Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting

Discover Cincinnati’s Hidden Beer Caverns and History for $49

This 2-hour underground tour in Cincinnati offers an intriguing look into the city’s brewing past and hidden tunnels. Priced at $49 per person, it is highly recommended by 99% of participants and is typically booked 15 days in advance. Starting at Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, the tour takes you far off the usual tourist trail to explore two sets of secret beer caverns, visit historic sites, and finish with a beer tasting at Northern Row Taproom.

The tour is perfect for those interested in Cincinnati’s unique history, especially its brewing heritage, alongside underground spaces most visitors never see. It’s a good fit for those with moderate physical fitness, as some walking and stairs are involved, and it offers a mix of outdoor and underground experiences. For beer lovers and history buffs alike, this tour provides insightful stories, stunning architecture, and a memorable journey into Cincinnati’s past.

Key Points

• Price: $49 per person, includes a beer tasting for guests 21 and over
• Duration: 2 hours of exploration, with stops at historic tunnels and landmarks
• Locations: Northern Row Brewery, Linch Brewery tunnels, Findlay Market, Rhinegeist Brewery, and Jackson Brewery tunnels
• Highlights: Access to secret underground caverns, stories of Cincinnati’s brewing industry, visit to filming locations of a Johnny Cash movie, and inside views of original brewery structures
• Guide: Knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, praised for humor and storytelling skills
• Group Size: Limited to 24 travelers, ensuring a personal experience

Starting Point at Northern Row Brewery & Distillery

The tour begins at Northern Row Brewery, where you will learn about the building’s history, including Carnegie Steel beams used in construction. This setting offers a great introduction to Cincinnati’s brewing scene and architecture. The guides provide context about the brewery’s past and set the stage for the underground adventure, making this a visually interesting and informative starting location.

Exploring Cincinnati’s Secret Linck Brewery Tunnels

The journey into the Linch Brewery tunnels, built in 1850, is a key highlight. These tunnels are not accessible to the public and are only opened for this guided experience. Visitors get to walk through dark, historic underground spaces that reveal Cincinnati’s brewing history from the 19th century. The tunnels feature impressive architecture and a sense of stepping back in time that is rarely available to travelers.

Visiting the Filming Location of a Johnny Cash Movie

During the tour, a visit is made to the site where Johnny Cash filmed a movie. This adds a cultural and cinematic layer to the experience, connecting Cincinnati’s industrial past with its appearances in popular media. The guide shares stories surrounding the filming, enriching the narrative of this historic location.

Walking Through Findlay Market

A brief walk takes the group through Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest, established in the early 1800s. The tour discusses the market’s founder James Findlay and its architectural design, emphasizing its role in Cincinnati’s social and trade history. This stop offers a chance to appreciate the city’s vibrant local scene, even during a short visit.

Rhinegeist Brewery and Its Historic Significance

While the group does not tour inside Rhinegeist Brewery, they learn about its history and the importance of the building in Cincinnati’s 1800s beer industry. The guide explains how this brewery contributed to Cincinnati’s brewing legacy, providing context for the city’s evolution as a beer hub.

Accessing the Jackson Brewery Tunnels

The tour includes access to the tunnels beneath the closed Jackson Brewery at 204 W McMicken Ave. These tunnels, with their notable architecture, are part of Cincinnati’s brewing landscape from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The guide discusses the building’s design and history, giving a behind-the-scenes look at an important industrial site often hidden from public view.

Enjoying the Beer Tasting at Northern Row

The experience concludes back at Northern Row Taproom with a beer tasting available for guests 21 and over. The tour offers a selection of local brews, allowing guests to sample Cincinnati’s beer craftsmanship in a relaxed setting. Younger guests can opt for a soft drink, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour departs from Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, 111 W McMicken Ave, Cincinnati. It is designed for up to 24 travelers, providing a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. The mobile ticket and moderate physical fitness requirements make it accessible for most guests, though some walking and stairs are involved.

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Booking typically occurs about 15 days in advance, and the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours before. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable, so planning ahead is recommended. The tour is weather-dependent, with the option of rescheduling if canceled due to poor conditions.

Why This Tour Excels: Guides and Stories

Multiple reviews praise the knowledge and personality of the guides, especially highlighting Miranda and Harrison for their engaging storytelling and sense of humor. They share not only facts but also insider insights that deepen the experience. The guides’ enthusiasm helps make the underground tunnels and historic landmarks come alive.

Unique Features and Special Highlights

This tour’s main appeal lies in its access to hidden caverns and underground spaces that most visitors never see. The combination of history, architecture, and beer culture offers a truly distinctive perspective on Cincinnati. The stories about a Johnny Cash movie filming site and original brewery structures add layers of cultural relevance.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

The Cincinnati hidden caverns tour is ideal for adults interested in local history, brewery heritage, and underground spaces. It suits those willing to walk outdoors and underground, and appreciates engaging storytelling. It’s especially appealing for visitors seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience combined with beer tasting in a historic setting.

Summary of the Experience

This $49 tour packs a lot into two hours, offering exciting access to Cincinnati’s secret tunnels and historical sites. It emphasizes local stories, architecture, and brewery history, with the guides’ enthusiasm making each stop engaging. The beer tasting at Northern Row is a perfect way to unwind after the underground exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Cincinnati Brewery Caverns Tour

This tour provides excellent value for those eager to uncover Cincinnati’s underground brewing past and enjoy some local craft beers. It combines history, architecture, and storytelling with the chance to see rarely accessible spaces. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized experience that appeals to curious, history-loving adults.

While the tour involves walking and stairs—which may be a consideration for some—it offers a rich, visually compelling journey through Cincinnati’s industrial and cultural history. Booking in advance and dressing comfortably will help maximize the enjoyment of this memorable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults, especially since beer tasting is only available for guests 21 and over.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, located at 111 W McMicken Ave.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, moderate physical fitness is recommended because the tour involves walking outdoors, some stairs, and underground passages.

What is included in the price?
The $49 fee covers the guided exploration of tunnels and historic sites, plus a beer tasting at Northern Row Taproom.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves stairs and walking in underground tunnels, it may not be suitable for everyone with mobility challenges.

What makes this tour stand out?
Access to hidden, historic brewery tunnels, engaging local stories, and a beer tasting experience in a historic brewery setting.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
It is generally booked about 15 days in advance, but last-minute bookings may be possible if availability remains.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and casual attire are recommended due to walking and outdoor segments.