"Craft breweries are opening in record numbers in the United States, hundreds each year. USA TODAY 10Best wants to find the best new breweries in the country, ones founded in the past three years (since the beginning of 2017), so we asked a panel of beer experts to nominate their favorites," the website said in mid-February. At that time, a panel of experts nominated 20 breweries across the nation. Branch & Bone was the only brewery nominated from Ohio.
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After a nationwide online voting over nearly a month, Branch & Bone landed in 10th based on the number of votes, making the 10Best list. Roaring Table Brewing Company in Lake Zurich, Illinois took the top spot.
This is the second national web-site accolade that Branch & Bone has scored in recent weeks. In early February, the Dayton craft brewery, which specializes in wild-fermentation and mixed-fermentation beers, was named the "Best New Brewer" in Ohio by RateBeer.com.
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The “Best New Brewer” award from Ratebeer.com “was a pleasant surprise, and we are flattered to have been recognized in a field of our peers,” Brett Smith, co-founder and brewer at Branch & Bone, said in February.
You can join Smith in an Instagram live interview on Wednesday, April 1, to talk about his favorite beers, how he develops new recipes, and what makes his brewery distinctive.
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During the statewide stay-at-home order, Branch & Bone Artisan Ales continues to operate with carryout services of beer in the taproom as allowed by the most recent order from the Ohio State Department of Health. The brewery's online store is accepting payment as well to facilitate a quick and no-contact experience.
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Branch & Bone also has limited the taproom to a maximum of 5 customers at a time, with taped off areas to designate appropriate social distancing. Elderly and vulnerable customers are encouraged to shop during special hours set aside for them: Tuesday through Friday 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to noon. For more information, go to branch-bone-artisan-ales.myshopify.com.
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