5 ways to raise your glass during craft beer week

Arts & Entertainment
By Staff
May 13, 2015
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Beer lovers have a special reason to celebrate.

It’s American Craft Beer Week, and the celebration continues through Sunday.

It’s no secret that Dayton is gaining the reputation as a craft beer destination and definitely has been part of a craft-beer explosion.

Here are 5 ways to raise your glass during beer week.

1. VISIT A LOCAL BREWERY/BREWPUB

This one is easy. Visit one of the Dayton area’s breweries and try a fresh new brew.

  • Carillon Brewing Company: 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton; 937-293-2841.
  • Dayton Beer Company: 912 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering; 937-640-3107 AND Downtown Dayton, 41 Madison St., Dayton; (937) 228-2337.
  • Eudora Brewing Company: 4716 Wilmington Pike, Kettering; 937-723-6863.
  • Fifth Street Brewpub Co-op: 1600 E. Fifth St., Dayton; 937-443-0919
  • Hairless Hare Brewery: 38 W. National Road, Vandalia; 937-520-6518
  • Lock 27 Brewing: 35 S. Main St., Centerville; 937-433-2739.
  • Lucky Star Brewery: 219 S. Second St., Miamisburg; 937-866-2739
  • Pinups and Pints: 10963 Lower Valley Pike, Medway; 937-849-1400
  • Star City Brewing: 319 S. Second St., Miamisburg; 937-701-7827.
  • Toxic Brew Company: 431 E. Fifth St., Dayton; 937-985-3618
  • Warped Wing Brewing Company: 26 Wyandot St., Dayton; 937-222-7003
  • Yellow Springs Brewery: 305 N. Walnut St., Suite B, Yellow Springs; 937-767-0222.

2. FOLLOW SOME EXPERT ADVICE

Overwhelmed by the local craft beer selections? We asked 11 local brewmasters to tell us the one beer everyone must try at their location.

  • Darren Link, Brewmaster at Fifth Street Brewpub Co-op: Herbivore No. 1.
  • Pat Sullivan, Head Brewer at Toxic Brew: Safety 3rd
  • Pete Hilgeman, Brewmaster/Operations Manager at Dayton Beer Company: Java Man Cometh
  • Tony Dawes, Brewmaster, Hairless Hare Brewery in Vandalia: "T" Dawg Amber
  • John Haggerty, Warped Wing Brewing Company Brewmaster: Pirogue
  • Neil Chabut, Brewmaster, owner of Eudora Brewing Company, Kettering: Bangarang! IPA
  • Tanya Brock, Brewmaster, Carillon Brewing Company: Coriander Ale
  • Glen Perrine, Brewmaster/Owner at Lucky Star Brewery: RU Hoppy Now
  • Jeffrey McElfresh, Brewmaster at Yellow Springs Brewery: Captain Stardust
  • Steve Barnhart, owner/brewmaster at Lock 27 in Centerville: Mouth Breather
  • Justin Kohnen, Star City brewer: Old Mill Stout

3. A FEW OTHER PLACES WITH AWESOME BEER SELECTIONS, EVENTS

This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are a few places that stand out for their beer selections on tap and/or by the bottle.

Boston's Bistro & Pub, 7500 N. Main St., Dayton

Chappys Tap Room and Grille, 2733 W. Alex Bell Road, Moraine

Lucky's Taproom and Eatery, 520 E. Fifth St., Dayton

BJ's Restaurant/Brewhouse, 10563 Innovation Drive, Miamisburg, at Austin Landing

The Kings Table, 2348 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek

4. BUY BEER TO TAKE HOME

Here are some recommended places to buy beer to take home.

  • Dorothy Lane Market: All three Dorothy Lane Market locations have beer on tap for growlers, in addition to bottled beer. Selection varies by location. Get creative and make a meal out of it with help from this beer and food pairing guide.
  • The Barrel House, 417 E. Third St.: Offers growler and howler fills from 18 beer taps and beer bottle sales for carryout.
  • Belmont Party Supply, 2621 S. Smithville Road: Rated one of the top in the world for their craft beer selection by ratebeer.com.
  • Arrow Wine & Spirits, with locations in Kettering and Centerville, has a wide selection of craft beers at both locations and growlers are available at the Centerville location.
  • Miami Valley Wine and Spirits, 943 W. Main St., Tipp City, also has a great craft beer selection.

5. GET THESE BEER EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR

  • May 23: Boonshoft's Brew School: Boston's Bistro & Pub, 7500 N. Main St., Dayton, noon to 3 p.m. Explore the science that goes into the brewing process and then enjoy craft beer with food pairing. Pre-registration is required and available online. Must be 21 years or older to attend, ID required at the door. $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Beer and food pairings are included.
  • June 12-13: Kings Island's Banshee Brew Festival: New this year, breweries will offer a wide selection of craft beers, plus an all-you-can-eat meal, live entertainment and more. Information regarding tickets and the entertainment lineup will be announced soon. Did you know Kings Island has its own line of beer?
  • June 19-20: Jungle Jim's International Beer Fest: 7:30-10:30 p.m. both days, The Oscar Event Center 5440 Dixie Hwy, Jungle Jim's, Fairfield. Sample specialty beers, picnic-style meal and world-class cigars on sale. More info: www.junglejims.com/beerfest/details/
  • June 20: 8th annual Firkin Fest: Boston’s Bistro & Pub, 7500 N. Main St., Dayton, featuring multiple firkins and pins on draught, live music and food.
  • Aug. 8: Great American Beer Tasting: 2-6 p.m. at Fifth Third Field. More than 100 beers to sample from, games and raffle prizes. Tickets are $25 in advance ($35 per ticket if purchased day of the event) and includes 20 samples, a custom Great American Beer Tasting 2015 pint glass, and a raffle ticket for Budweiser and Dragons merchandise. Purchase your ticket before June 1 and receive a 2015 Great American Beer Tasting T-shirt. New to 2015 will be the “Buds and Burgers” bar where you can create the burger of your dreams to savor with that cold brew. Designated driver tickets are also available for $5 per ticket and includes five non-alcoholic samples and a complimentary soda or water. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
  • Aug. 29: AleFest Dayton: Dayton Beer Week runs Aug. 22-29 and culminates in the 17th annual AleFest at Dave Hall Plaza in downtown Dayton. AleFest will have 400 craft beers from all over the world as well as from here in Dayton, and you’ll have the opportunity to sample 20, plus purchase food from food trucks on site and enjoy live music. General admission $45; VIP admission $60. More info: alefest.com/

    • — Compiled by Michelle Fong and Jim Witmer, Staff

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