coffee and spices. Finalists from across the 16 categories embody what it means to be good global citizens, eschewing carbon-emitting fertilizers and pesticides, favoring practices that build soil health and sourcing local ingredients with low transportation-related carbon footprints. 

 Urban Artifact is Ohio's sour brewery with a taproom, full bar, and live music venue, located in the historic St. Patrick’s Church in Cincinnati, Ohio’s Northside neighborhood. Urban Artifact opened their doors with their first beers and music shows in April 2015.

Urban Artifact specializes in tart and wild ales, especially balanced, heavily fruited ales. Urban Artifact’s beers are inspired by their culture and community, and by the microscopic natural world around us.

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Campanology Harmony Foretold Pale Wheat Ale Review

Harmony Foretold from Campanology Brewing out of Wisconsin is a cucumber Pale Wheat Ale that I happened to stumble across during a past beer run. This 6% ABV beer highlighted by cucumber from this Wisconsin brewery was enough to catch my attention. There was somewhat of a crisp refreshing quality with this one along with a slight bit of bitterness. The ale also came off as clean and light as the cucumber came out easily in the aroma and taste. Something different indeed and one that I pretty much dug which is why I rated it 3.75 out of 5. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts, and let me know if you have had this one by leaving a comment. Cheers!

New Belgium Honey Orange Tripel Review

The Honey Orange Tripel from New Belgium Brewing is yet another one from Belgium Reserve Series from the Colorado brewer. This ale carries a 10% ABV and 25 IBU, and for me came through with a nice smoothness overall although the booziness does come through slightly as well. The citrus was there from the orange peel along with a nice touch from the honey. For me, it worked well enough as a Belgian-style beer that I gave it a 3.75 out of 5 and worth a try. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this ale, and if you have had it before then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment. Cheers!

New Belgium Sour Saison Review

The Belgian Reserve Sour Saison from New Belgium Brewing is yet one more beer as part of their Belgian Reserve Series. At 7% ABV and 18 IBU, this ale encompassed the characteristics that I like about the Saison style and did well bringing in Belgian tones. Refreshing and crisp, this ale had a nice effervescence and a sour tone that was subtle but still present. Light in body with a great citrus feel, along with the clove and coriander made this an enjoyable beer for me. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on it, and for me, this one was a 4 out of 5 hitting the very good on my scale. And don’t forget, if you have had it then please leave a comment as well so that I can see what you thought of this one yourself. Cheers!

Terrapin Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout Review

Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout from Terrapin Beer Company is a Sweet or Milk Stout that is a seasonal and winter offering from the Georgia brewery. At 6.1% ABV and 30 IBU, this one actually surprised me at how good it did come through. Pleasant and smooth, this one did well providing a nice chocolate and coffee feel that pretty much did leave me thinking of chocolate milk in a way. It is sweet though, so not sure I would do more than one in a sitting. But it is a nice beer, to break up the routine or maybe enjoy as a dessert. 3.75 out of 5 for me on this one, and if you have had it yourself then please leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this stout as well. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this dark creamy chocolate ale. Cheers!

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Rhinegeist Wowie Fruited Ale Review

Wowie from Rhinegeist Brewery is a fruited-ale featuring pineapple and passionfruit. It is a year-round offering with an ABV of 6.2%, and IBU was not listed. But is it really an ale is my question, as for me it comes across more like a hybrid between an ale and a cider. Whatever it is though, it carries a great amount of flavor as the fruitiness comes right through with the pineapple, passionfruit and even apple along with great tones of citrus and tropical notes and flavor. It is a bright refreshing drink indeed for what I found, and an easily crushable one whether an ale or cider. If you like fruity ales then this is one to grab and for me an easy 4 out of 5 placing it for me at the very good mark. Have you had this one? If so then leave a comment below letting me know what you thought, and check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one. Cheers, and Get Your Beer On!

Beer Unboxing - Goal Achieved And Deals Found

The funny thing about craft beers is that there is always something coming out that is unique, and that is what makes it even more enjoyable to try these beers. This is the reason for my latest beer run as I hunted down one in particular, of course though, this led me to find others as well. Check out my video here to see what I found and what I was looking for, and oh yeah, there may be a Rod J Deal or two as well. Cheers, and Let's Get This Unboxing On!

Rhinegeist Puma Hoppy Pilsner Review

Puma from Rhinegeist located here in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I am located is best described as a hoppy Pilsner. At 5.2% ABV and 40 IBU, this beer will hit you with a little bite as yet another one that seems to fit into that hoppy lager area. As one though that does enjoy bitter beers, I do like some of the things being done to push the lager boundaries like this. Available between April and August as a seasonal offering, the beer features the use of three hops and only one malt which is Pilsner. For me, I found this beer to be light, clean, and floral in both aroma and taste as well as slightly hoppy and bitter as noted. A decent brew for those that like bitterness and one that for me comes in at 3.5 out of 5 on my scale. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one, and if you have had it before then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment as well.

Cheers, Get Your Beer On!

Friday, December 7, 2018

Urban Artifact Milkman Maple Breakfast Stout Review

Milkman from Urban Artifact is an American Imperial Stout described also as a Maple Breakfast Stout. At 8% ABV, I found this ale to have a good amount of smoothness with it as the alcohol was hidden well. I will admit though that the Ceylon cinnamon did through me off a little bit in the taste as I was often trying to pinpoint out what it was, as it did add something different. However, overall, this one proved to be decent as there was a good amount of sweetness and maltiness which was expected. The texture was molasses-like as the beer easily just flowed down when drinking. Not a bad beer indeed and for me, 3.75 out of 5, check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one. And, if you have had it as well then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below. Cheers!

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Mile Wide Leroy American Brown Ale Review

With this video, I take a look at the Leroy from Mile Wide Beer Company located in Louisville, Kentucky. This beer is an American Brown Ale with an ABV of 5.8%. Personally, I found this to be a solid brown ale that although a little thinner than I prefer, it had great notes and tones throughout from the malts. There was a nice roastiness to the beer along with a coffee feel, and sweet appeal of caramel or toffee-like flavor making a nice mouthfeel overall. 3.75 out of 5 for me on this ale, and would definitely recommend for any Brown Ale fan. Check the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one, and if you have had it before then leave a comment to let me know what you thought of it as well.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Thanksgiving Eve Unboxing From The Beer PaTroll - Live

I decided to take a few minutes and do a live unboxing from Joe over at The Beer PaTroll who sent me a few beers to check out. And make sure to check out his channel, details are below. But let's see what he sent me this time.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Tasting Beer - Rhinegeist Dad Review

Dad from Rhinegeist Brewery here in Cincinnati, Ohio, is what they call there Happy Holiday Ale and is a seasonal offering available in only November and December each year. This 6% ABV beer uses three hops and two malts and can also be best described as an Amber Red Ale. For me I found this one to be solid overall and have a nice balance between the malts and hops with an overall sweet caramelly appeal with an overall smoothness I think it’s well worth checking out if you see it and if you like a more malty type beer. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one, and if you have had it then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment!

Monday, November 19, 2018

Winter Warmer Fest to Return in March 2019


Popular annual event features strong and rare beers from 50 Ohio craft breweries

CLEVELAND – The Ohio Craft Brewers Association presents the 13th Annual Winter Warmer Fest at Windows on the River on Saturday, March 9 from 2-5 p.m. More than 50 Ohio craft breweries will showcase their winter seasonal, limited-edition and high-gravity beers. The Winter Warmer Fest is a fundraiser for the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, a non-profit organization founded to promote, preserve and protect Ohio’s craft brewing industry.

Winter Warmer Fest tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 23 at 7 a.m. A $10 discount will be applied to the first 100 early admission tickets sold on Black Friday.

General admission tickets are available in advance for $45, which includes a souvenir glass and tasting tickets for 20 four-ounce samples. Early admission tickets are also available for $55 ($45 with Black Friday discount), granting admission at 1 p.m. Designated driver admission is available for $15 and includes a food voucher. Tickets can be purchased online at www.beerfesttickets.com/winterwarmer2019

Winter Warmer Fest will once again feature a cask area with several breweries offering special infusions available only at the event. Many of the brewers will be on hand throughout the day to meet and talk with Ohio craft beer enthusiasts. Ohio On Tap app users attending the event will receive five bonus passport stamps to redeem toward prizes.

The Black Sheep Pipes & Drums will welcome guests to the venue, while Cleveland musicians Austin Walkin’ Cane and Chris Allen will entertain guests during the event. Food trucks on site include Slyman’s TavernScott’s Fire and Ice and more to be announced.

Winter Warmer Fest is supported by Frantz Ward and Mosaic Employee Benefits.
 


Founded in 2007, the Ohio Craft Brewers Association is a nonprofit guild that exists to promote, preserve and unify Ohio’s craft brewing industry. We aspire to be recognized as the industry leader at both state and national levels for preserving the art of making high-quality, unique craft beer; to serve as the unified voice for craft brewers across the state; to advocate on behalf of the Ohio craft beer industry; to contribute to systemic, local community development by driving economic and job growth, while creating experiences that bring people together; and to serve as a beacon for local production and manufacturing through craft beer, resulting in diverse choices for consumers.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Tasting Beer - Tallgrass 8-Bit Pale Ale Review

The 8-Bit Pale Ale from Tallgrass Brewing Company is a 5.2% Pale Ale with an IBU level of 46. With the tasting of this beer, I found this one to stack up very good for the style. There was a nice amount of hoppiness with the beer, and overall it carried a nice light body feel to it. There was a good mouthfeel provided and along with being able to pick up the hops there was also a nice feeling of the malts that could also be detected, making a nice overall balance for the beer. Citrusy notes come through rather easily from this four hopped beer and overall it played out pretty smooth. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts, and if you have had it before then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Tasting Beer - Tallgrass Half Pipe Sour Pale Ale Review

The Half Pipe Sour Ale from Tallgrass Brewing Company is 5% ABV Sour Ale with an IBU level of 20. With the tasting of this beer, I found this one to have a good solid overall appeal with a decent amount of tartness, but also it did carry some thinness for me and was more dominant in the flavor of a sour apple. There was some acidity and slight bitterness as expected with a pale ale, but well worth a try. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts, and if you have had it before then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment as well.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Tasting Beer - Tallgrass Raspberry Jam Review

Raspberry Jam from Tallgrass Brewing is a 4.3% Berliner Weisse style ale that at 4.3% ABV is the subject of my latest beer tasting here. There was no issue with the raspberry flavor coming through as this came through nicely for sure. The beer itself was light and tart as expected, and there was a good amount of carbonation in play as well which almost made it feel like a raspberry soda in some respect. If you like a fruity beer then you will not be disappointed with this one. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this beer, and if you have had it before then leave a comment to let me know what you thought of it as well.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Impromptu Collab LIVE STREAM! Prairie Bomb (Re-Share)

This is a re-share of the video that can also be seen on The Party Source Reviews channel from when I swung by The Party Source in Newport, Kentucky and caught up with J.O. from his YouTube channel The Party Source Reviews. And surprisingly, an impromptu live stream ended up happening. Check out the footage here as we also sample Prairie Bomb from Prairie Artisinal Ales.


Check Out The Party Source Reviews Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClohoNsJgoWwgviZYDiRQDQ

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Enjoying International Stout Day With A Mala Vida

The first Thursday of every November is recognized as International Stout Day, so I decided tonight to crack one open and kick back to enjoy and rejoice. For this, my choice is the Mala Vida here from Cervesa Del Montseny, a brewery located in Spain. Check out the video to see me discuss this along with a little detail about the style of stouts as well.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Tasting Beer - Mendocino Imperial Stout Review

The Imperial Stout from Mendocino Brewing Company is no more, but let’s talk about it anyway. This is my look at the beer which unfortunately over the last year had to close their doors, and gone the way of some other craft breweries. This being said, this beer I found to be one of a solid offering that did well encompassing what an Imperial Stout should be. There were all of the qualities that one would seek in this style including the nice feel of coffee and chocolate, and smoothness in the taste from the malts. The aroma provided nice tones relative of the sweetness which carried a caramel feel, and the finish smacked of a pleasant richness making also a nice beer that could also be a dessert. Well worth checking this one out if you can still find it, and if you have then leave a comment on what you thought of this beer. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this 10% ABV beer!

Tasting Beer - Yellow Springs Captain Stardust Review

Captain Stardust from Yellow Springs Brewery located in Yellow Springs, Ohio is a Saison Farmhouse Ale that comes in at 6.5% and this is my look at the reviewing and tasting of it. Nice in color the carbonation of the beer was noticeable on the appearance although later it was subtle in the taste. I found it to have an almost Belgian like sweetness to it from the spicy character of the yeast that was used. There was also some dryness for me but the beer also had a decent light overall body to it making it an easy one to put down. I definitely recommend for any Saison fan, and if you have had it then let me know what you thought by placing a comment below. Check out the video to see and hear more or my thoughts on this tasty and zesty ale.

Beer Flow Live Stream - Let's Drink

YouTube video from this past Thursday's show where we discussed various beer topics and enjoyed a few beers...

Monday, October 22, 2018

Falls City Beer Classic Pilsner Beer Review

Classic Pilsner from Falls City Beer is a 4.5% ABV all grain lager that for me proved to be a solidly okay beer that for the cost was not bad for what was received. There was a nice clean crisp feel around the beer that I found, some earthiness in the taste with some yeastiness and breadiness on the nose. I did also get somewhat of a corny feel with the beer, but overall it did enough that it had a decent feel. Check out the video to see and hear more of my thoughts on this one, and if you have had it then let me know what you thought by leaving a comment.

Friday, October 19, 2018

Beer Flow - Back Live And Pumpkin Beer Yet?

Hello all, we are back live tonight for another Beer Flow show where we discuss many find topics from the world of beer and ask the question, have you drunk a pumpkin beer yet? Come and join us!

Monday, October 15, 2018

St. Louis Gueuze Fond Tradition Beer Review

The St. Louis Gueuze Fond Tradition from Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck is a traditional Gueuze Lambic that comes in with an ABV of 5% and is the focal point of this review. It is done in the pure tradition of this style which is a blend of young and old Lambics. It is definitely geared toward the experienced beer drinker and for me, I truly did appreciate the style. There was a great feel of apple in the aroma as well as the flavor, a good amount of tartness, and a feel of the carbonation which did add an effervescent tone. There were some notes of dryness and sweetness, but overall I found it to be light, appealing and refreshing. Check out my video to see and hear more of my thoughts on it. And if you have tried this beer, then let me know what you thought of it by dropping a comment below.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Guinness 200th Anniversary Export Stout Beer Review

From Guinness, the Guinness 200th Anniversary Export Stout pays homage to Benjamin Guinness and the first beer brewed with a new roasted grain called black patent malt. It was this recipe that Guinness says laid the foundation for the brewing of their beer over the next 200 years. Drinking this beer is drinking a bit of history and tradition.

For me, I will say that I felt this in the beer as there was a feeling of simplicity and traditional age, much like other traditional styled beers. Overall, I found the beer to be solid with a good amount of roastiness, chocolate, coffee and a bittering note throughout. There was a good maltiness but like a good amount of the other Guinness beers, I also felt a certain amount of thinness which also affected my overall perception of it. I personally have come to like my stouts with good body, and this one was just a little too light for me. This being said, it is a decent tasting beer and fits fine into the Guinness line especially for those that enjoy the Guinness Draught and even Guinness Extra Stout. Check out my video to see and hear more on this one. And if you have had this one before then let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Rod J BeerVentures Swag