It’s a new year, and many of us have made some sort of resolution, whether it be to get in shape, watch less TV, or even travel somewhere tropical, like Isla Nublar. I myself have made no such promise; however, I’m not opposed to the idea of a cross country roadtrip. New breweries are constantly popping up all around the country. Many of these not only brew beer but also have unique bars set up onsite, and some even offer a full restaurant experience. I was in Louisville a few months ago and my friends and I decided to check out Against The Grain. Not only do they have a full bar with a wide selection of their offerings, but the food was worth mentioning in an article that isn’t usually about food.
A newer brewery I’ve come across recently is called Mirror Twin Brewing from Lexington. Their stuff is available outside of town, but if you find yourself in the area, check out the huge, open area bar they’ve got inside of a warehouse. If you’re in the mood for something dark and sweet, try the “You, Me, and Mister PB” which is made with chocolate peanut butter cups. If you’re having a hard time deciding between a beer or dessert and this is on the menu, it’s your lucky day because now you don’t have to decide. Great balance between chocolate and peanut butter without being too sweet or too dry.
Heading North to Munster, Ind., 3 Floyds Alpha King has a festive brother, Alpha Klaus. The Christmas porter is made with Mexican sugar, which is basically highly unprocessed sugar, and chocolate malt. During a discussion of the beer, everyone was equally surprised at how smooth the beer was. No harsh booziness or powerful hops, just a clean, smooth chocolate porter which has a unique sweetness from the piloncillo. There haven’t been any big public updates as of the writing of this article, but early last year 3 Floyds was making big plans to expand their brewery into a monster of a home base (or should I say a Munster) with a bigger brewing and dining space, huge terraced beer garden, and additional parking for cars and bikes. Last I heard, plans were expected to be finished either this year or next. If you’re a fan of 3 Floyds, this is something you should keep your eyes peeled about, because it sounds like it’s going to be pretty special.
One of my favorite breweries to visit in person is Rhinegeist in Cincinnati. The entrance is this little door on the side of an old brick building and once you go in, it’s just four or five quick flights of stairs up to the top floor which opens up into a giant room with multiple bars, picnic tables, ping pong tables, and even sometimes an area set off for wiffle ball. One of the most interesting parts about the brewery is the food, which isn’t even made by Rhinegeist. You know those chutes you get your prescriptions from in the drive thru pharmacy, or how you make deposits at the bank and it shoots your receipt through that tube and it pops out right in front of you? It’s like that, but with cheeseburgers from the restaurant next door. Yeah. I know. It’s awesome. On top of all that ridiculousness, Rhinegeist is constantly pumping out newer and bolder beers. One such newbie hot off the line is their Ain’t No Tang, which is a collab with Green Cheek Beer Co. in Orange, Calif. A sour IPA with orange, guava and lactose, it’s citrusy and a bit tangy, as it should be. Definitely get some grapefruit hoppiness as well as juicy mango and passionfruit, Ain’t No Tang is basically an all around tropical hop party on the beaches of OC, but in your mouth, and without the sand, or the drama.
-by Josh Helton
