Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour

The Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour offers a fascinating look into Cincinnati’s storied brewing and distilling past, all within a 2 hour 30 minute experience. Priced at $59 per person, this tour is a perfect choice for those interested in local history, craft beverages, and behind-the-scenes brewery operations. Starting at Northern Row Brewery and Distillery, the tour takes you through historic tunnels, modern production areas, and iconic Cincinnati venues. With small group sizes of up to 15 people, it emphasizes personal interaction and plenty of opportunities for questions.

Most of the experience takes place indoors, making it suitable even when the weather isn’t ideal. While the tour covers three key stops, some reviews note that the duration can feel a bit long, especially if standing for extended periods. The mix of historic sites, craft production, and sampling opportunities makes this a compelling outing for beer and spirits enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Price & Duration: Costs $59 per person for 2.5 hours of guided exploration.
• Locations Visited: Includes Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, Jackson Brewery tunnels, and Rhinegeist Brewery.
• What You Learn: Details on historic breweries, modern brewing practices, and distillation techniques.
• Sampling: Enjoy spirit tastings at Northern Row and a beer flight at Rhinegeist.
• Group Size: Small tour group capped at 15 participants for an intimate experience.
• Weather: Mostly indoors, so weather conditions won’t spoil the fun.

Starting at Northern Row Brewery & Distillery

The tour kicks off at Northern Row, a site with roots in pre-Prohibition fermentation. Here, the guide explains the history of the building and the distillation process, providing a look at both historic practices and current methods. After the tour of the distilling area, participants sample a variety of spirits in the taproom. This stop sets a solid foundation for understanding Cincinnati’s brewing and distilling heritage.

The behind-the-scenes tour of Northern Row emphasizes its significance as one of Cincinnati’s historic brewing sites. The spirit tasting is a highlight, offering a chance to experience the local distillery’s craftsmanship firsthand. It’s a great way to start the experience with delicious samples and insightful commentary about Cincinnati’s spirits scene.

Exploring Cincinnati’s Lagering Tunnels at Jackson Brewery

Next, the tour visits the Jackson Brewery lagering cellars, dating back to the 1850s. These tunnels served as cold storage and fermentation spaces for beer. Visitors get a glimpse of the underground historic tunnels, which add an atmospheric touch to the tour, and learn about the beer fermentation methods used during that era.

Seeing these underground tunnels is often described as a cool experience—a tangible connection to Cincinnati’s brewing history. While the tunnels involve some stairs and uneven terrain, most find the visit to be both educational and memorable, especially for history buffs.

Modern Brewing at Rhinegeist Brewery

The final stop is Rhinegeist Brewery, housed in a pre-Prohibition building that retains its historic charm. Here, visitors take a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery’s modern operations, discovering how Rhinegeist produces their beers today. The guide shares stories about the building’s past and brewing techniques, blending history with current practices.

The session concludes with a flight of their winter beers, giving guests a chance to taste a selection of local brews in a lively taproom environment. The beer flight highlights the brewery’s craftsmanship and provides a relaxed end to the tour.

Practical Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour begins at 111 W McMicken Ave, and ends just one block away at 1910 Elm St. The meeting point is convenient, with public transportation nearby, making access straightforward. The tour departs at 12:00 pm, making it an ideal midday activity. The small group size ensures a friendly atmosphere, with plenty of chances for interaction and questions.

Travelers should be prepared for some walking and standing, especially at the tunnels, but most of the tour remains indoors, shielding guests from bad weather. The entire experience is designed to be accessible for most participants, including those with service animals.

Insights from Reviews: Guides, Atmosphere, and Content

The guides receive high praise for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to make history engaging. Guides like Lisa, Laura, and Alex are frequently mentioned as excellent storytellers who balance technical details with approachable explanations.

Visitors appreciate the casual, friendly environment, which makes asking questions and chatting easy. The tour’s length can be a point of critique for some, with some feeling it could be more tightly paced. The quality of the information and sampling experiences generally outweigh concerns about duration.

The sampling at Northern Row and Rhinegeist is consistently highlighted as a major plus, with many noting that the beer and spirits are delicious. The underground tunnels and historic buildings add visual interest, especially for those who enjoy historic architecture.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Experiences

This tour’s focus on both historic and modern brewing and distilling sets it apart. The combination of underground tunnels, historic buildings, and contemporary breweries creates a comprehensive story of Cincinnati’s beverage history.

Compared to other Cincinnati experiences, this tour emphasizes learning about brewing methods, local history, and culinary samples in a small-group setting. Its indoor nature and manageable duration make it an accessible, engaging choice for a wide range of visitors.

The Sum Up: A Rich Taste of Cincinnati’s Brewing Heritage

The Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Cincinnati’s brewing history with delicious tastings and insightful storytelling. The small group size and indoor stops ensure a comfortable, personal experience, perfect for history lovers, beer enthusiasts, and anyone curious about local craftsmanship.

While some may find the length slightly longer than expected, most agree that the quality of guides, historic sites, and tastings make this tour worthwhile. It’s especially suitable for those looking to combine education with relaxation in a lively, friendly environment.

The tour provides a unique glimpse into Cincinnati’s brewing and distilling roots, making it a valuable addition to any itinerary focused on local culture and craftsmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including visits to three locations with tasting sessions.

What is the price of the tour?
The experience costs $59 per person, which includes tastings at Northern Row and Rhinegeist.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 111 W McMicken Ave and finishes about one block away at 1910 Elm St in Cincinnati.

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, most of the tour occurs indoors, so rain or shine won’t affect the experience.

What types of tastings are included?
Guests sample spirits at Northern Row and enjoy a beer flight at Rhinegeist, focusing on local Cincinnati beverages.

Are there physical requirements or accessibility considerations?
Some stops involve stairs and uneven terrain (notably the tunnels), but most of the tour remains accessible for most participants.

This detailed exploration of the Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour highlights its blend of historic charm, contemporary craft, and delicious samples, making it a not-to-miss experience for those eager to learn about Cincinnati’s beverage scene.