The Bobcat Brew Trail is a unique initiative that showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and camaraderie among Ohio University alumni. Launched by the Ohio University Alumni Association, this trail connects alumni through a shared passion for craft beer while celebrating their ties to Ohio University. The trail features 35 alumni-owned and/or alumni-operated breweries across Ohio, creating a vibrant network that fosters connections, supports local businesses, and promotes Ohio University’s community values.

By blending Ohio University’s rich tradition with the growing craft beer culture, the Bobcat Brew Trail offers alumni and beer enthusiasts an engaging way to explore Ohio’s diverse brewery scene. Each participating location on the trail has a “Trail Blaze” sign, where visitors can scan a QR code to log their visit. Participants earn exclusive Ohio University-themed merchandise like stickers, steins, and T-shirts, enhancing their journey with collectible memorabilia.

The trail exemplifies how Ohio University’s educational programs can be successfully applied in real-world settings. Numerous alumni who have ventured into the brewery industry are utilizing their academic experiences to drive innovation and achieve success in their businesses. Some alumni also contribute to the academic community by offering courses that connect Ohio University’s educational offerings directly with practical industry applications, enriching both the curriculum and student experiences.

By visiting the breweries on the Bobcat Brew Trail, alumni and visitors not only enjoy quality craft beers but also contribute to sustaining a community that values creativity, education, and lifelong connections. This initiative not only celebrates the success of Ohio University’s alumni but also strengthens the university’s legacy of community engagement and innovation. For more information and to traverse the Bobcat Brew Trail, visit ohio.edu/alumni.

Jackie O’s still pushing boundaries well into second decade

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If you’re visiting Ohio Brew Week, you probably know Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery.

Both the brewery and the festival turn 16 in 2021. They’re always up to something, so we’ve been able to measure Brew Weeks based on Jackie O’s developments.

The last decade brought big updates for this Ohio staple, including a roof full of solar panels, a huge production expansion, seasonal cans and more.

For most of its existence, Jackie O’s was the only brewery in town. In that time, they cranked out a massive variety of brews, from poundable pales to American Wild Ales. The company expanded with the spacious public house, a separate production facility/taproom and a farm to supply the restaurant and brewery.

Last year, Jackie O’s burst onto the hazy scene, refining recipes in Athens before unleashing six packs of “Who Cooks for You?,” a hazy pale ale. Earlier this year, they released “Lost Marbles” hazy IPA. Both flew off shelves around the state when they came out, so don’t sleep on any taproom IPAs they offer during the fest.

Jackie O’s also expanded their sour ale program, releasing a huge range of complex barrel-aged and stainless fermented saisons and wild ales, most of them loaded with fruit and sporting luscious color. Most notably this includes their “pattern” line of beers, such as “Gingham” and “Ogee.”

The public house continues to push the brewery food game, with arguably the best burger in town, killer wings, a range of amazing house-made sauces, and a ton of local sourcing. We recommend public house visitors try the iconic “Oestrike” pizza. It quite literally puts the “O” in Jackie O’s.

Jackie O’s is an Ohio craft beer staple. Now well into a second decade, they haven’t stopped ramping up the craft and quality.

To keep up with Jackie O’s and all their new projects, make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.