2012 is going to be a big year for local beer. With four new breweries launching, beer connoisseurs are about to become inundated with new options. We’ve also got quite a few established breweries that are continuing to grow and expand, as well as a cool new beer blog called Drink Up Columbus to help you wash it all down.
Here’s a quick summary of what you can expect from the local microbrew scene this year:
The Class of 2012
Born Brewing Company — Born Brewing company is the brainchild of Collin Castore (of Bodega), Travis Spencer and Jen Burton (from Barrel and Bottle). Their plans are to be operational within the first half of 2012. Their flagship beer styles have yet to be named, but one will have a lighter malt base and one will have a darker malt base. Their new brewery will operate on North Fourth Street in Italian Village.
Four String Brewing Co. — Four String beer is the first one out of the gate in 2012, having officially launched on January 1st. Run by local musician Dan Cochran, Four String features a Belgian called Backstage Blonde and a Pale Ale called Brass Knuckle APA. They’re brewing on Sixth Avenue in the Fifth by Northwest neighborhood.
Hoof Hearted Brewing — Hoof Hearted (say it three times fast) is a joint venture between Trevor Williams and Jarrod Bichon and plans to be operational in “Early 2012”. Their featured beers include Musk of the Minotaur IPA, Permafrost Wheat Porter and Calibös Lager. Their brewery is located in Marengo, north of Sunbury.
Zauber Brewing Co. — Zauber was founded by Geoff Towne and is hoping to launch by February. Specific beers have not yet been announced, but Towne has said that his focus will primarily be on Continental European styles such as Session Beers and Hefeweizens. Zauber will be housed on Norton Avenue, also in the Fifth by Northwest area.
The Class of 2010
Neil House Brewery — Patrick Kelleher launched Neil House Brewery in the Spring of 2010 and has plans to open a tasting room at their location on the Far East Side. Some of their noteworthy beers includes their Cranberry Cider, Buckeye Roots Hefeweizen, Kelleher’s Ohio Red and Bourbon Barrel Stout. Neil House also sells supplies for the home brewing enthusiast.
Rockmill Brewery — Matthew Barbee launched Rockmill Brewery in the fall of 2010 and has quickly gained many fans. They feature four main Belgian-style ales… a Tripel, Dubbel, Saison and Witbier. Rockmill is located in Lancaster, Ohio.
The Class Reunion
Barley’s Brewing Company — Barley’s was founded in 1992, and will be celebrating 20 years in 2012. They’re known for a wide variety of specialties including their Blood Thirst Wheat, Russian Imperial Stout and Scottish Barley’s is located on North High Street, between the Convention Center and the North Market, where they also operate a brew house and restaurant.
Columbus Brewing Company — The CBC name was resurrected in 1988 and has spent the past 24 years making a strong name for itself. Known for their Pale Ale and IPA, CBC also produces some quality seasonal beers in their Winter Warmer and Summer Teeth. CBC is currently the only brewery operating in The Brewery District, once home to a dozen local beer brewers.
Elevator Brewing Company — The youngest of the “old timers”, Elevator was founded in 1999 and currently in their 13th year of operation. They produce monthly speciality beers at their restaurant located Downtown and are known for their Nut Brown Ale, Bleeding Buckeye and award-winning Dark Horse Lager.