When Shannon Went: September 6, 2020
Where: 918 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Did you have any idea that there are just over 60 Black-owned craft breweries in the United States? That’s slightly more than all the breweries found in the Greater Cincinnati area. Among those is Esoteric Brewing Company, the Queen City’s first and only black-owned and operated brewery. Dedicated to revitalizing and diversifying the Walnut Hill neighborhood, Esoteric began pouring pints only a month ago! Their taproom is elegant, suave, and the definition of excellence. Located in an art-deco style building originally constructed in 1931 as a shopping destination, the building fell on hard times and into a state of decay. When Esoteric moved in, so did a new era in the buildings history. Inside the newly restored structure is a full production brewery and taproom guided by the meaning of their logo, the lotus flower. The lotus fights its way through adversity in order to blossom into its fullest potential, and that right there is the embodiment of Esoteric Brewing Co.
Shannon: Esoteric’s taproom is an experience unlike any other. Their opening coincides with a time when calls for racial justice and equality have never been louder. Walking into their taproom on opening weekend was humbling on so many different levels. I was blown away by the level of sophistication in the taprooms design and even more blown away by their craft beer. On opening weekend, only four beers were on draft, but since then a handful of other beers have been added. I really enjoyed all of the beers that I tried, but my favorite so far is the Lotus IPA. Coming in at a 6.5% ABV, Lotus is a dry and hoppy IPA that’s well balanced and reminiscent of the west coast craft beer style.
Other Cool Things:
- Cincinnati’s first minority-owned and operated brewery!
- In an exquisite historic building!
- Dog friendly
- Food trucks for snacking in the taproom
- Level up your tailgate with a game day mini-keg appropriately named “Li’l Sebastian”
- Lots of merch for sale
- Pouring their version of Black is Beautiful
- Outdoor patio
- Community nights and happy hour specials weekly
- Free parking (which is exciting and rare in the city)
- Plans to donate a portion of their proceeds to non-profits in the Walnut Hills community that promote education, economic equity, improve food access, provide skills training and other important causes that better the neighborhood
What Shannon Drank: Flight Edition!
Shannon: Lotus (IPA) 6.5% – 4 out of 5
Shannon: Ethereal (Belgian Blonde Ale) 6.7% – 3.5 out of 5
Shannon: Dahlia (Brown Ale) 5.3% – 4 out of 5
Shannon: Mystic (English Pale Ale) 5.1% – 3 out of 5
Brewing Persuasion: 5 out of 5!
Feeling persuaded yet?
Brewing Persuasions 