In the past, Cincinnati was renowned for its beer-brewing prowess. While the city is once again noted for its many hometown beers, as well as its fun and informative beer tours, many people fail to recognize Cincinnati’s contribution to the beer drinking world. The following are a few little-known facts about this city and its rich brewing tradition.

Beer, Brewing, & More: 3 Facts About the History of Beer In Cincinnati

1. The City Thrived on Beer

It’s not a stretch to say that beer brewing was a vital industry to Cincinnati. What began as relatively small breweries eventually expanded into a massive industry, which produced upwards of 30 million gallons each year according to the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network. This was during the middle of the 1800s, when beer production in the city was at its peak. What’s even more impressive is that a mere 36 breweries were responsible for this output.

2. German Immigrants Had an Impact

The first German-owned brewery opened in Cincinnati in 1829. This brought about a European-inspired flare for brewing that involved yeast fermented on the bottom of the tank (as opposed to the top-fermenting brews that were common at the time). This resulted in lager, a crisp beer that became a hit in the city and the rest of the nation. Lager is now a key attraction of Cincinnati’s many beer tours.

3. Prohibition Took Its Toll

In 1920, prohibition clamped down on beer production in Cincinnati. While many breweries converted to soft drinks or so-called “near beers” (which had little to no alcohol content), they didn’t turn enough of a profit to remain afloat. These days the city has experienced a resurgence of sorts thanks to the craft beer explosion. Current breweries live up to the city’s previous history as a beer mecca, while also putting a modern spin on their offerings. Residents and visitors alike are eager to sample these offerings, whether on a beer tour or enjoying a drink with friends.

 

Cincy Brew Bus honors the city’s rich brewing history, which spans 158 years. Their innovative beer tours take guests all over the Cincinnati to visit the most notable breweries, while also providing information on the history of brewing. They even allow private events, which is great for bachelor or bachelorette parties, birthdays, or family reunions. If you’d like to schedule a local brewery tour, call (513) 258-7909 today. You can also visit the website to see the tour schedule for yourself.