Crystal Archives - Page 2 of 2

Back and better than ever

If you’re familiar with Brew Week and Athens, you’ve probably heard of the Union Street Fire. In November 2014, a fire ripped through a large chunk of an uptown block of Union Street. It completely gutted some buildings and severely messed up a beloved Athens institution – The Union Bar and Grill.

The Union was not down for the count, renovating and reopening in time for Ohio Brew Week 2016 to some seriously intense fanfare. It is (literally) bigger and better than ever, sporting one of the largest stages and spacious patios in town.

Hangin’ out

The Over Hang opened in August 2013, renovating the location of some former iconic bars known to many Ohio University Alumni and Athenians– The Tavern, The Greenery, and The Blue Gator. The Over Hang is proud to provide a casual atmosphere, friendly service, and some of the most affordable libations in town, which is saying something. These qualities make it a great spot for Brew Week. Stop in to 63 North Court Street and try some brews while hanging at The Over Hang.

Fairly or unfairly, The Crystal carries certain connotations. To some, it personifies Athens nightlife. To others, it’s why they avoid Court Street on busy college party nights. Some just like the popcorn. If you’re an out-of-towner, none of this matters and you just want some good Ohio craft brews. Luckily, during Brew Week, everyone can agree — they’ve got some dang good beer. Be sure to stop in at 34 N Court St and get in on the party.

Craft beer’s Court Street home

Few bars get into Brew Week like The Cat’s Eye. They’re one of the most prolific event hosts throughout the week, and offer one of the best craft brew selections of any uptown bar year-round. They’re also one of the best places to shoot some pool. Chances are you’d naturally make it here during the week, but you’ll want to seek this place out.

Stop in at the Inn

The C.I. is another one of those party-time bars that feels a little different during Brew Week. Not different in the party sense, but it’s a different kind of party. More bearded beer-nerds and craft brews. Located at 32 N. Court St, make sure to stop in on your travels down the bricks this Brew Week.

You’ve heard the slogan. “Wings. Beer. Sports.”

Well in Athens, it’s “Wings, CRAFT Beer, Sports.”

While Buffalo Wild Wings is always a hot uptown destination, the favorite sports bar gets an extra dimension for Ohio Brew Week. Get an new angle on the classic bar and restaurant this summer.

Best in show

You know a brewery is doing something right when they have an entire website section dedicated to awards. When you browse through the huge list of decorated brews, it would be easy to think that maybe they’re doing everything right.

Thirsty Dog Brewing Company in Akron, Ohio has been doing it since 1997. John Najeway was one of the first brewers to see potential in a new celebration of Ohio craft beer that was set to take place in Athens. That support throughout the years helped establish Ohio Brew Week as a can’t-miss regional fest. And, of course, a great place to drink some Thirsty Dog brews. It is an understatement to say that Ohio Brew Week would not be what it is today without Thirsty Dog.

Thirsty Dog consistently impresses beer lovers everywhere, from casual sippers in our home state to beer experts at national competitions. Over the years, brews such as Old Leghumper Robust Porter, Labrador Lager, Hoppus Maximus, Bernese Barleywine and tons of others took home multiple awards from the New York International Beer Competition and The Great American Beer Festival.

When you look at any list about top Ohio beers and breweries, chances are you’ll see Thirsty Dog. The brewery is notable not only for quality, but longevity. 20 years is quite a while in the burgeoning craft beer scene, solidifying Thirsty Dog as a national pioneer.

To mark this longevity, Thirsty Dog is opening a new taproom and kitchen near the brewery. And of course, some special barrel-aged beers will be released this year to celebrate the anniversary.

Moral of the story: you don’t want to miss any offerings from Thirsty Dog, at Ohio Brew Week or otherwise. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to ensure you stay up to date on their high quality brews.

Inspiring an industry

In 1986, Pat and Dan Conway were determined to bring the brewing tradition back to Cleveland, inspired by the fresh, flavorful styles they’d sampled in their travels throughout Europe. In 1988 they opened the doors to Ohio’s first craft brewery, inspiring a movement in their home state and beyond with a diverse portfolio of award-winning craft beers.

From the beginning, Pat and Dan adopted a “triple bottom line” philosophy, placing equal emphasis on financial, environmental, and social sustainability. They “repurposed” historic buildings in Cleveland’s Ohio City and sparked the revitalization of the then dilapidated neighborhood, and were early proponents of local sourcing, farm-to-table, and urban farming in their brewpub. Since 2001, GLBC has hosted the annual Burning River Fest, a music festival on Cleveland’s waterfront that brings awareness and raises money for groups working to protect our freshwater resources. The brewery’s newest 325 watt USA-made solar panels have helped produce over 32,600 cases of beer using 100% solar power since their installation in 2017. These are just a few of the many ways GLBC strives to “brew good.”

But what about the beer? GLBC is well-known around the world for brewing balanced, consistent, and delicious brews like their decorated Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Dortmunder Gold Lager, and the new Great Lakes IPA. Over the years GLBC has continued to innovate and experiment on the same 7-barrel system where those iconic styles were first developed (lovingly named Brewhouse No. 1). Visit the GLBC brewpub to be the first to try one of Pub Brewer Steve Forman’s latest creations like the thirst-quenching Good Talk Russ Rice Lager or the bold Dark Signal Belgian Quad. The most popular offerings often get promoted to package, like new seasonal Buckin’ Mule, a Moscow Mule inspired ale (which was originally created on the GLBC small batch pilot system!). And GLBC loves teaming up with friends. You’ll find several unique collaborations throughout their distribution footprint, like the brewery’s most recent collab The Mighty Lager, brewed with the band O.A.R.

GLBC doubled down on innovation near the end of 2017, adding a 2-barrel pilot system to their production brewhouse. This scaled replica of GLBC’s 75-barrel system allows for continuous research and development, and provides opportunities for employees to collaborate and experiment. So far since 2018, GLBC’s brewpub has served exciting and unique brews created by their electrical and engineering departments, Northeast Ohio sales team, 2nd shift bottlers, and brewpub staff.

None of GLBC’s success would be possible without their exceptional family of employees who have represented the company with passion, hospitality, and hard work for three decades. Recognizing this, Pat and Dan Conway surprised their co-workers at the 2018 GLBC staff summit with the announcement of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making each and every member of the GLBC family a shareholder in addition to the many benefits they enjoy. GLBC is now proudly employee-owned.

After over three decades of hard work, growth, and countless special milestones and moments, GLBC continues to share award-winning, balanced, and innovative beers with their customers, from the most discerning drinker to the craft beer first-timer. Fortunately, they’ve found that some of the most passionate and inspiring craft beer lovers happen to live right where it all started: Ohio. Great Lakes Brewing Co. has proudly sponsored Ohio Brew Week since its inaugural year, and will continue to support the communities that have helped shape the Great Lakes story.

A head for beer

Chances are you’ve seen the signature Fat Head’s imagery on bottles and signs all over Ohio (or Pittsburgh, or Portland). There’s a reason for this: everyone wants some of these brews. It’s not just the quality, it’s the variety.

Are you a fan of intense, award-winning IPAs? Try Hop JuJu. Like fruity beers? Bumble Berry is your answer. Want an interesting dark style? Get a Black Knight Schwarzbier. The list goes on and on, everything worth a try.

You can find Fat Head’s all over the state, and some special offerings right here during Brew Week.

The Union

Over Hang

The Crystal

Cat’s Eye Saloon

The C.I.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Thirsty Dog Brewing Company

Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Inspiring an industry

Fat Head’s Brewery

A Special Thanks to Platinum Barrel Sponsor:

Local Weather by Local University Students: