Columbus Ale Trail Volume 3 Rankings
After completing volume 3 of the Columbus Ale Trail, I have rated the following breweries into four sections: Breweries I don’t foresee myself visiting again anytime soon, breweries I am indifferent about, breweries I would like to visit again, and then my top 10 breweries.
I based my rankings on the following weights:
- 50% for the quality of beer
- 50% for the atmosphere
It should be noted that volume 3 of the Cbus Ale Trail did not include Random Precision Brewing Company, Pretentious Barrel House, Columbus Brewing Company, and etc.
Breweries I Don’t Foresee Myself Visiting Again Anytime Soon:
ENDEAVOR BREWING CO., THE RAM RESTAURANT AND BREWERY (Pour one out for Ram), TEMPERANCE ROW BREWING CO., GORDON BIERSCH BREWERY, THE BREW BROTHERS
Breweries I am Indifferent About:
STAAS BREWING CO., SMOKEHOUSE BREWING CO., KNOTTY PINE BREWING, KINDRED BEER, ILL MANNERED BREWING CO., HOMESTEAD BEER CO., GROVE CITY BREWING CO., BARLEY'S BREWING CO. (the Barcade upstairs is pretty cool), ACTUAL BREWING CO. (the location is super random), PIGSKIN BREWING COMPANY
Breweries I Would Like to Visit Again:
SIDESWIPE BREWING COMPANY, ROCKMILL TAVERN, RESTORATION BREW WORX, PLATFORM BEER CO., LOOSE RAIL BREWING, NORTH HIGH BREWING, HOFBRAUHAUS COLUMBUS, ELEVATOR BREWING CO., COMBUSTION BREWERY, ELEVATOR BREWERY AND DRAUGHT HOUSE, FOUR STRING BREWING CO., ZAFTIG BREWING CO.
My Top 10 Breweries on the Ale Trail:
10. HOOF HEARTED BREWERY AND KITCHEN
- I really liked the atmosphere and their beers were decent as well. When I was there, they had some older movies on and retro decorations throughout the brewery. I heard they have a swimming pool upstairs now?
9. THREE TIGERS BREWING CO.
- First brewery I’ve been to that serves Vietnamese style street food or any Asian food for that matter. It is right next to Denison University. Wish I had more reasons to go visit this brewery.
8. BUCKEYE LAKE BREWERY
- Fresh mini doughnuts were a plus and their beers are reasonably priced. The brewery itself is pretty small and right next to the lake. Not a big selection of beers but it is the quality that counts. I’m a big fan of the Buckeye Blonde ale.
7. LINEAGE BREWING
- A cool and intimate setting especially when you go at night because they will have the fairy lights on. A good and wide selection of brews as well. There are no TVs at this brewery but instead they have a ton of board games.
6. SEVENTH SON BREWING CO.
- Don’t need to say too much about this place but I am really glad they opened up an upstairs section. The roof is retractable and will open on a nice day. There is a wide selection of great beers to drink from. What more can you ask for?
5. LAND GRANT BREWING CO.
- They brew a lot of beers and I always try to get a different one each time I go. I am a frequent visitor and honestly haven’t had a disappointing beer so far.
4. WOLF'S RIDGE BREWING
- Love the taproom in the back of the brewery and their Clear Sky Daybreak. That is all.
3. BREWDOG DOGTAP
- Specifically talking about the Canal Winchester location. This Brewdog location is huge and I think it is their first location in the US. A combination of their awesome facility and their beer won me over. I believe dogs can be brought inside to a certain point. However, do not go here for a sporting event as there are no TVs. Will force you to talk to your friends.
2. ROCKMILL BREWERY
- Rockmill Brewery in Lancaster is a true beaut. In my opinion, a lot of their beers are high in ABV but I was still able to enjoy them. The brewery is amazing as it was built from an old farmhouse. There are a lot of rooms and interesting furniture found all over the house. Make sure to step outside and see the “backyard”. I would have to say this was my most unique brewery expierence.
1. FOUR STRING BREWING CO. PRODUCTION FACILITY
- A lot of people are going to disagree with me on this one but for some reason, I really enjoyed this brewery the most and can call it my favorite. The location is spacious and can accommodate large groups. Ping pong and pinball machines can also be found inside along... with free pretzels! It also helps that the Hilltop Heritage Lager is my favorite Cbus made beer. To me, I feel the most comfortable drinking a Four String brew at Four String.
