What’s Brewing in Warren County?

Once enjoyed primarily by niche audiences of culinary craftsmen and self-professed beer snobs, craft brewing (and the drinking of craft beer) has officially spread its roots nationwide. Here in the Ohio River Valley — an area steeped in German heritage and proud of its unique, regional flavors — it’s no surprise that the tasty trend of micro-brewing has received an especially warm welcome. Now home to approximately 40 unique breweries, Southwest Ohio has taken the craft brew craze and run with it, quickly becoming a hotbed for all things hoppy. Want to try a local pour next time you’re in town? Warren County is home to two of the region’s terrific breweries, and has a handful of others on the way! Here’s just a quick look at what’s brewing in Ohio’s Largest Playground.

Cellar Dweller Craft Beers at Valley Vineyards | Morrow, Ohio

Valley Vineyards Winery & Brewery | Morrow, Ohio
When the founders of Valley Vineyards planted the first seeds of what is now Ohio’s second largest vineyard in 1969 they had their sights set solely on producing delicious wines. In recent years, however, as Ohioan’s taste buds have been turned on to small-batch beer, the vineyard’s award-winning artisans have brought something new to the table. Cellar Dweller, a delicious line of craft beer produced by Valley Vineyards’ master craftsmen and served from a tasting room on the grounds of its winery, offers suds-savvy visitors ten different varieties of brew, each with its own unique spin. From more familiar flavors like its Cellar Blues Blonde Ale to bolder brews like its Nitro Eye Opener Hazelnut Coffee Stout or Original Gangster Blood Orange Pale Ale, the vineyard’s brew masters leave no flavor unexplored. Want to keep your options open? Try a beer tasting tray to sample 10 different types, and pair it with a homemade pizza or an order of fresh-baked pretzels to cleanse the palate between sips!

Crooked Handle Brewery Co. | Springboro, Ohio

Crooked Handle Brewing Company| Springboro, Ohio
Further north in Warren County, Springboro’s Crooked Handle Brewing Co. treats its craft-craving guests to an equally impressive  lineup of flagship micro-brews and experimental, seasonal pours. Looking for something refreshing? The aptly named Boro Blonde tips its cap to Springboro with refreshing notes of citrus hops, while the Peachy Kreem pairs smooth creme ale with the summery taste of real peaches. Ready for something a little more out-there? Don’t miss Crooked Handle’s Peanut Butter Porter or its Wee Bit O Trouble, a malty scotch ale. Not much of a beer fan at all? Not to worry! The Springboro startup also serves a wide selection of spirits and wines, as well as meat and cheese plates to enjoy alongside them.

Crooked Handle Brewing Company | Springboro, Ohio

There’s more to come!
The craft beer craze is here to stay, and it’s about to get even bigger in Warren County. Two new breweries — Sonder Brewing and 16 Lots Brewing Company — are set to debut in Mason, Ohio in 2017! Sonder will welcome guests to its 16,000 sq. ft. brewery and taproom in the spring of 2017, while 16 Lots Brewery, named for the 16 lots of land purchased at the founding of the City of Mason, is set to begin pouring in the summer of 2017.

Ready for a sample? Plan your brew tour, and all of your Warren County fun, today at OhiosLargestPlayground.com!

Craving more? Read up on some of Warren County’s best bites!
A Food Lover’s Guide to Can’t-Miss Cuisine in Warren County
Fine Dining Favorites in Ohio’s Largest Playground
South of the Border Tastes in Southwest Ohio
Best Bets for Burgers