Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. 

Over-the-Rhine, a Cincinnati, Ohio beer trip (Part 1 of 2). 

Last weekend I traveled to Cincinnati and decided to seek out some craft brewers, which are quite plentiful in the Queen City. I had no specific brewery destination. The hotel was in the heart of the Over-the-Rhine district. This turned out to be a perfect location with the rich history of former breweries shut down during prohibition.

When I walked in, I passed an amazing little shop selling authentic German made clothing and there are beautiful posters from the clothing manufacturer that look like artwork. I am not in need of $500 Lederhosen, so I moved on to the Cincinnati pig.

I finally entered the tasting room, which was more like a gigantic party room equipped with corn hole, a pool table and a several picnic tables and  a few big screen televisions.

Pints of beer are around $5 in the tap room. Free tours are a available if you’re there at the right time. The tours take you through the craft brewery and the portions of the underground caverns used in the brewing process from the 1860’s.

A tour was ending right when I settled in at the bar. I felt it necessary to quickly take a place in line to beat the rush. I panicked and ordered a beer without first thinking. I went for the OTR Ale. It was a very interesting beer. I thought the hopiness was slightly overbearing, throwing it out of balance, but given that, I still enjoyed it. You can tell when you have something that is quality, this is it.

Next, I tried Hudepohl, which everyone else I talked to, seemed to have some memory relating to this beer. Although, this is a new recipe, it is very popular. This one was good enough to grab a few six packs and take home with me.