Cincinnati has a long and rich beer brewing history that in recent years has been rejuvenated by a fresh wave of microbreweries – both established and up and coming. Many of these breweries offer tours have tap rooms that are open to the public so you can taste some of the fruits of their labour.
If you’re planning a trip to Cincinnati and like the idea of a brewery or beer tour, there are several tour companies here that offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the city’s contemporary beer brewing scene. Here are three of the best.
Cincinnati Brewery and Barbecue Tour
From $70 per person
This 2-hour tour lets visitors immerse themselves in Cincinnati’s long-standing beer and barbecue culture, with tastings at local breweries and pubs and fascinating facts and stories from your expert guide about the city’s heritage as a beer-making capital. Highlights of the tour will include a barbecue-themed, picnic-style feast paired with a flight of craft beers and a visit to a beautifully renovated mid-1800s church that’s been transformed into a brew pub, and a walk around Over-the-Rhine, a neighbourhood known for having the nation’s largest collection of 19th-century Italianate architecture. The tour comes to a close at Taft’s Ale House.
Moerlein Lager House Tour
$10 per person
Founded in 1841 by Christian Moerlein, an immigrant from Bavaria, the Moerlein Lager House invites visitors to sample some of the venue’s award-winning beers while learning about Cincinnati’s rich brewing heritage. Situated along the Ohio River in the dynamic Smale Riverfront Park, the working micro-brewery hosts tours on Saturday and Sunday mornings, with guests able to pick from up to 100 craft beers, including freshly brewed on-site Christian Moerlein beer, featuring just four ingredients – malted barley, hops, water and yeast – staying loyal to its original recipe created by the brewery’s founder all those years ago. There’s also delectable food tailored to be paired with your beer, as well as signature cocktails including the Se7en Heaven and Charlie Hustle.
Craft Connection Brewery Tour
From $50 per person
Over the past few years, Craft Connection has developed a city-wide reputation for its immersive tours that delve deep into Cincinnati’s long-standing beer culture. Aboard 14-passenger buses, guests embark on tours ranging from 3-4 hours, during which time you’ll get to visit a handful of eclectic breweries and distilleries. Routes change for every tour, but for each one you’re guaranteed an insightful look into the beer production process, as well as the ingredients and tasting notes, and the history of each brewery too. You’ll get to sample 3-4 tastings of various styles of beers at each stop-off, while water, snacks, and music are also available on the bus.