Esoteric Brewing Co.

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?

Five Churches Brewing

When I went: August 28, 2020

Location: 193 Arch Street, New Britain, CT 06051

It all started when Peter was in his office looking out his window and asked Phil, “What should we do with the extra space in the building next door?” Phil (an avid craft beer drinker) answered, “How about a brewery?” Two years later, Five Churches Brewing was born. Their name and logo come from the five different church steeples that can be seen from the brewery windows. Earlier this year they celebrated their two year anniversary! Five Churches prides itself not just on its beer but also on its wood-fired pizza. The taproom feels like a pizza restaurant while still giving that upcycled industrial look.

Chris: Let me just say that my opinion of Five Churches has changed dramatically from when they first opened. I always liked the ambiance of the taproom and the location (right across the street from Riley’s Hot Dog!). But I was not always a fan of their beer, and it was not through lack of trying. I used to live in New Britain so I went there quite a few times, tried 10 different beers, and always left unimpressed. That being said, when I went for the first time this year, I was in love. I don’t know what happened! I went from liking 1 out of 10 beers before this visit, to 4 out of the 5 beers that I tried on that day. They had 15 beers on tap in a variety of styles so everyone could find a beer they like. Even though my previous experiences were bad, I am now willing to sing Five Churches’ praise all day, everyday.

Shannon: I have always really liked the location and design of the taproom at Five Churches, but like Chris already said, my first few visits didn’t leave much of a memorable experience. I haven’t been back since moving to Ohio, but I’m happy to give it another go! I’m easier to persuade than Chris, so if he likes them now, no doubt I will too. Of the 11 different beers I’ve had from Five Churches in the past, my favorite has been their double IPA, Steeple People. Coming in at a hefty 7.8% ABV, Steeple People is brewed with dry Citra hops and is loaded with grapefruit, melon, lime, gooseberry, and passionfruit. On Untappd this beer has a global rating of 4.16, so it’s safe to say Steeple People is a people pleaser!

Other cool stuff:

  • Mug club
  • 2nd story outdoor seating
  • Pizza and pretzels made in-house
  • Flights
  • Avery soda

What Chris drank:

Chris: Milkshake Shack (Milkshake IPA) 6% – 4 out of 5

Chris: Lil’ Stouty (Stout) 5% – 4 out of 5

Chris: Holy Union (Sour) 4% – 4.5 out of 5

Brewing Persuasion: 4 out of 5

Feeling persuaded yet?

Brewing Persuasions: Nashville Edition

Tailgate Brewery, Harding House Brewing Co., & Diskin Cider

Tailgate Brewery

Visited: September 19, 2020

Where: 7300 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

Tailgate began brewing beer in 2014 and is considered one of Nashville’s most successful brewing companies. They have three different locations spread out across the Music City. Each Tailgate location has a full service taproom with 20 or so beers on draft at a time. A full service kitchen is also serving up appetizers, pizzas, wings, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. During my visit, I paired pretzel bites and beer cheese with a peanut butter milk stout. A cult classic beer in Nashville, the peanut butter milk stout is a smooth, sweet, and creamy 5.8% ABV with a subtle peanut butter taste and aroma.

Harding House Brewing Co.

Visited: September 19, 2020

Where: 904 51st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

Harding House Brewing Co. is a taproom-focused nanobrewery that began pouring drafts in the Music City in 2018. They are focused on creating beer that is unique to Nashville by using local and regional ingredients, while also taking inspiration from southern food culture. Harding House Brewing Co. aims to bring the people of Nashville together in a taproom that encourages community, sustainability, and enjoyment. When I visited, I tried the first in their Pre-Prohibition series, Jimmy Red lager. This 5% ABV beer is crisp and easy to drink.

Diskin Cider

Visited: September 20, 2020

Where: 1235 Main St, Nashville, TN 37203

Diskin Cider is a local hot spot and Nashville’s only craft cidery. Their tasting room is home to multiple events throughout the year and boasts a tap list, food menu, and specialty craft cocktails. Diskin’s owners studied under an English Cider Master, learning how to make craft cider the traditional way with fresh pressed apples. You won’t find anything artificial in these cans! Not only are all of their ciders made gluten-free, but there are also no added sugars. When I went to Diskin Cider for a drag brunch event, I fell in love with their blackberry vanilla port cider, Local AF, and their fruit tea cider, Six One Five. I loved Diskin Cider so much that I ended up bringing home a four-pack of their semi-sweet southern style cider, Lil’ Blondie.

Feeling persuaded yet?