Craft beer options in Columbus – and Ohio as a whole – seem to expand every day. It can be tough to determine which one (or ones) is best for you.
Fortunately, the Ohio Craft Brew Festival, the North Market’s annual celebration of Ohio-made suds, gives the thirsty Columbusite plenty of opportunity to find a favorite.
This year’s festival is slated for Sept. 12-14.
A total of 22 attending breweries expands on 2013’s 20, with options including Barley’s Brewing Company, Buckeye Lake Brewery, Columbus Brewing Company, Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus, Four String Brewing, Homestead Beer Co., Hoof Hearted Brewing Co., Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, North High Brewing, Rockmill Brewery, Seventh Son Brewing Co., Smokehouse Brewing Company, Weasel Boy Brewing, and Wolf’s Ridge Brewing.
In addition to music and a home brew competition, attendees can join lectures by Mr. Ohio Beer himself: Rick Armon, writer of the Akron Beacon Journal’s Ohio Beer Blog and author of Ohio Breweries.
Breweries on the docket usually show up with something unique to set themselves apart from the competition.
Buckeye Lake, based in the Licking County village of the same name, plans to bring its Irish red and blonde; a darker option, such as its porter or stout; and a hoppier option, maybe the Shovelhead IPA.
“We’re also planning to bring some of our root beer, which was a huge hit last year,” says Buckeye Lake owner Rich Hennessy.
Jackie O’s, of Athens, will bring along three standbys in its Firefly Amber, Mystic Mama IPA and Razz Wheat, as well as a specialty stout – most likely Dark Apparition, a Russ
ian imperial stout.
Some brewers – including Homestead, located in Heath – will bring their newest offerings to the festival so attendees can get a sneak peek.
Homestead, which specializes in lower ABV beers, will serve up its 1805 IPA and Tenpenny Amber Ale. Barnraiser Pale Ale and Galactic Heroes IPA may also be on the menu.
“The 1805 and the Tenpenny are being released in 12-ounce six-packs around the same time,” says Kevin Atkinson, co-owner of Homestead. “Not a lot of local breweries are doing six-pack bottles, so we’re excited about it.”
Lancaster-based Rockmill will also have its newest product in the line-up: the Saison Noir.
“We’re really excited to be a part of the festival and to be unveiling a new brand,” says Matthew Barbee, Rockmill owner. “The timing couldn’t be more perfect.”
Visit www.northmarket.com for ticket information.
Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
