Maumee Bay Total Eclipse

When most people think of warm-weather beers, they think of patio pilsners, lawn-mowing lagers and backyard blonde ales. Dark beer is a mere afterthought during the summer months. In fact, people tend to forget about dark beers as soon as they put their sweaters away after the first spring thaw. That’s a shame. A super-frosty breakfast stout is the perfect cold dessert on a hot summer evening. My favorite is the Maumee Bay Brewing Co.’s Total Eclipse from Toledo, which hits the cool spot when the weather is brutally hot.

Total Eclipse is an imperial stout that is made with oatmeal, milk sugar and locally roasted espresso beans from Flying Rhino Coffee & Chocolate. It pours a jet black in color with aromas of mocha, milk chocolate and rich caramel. The beer is softly carbonated, which only enhances its creaminess and delicate texture. Velvety flavors of chicory, cafe con leche and vanilla envelop the palate. The finish is soft, smooth and luxurious with the coffee adding the perfect amount of bitterness to counterbalance the rich flavors.

If you are feeling adventurous, add a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream into a frosty mug of Total Eclipse for the ultimate adult version of an ice cream float. In fact, you can call it a beer float – or, maybe a bloat. Either as is or as a dessert, Total Eclipse is a tasty treat to savor when the thermometer reaches the unfathomable.

It is available in six packs for $14.99. It is distributed locally by Columbus Distributing Co.

Land-Grant Stiff-Arm IPA

The genesis was simple enough: Walt Keys and Adam Benner were two Ohio State University graduates with an unflappable entrepreneurial spirit and a love of craft beer.

After a successful Kickstarter campaign in early 2012, a relocation back to central Ohio – and more than two years of delays – Land-Grant Brewing Co. was finally a reality.

At the end of May, Land-Grant made two of its signature beers available in cans, most-notably the Stiff-Arm IPA.

Stiff-Arm pours a bright copper in color with a foamy ivory head and noticeable effervescence. On the nose, the prominent aromas are of spruce and unripened citrus fruit. The palate provides spicy, toasted bread flavors combined with hints of tangerine and wet grass. It finishes with a considerable bite of pine and an earthy funkiness best described as “forest floor.”

At 6.4 percent alcohol by volume and 54 international bittering units, this isn't your typical over-the-top grapefruit-bomb IPA, which is currently en vogue. Stiff-Arm has more structure and depth, which also allows it to be very food-friendly. It’s a formidable match for a French onion soup, a sharp cheddar cheese or even a spicy vegetable stir fry dish.

All of Land Grant’s beers are self-distributed, so the Stiff-Arm IPA should be available in six packs of cans for $9.99 at your bottle shop. If you wish to sample the entire lineup of Land-Grant beers, visit its brewery and taproom, located in Franklinton.

Jackie O's PawPaw Wheat

The prairie banana, the banango and Asimina triloba. What do these three things have in common? All are euphemisms for the official native state fruit of Ohio - the pawpaw. In fact, the pawpaw is so celebrated, Athens County has hosted the Ohio Pawpaw Festival annually since 1999.

Jackie O's Pub & Brewery, also located in Athens County, decided to create a brew using this native fruit. The result is their PawPaw Wheat, an imperial wheat ale.

It pours a light amber in color with a fizzy white head. The aroma has notes of fresh-baked biscuits and Juicyfruit gum. On the palate, flavors of papaya, plantain, mango and a whiff of clove playfully mingle together. The tropical stonefruit notes on the finish lead into hints of of sweet malt with a slightly delayed peppery heat from the alcohol. At 9 percent alcohol, this is far from being a sessionable beer.

The PawPaw Wheat would be an excellent match for glazed honey ham or peach cobbler.

It is currently available in 12.7 ounce bottles, which retail for $5.99 each. Locally, it is distributed by Cavalier Distributing.

MadTree Citra High

It all began simply enough. Three friends - one a business analyst and the other two engineers by trade - making homebrew together. The hobby soon became an obsession, so the trio decided to formulate a business plan and gather investors.

After 18 months of blood, sweat and beers, MadTree Brewing was born in the heart of Cincinnati. Thanks to its growing popularity and an increase in production, MadTree was able to expand its distribution into the central Ohio market in December of last year. MadTree's latest beer to hit local shelves is their Citra High, an imperial IPA brewed with Citra and Simcoe hops.

Citra High pours a clear amber in color with a white head and considerable lacing. Aromas of passionfruit, peach and sweet citrus blend harmoniously with toasty malt notes. Hints of spruce meld with the bright, fruity flavors of tangerine, papaya and mango. The long, creamy finish is redolent of juicy tropical fruits.

Though it masks its alcohol quite well, keep in mind that Citra High 10.2% alcohol by volume. It would be a perfect compliment to fare like prosciutto, a sharp English cheddar or a scoop of salted caramel ice cream.

Citra High is a limited-release and is currently available in 4-packs for $11.99. It is distributed locally by Cavalier Distributing.

Great Lakes Alberta Clipper

At one time, Cleveland was one of the most-important beer cities in the United States. Unfortunately like many cities, Cleveland's breweries began closing because they could not compete with the national brands. In 1984, Cleveland's last brewery ceased production and shuttered its doors. Cleveland beer was seemingly gone for good. But on September 6th, 1988, Cleveland's rich brewing history began a new chapter with the opening of Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio's first craft brewery.

For almost three decades, Great Lakes Brewing Company has been consistently producing award-winning ales and lagers with no signs of them slowing down. Their newest offering is Alberta Clipper, a porter that is brewed with chocolate and raspberries.

Alberta Clipper pours an opaque dark taupe with a creamy tan head and fine lacing. On the nose, aromas of dulce de leche, dark cocoa and fresh raspberry jam blend seamlessly. The predominate flavors are of roasted malt, coffee and caramel combined with decadent notes of bramble fruits on the clean finish. The bitterness on the finish cleanses the palate from the slightly sweet flavors provided by the chocolate and raspberries.

Some potential food pairings are barbecued ribs, Brie fondue or dark chocolate truffles.

Alberta Clipper is a seasonal-release that is currently available in 4-packs, which retail for $9.99. Locally, it is distributed by Glazer's Distributors.

Victory Kirsch Gose

The beer-style of Gose, a sour wheat ale brewed with salt and coriander, dates back to the early 1600s in Germany. During its heyday, it was one of the most popular regional styles of beer in Germany. But by 1988, Gose had become extinct not only in Germany, but throughout the entire world. Recently, Gose has experienced a bit of a renaissance with a handful of craft breweries producing their interpretation of the style.

Victory Brewing first started producing beer in 1996 in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, but its roots began much earlier - elementary school. The two would-be founders met each other on a school bus in 1973 when they were in the 5th grade. That budding friendship would eventually grow into a successful business. In 2013, Victory opened another brewery, which gave them the ability to revamp their lineup and expand their repertoire. The culmination of Victory's exploration is their Kirsch Gose simply described on the label as a "sour cherry bier."

The Kirsch Gose pours a clear scarlet with a pink head and considerable effervescence. On the nose, notes of bing cherries, lemon and seawater combine with aromas of vinegar and funky cheese. Flavors of cherry hard candy, green apple, sourdough bread and saltine crackers combine for a dry, puckering finish.

The confluence of sweet, sour and salty provides a thirst-quenching quality that is second to none. This highly-sessionable brew would pair well with ceviche, Gruyere cheese or a sunny spring afternoon.

A spring seasonal release, Victory Kirsch Gose is available in 4 packs and retails for $9.99. It is distributed locally by Heidelberg Distributing.

Fat Head's Bone Head Red

Upon its opening in 2009, Fat Head’s Brewery began as a modest brewpub on the outskirts of Cleveland.

In those first few years, Fat Head's gained a cult-like following throughout the country for its hop-centric offerings.

By late 2014, Fat Head’s had opened two additional breweries including a brewpub in Portland, Oregon in hopes of satisfying the demand for its award-winning beers.

The most recent award winner from Fat Head’s is its Bone Head Red, an imperial red ale that took home a silver medal at the 2014 World Beer Cup. A seasonal release, Bone Head takes the bold citrus and pine characteristics of the West Coast style of imperial IPA and amps it up by giving it a malty backbone.

Bone Head pours a deep auburn with an ivory head and thick lacing. Aromas of blood orange, pomelo and spruce combine with slight notes of fresh-baked bread. The palate offers tantalizing flavors of caramel, pine, tropical stone fruits and notes of wet soil that lead into crisp, long finish.

At 9.4 percent alcohol by volume, Bone Head is deceptively strong, so one should proceed with caution while enjoying this brew. It would pair well with dishes such as grilled marinated flank steak and pork chops served with a mango chutney. 

Bone Head retails for $12.99 a 4-pack and it is distributed locally by Cavalier Distributing

New Holland Cabin Fever Brown Ale

Nestled on scenic Lake Macatawa in western Michigan, the sleepy town of Holland was best known for its tulip festival up until 1997.


It was then that two men set out to build their own brewery from the ground up. After considerable effort and steady growth, New Holland Brewing Co. has become a rousing success. Its winter seasonal, Cabin Fever Brown Ale, is exactly what you would imagine: the perfect fireside companion on a frosty winter evening.

Cabin Fever pours a dark chestnut hue in the glass with a moderate ivory head. The aromas of freshly roasted coffee, baker’s chocolate and toffee are tantalizing and inviting. It has medium heavy body with a rich mouthfeel that is coating without being sticky. Flavors of burnt caramel, figs and toasted almonds complement the mocha backbone.

Dark fruit and raisin notes lead into a dry, satisfying finish that lingers on the palate for a good while.

With the wrath of winter upon us, Cabin Fever keeps the chill of the season at bay. Clocking in at 6 percent alcohol by volume, it’s hearty enough to warm the soul but not too harsh. It’s a good match with beef stew, roasted duck or French onion soup.

Lexington Brewing Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Dating back to the late 1700s, Kentucky's reputation as the producer of the finest bourbon is unquestioned. In fact, Kentucky gives birth to roughly 98% of all bourbon worldwide. However, its brewing history languished until 1999, when the Lexington Brewing Company was ressurected from the ashes. Their flagship offering is their Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, which is aged in freshly used bourbon barrels for 6 months.

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale pours golden honey color with a small off-white head. Aromas of bourbon, vanilla, demerara sugar and oak are released through the beer's mild effervescence. It is fairly light in body and mouthfeel, which prevents its sweetness from becoming cloying. The initial heat from the alcohol is soon replaced with flavors of raisins, cream, dried citrus and caramel, which are balanced out by its whiskey-infused backbone. The beer has a moderately long finish with its vanilla flavors and lingering booziness keeping you warm. Unlike most barrel-aged brews, it is light on the palate and is a perfect after dinner sipper by the fireplace. The alcohol by volume clocks in at a bold 8.19%, so proceed with caution. Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is available in 4-packs and retails for around $11.

Fat Head's Head Hunter IPA

Located in North Olmstead, Ohio, Fat Head’s Brewery has gained a cult following since opening in 2009 as a brewpub.

Its flagship brew is the award-winning Head Hunter IPA, which took a silver medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival and was named a “Top 25 Beer in the World” by Draft Magazine in 2009.
Success has come so quickly to Fat Head’s that the company recently opened up a separate brewery to meet the demand. The increased production has allowed it to finally begin limited distribution to central Ohio.

Head Hunter pours a slightly cloudy orange with moderate carbonation and a medium white head. Aromas of spruce, mango and fresh-squeezed citrus juice intertwine majestically.

The flavor leans toward citrus with notes of tangelo and white grapefruit with a good dollop of pine and caramel. The herbaceous hop flavors provide Head Hunter with a long-lasting finish that is dry, yet thirst-quenching. It is a perfect match for curried shrimp or grilled jerk chicken.

Head Hunter retails for $9.99 for a 4-pack and is distributed locally by Cavalier Distributing.

Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

Best known for surfing and sunshine, San Diego has the reputation as the "India Pale Ale Capital of the USA." Ballast Point Brewing Company certainly reinforces that moniker by offering a wide array of hop-centric ales. Starting as a tiny brewery in the back of a homebrew supply shop, Ballast Point has grown steadily since their meager beginnings. Their most popular offering among hopheads is the Sculpin IPA, which won a gold medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup.

Sculpin pours a dark straw in color with crackling effervescence. Fairly light-bodied for the style, Sculpin possesses tropical fruit aromas of mango and papaya. Flavors of peach, apricot and lemon linger on the long, hoppy finish. It would be a perfect match for blue cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. A new arrival to the central Ohio market, the Sculpin IPA currently available in 22oz bottles and retails for around nine dollars.

Yuengling Lager

After many years of being the next-door neighbor that would perpetually not share its goods, D.G. Yuengling & Son beer is now available in the great state of Ohio. The beer was so highly coveted, many Ohioans crossed the state line in hopes of stocking up on Yuengling’s flagship brew, the Traditional Lager.

Yuengling is the United States oldest brewery, dating its roots to 1829. Proudly family-owned since its humble beginnings, Yuengling has carved out a niche with beer nerds and hipsters alike. As the “Pride of Pottsville,” the company has expanded production to three different brewery locations in order to meet the demand of thirsty drinkers.

The Traditional Lager pours a clear amber color with a moderate off-white head and high carbonation.

Aromas are of sweet toasted bread and yeast. It has pronounced flavors of caramel, fresh-cut grass and pine. The finish is medium length with just enough flavor and effervescence to keep things interesting and balanced.

Is Yuengling a great beer? In a word, no. But if you are stuck in a rut and want to break ties with run-of-the-mill macro-brewed beers, Yuengling is a great alternative to common watery swill. It is a great match for typical tailgate cuisine such as cheeseburgers and smoked sausage and will keep your thirst at bay on crisp autumn evenings. It retails for $5.89 a six pack and $10.49 for half of a case.

Stone 15th Anniversary Ale

As one of the most respected craft breweries around, Stone Brewing Co. could easily coast on its reputation alone.

Instead, it is constantly creating new beers and expanding drinkers’ palates from coast to coast.

Stone was founded in San Diego by two friends who took a beer-appreciation class together in college. Steve Wagner and Greg Koch finally realized their dream when the brewery’s doors opened in 1996. The rest is craft-brewing history. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Stone has released “Escondidian Imperial Black IPA” to great anticipation and excitement.

Black IPA, also referred to a Cascadian Dark Ale, is a relatively new style of beer. Essentially, it combines the hoppiness of IPAs with the maltiness of porters or stouts. The Stone offering pours a rich black color with a soft tan head. Aromas of coffee, cocoa, caramel and pine intertwine effortlessly on the palate.

The predominant flavors are mocha, toffee, black licorice, citrus and vanilla – quite a combination. The silky, coating mouthfeel and liberal additions of American hops provide for a long, satisfying finish. It is a delicious balance of bitterness, sweetness and creaminess that is absolutely tantalizing.

Clocking in at a jaw-dropping 10.8 percent alcohol by volume, this brew is a seriously potent potable, so proceed with caution. If you wish to pair it with food, try it either with barbecued brisket, chorizo chili or even tiramisu. It is available in 22 ounce bottles and retails for $7.99.

Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA

Starting out in 1995 as the smallest commercial brewery in the country in sleepy Rehoboth Beach, Del., Dogfish Head is an unlikely success story. Thanks to founder Sam Calagione’s tireless promotion and his dream of creating “off-centered ales for off-centered people,” Dogfish Head now is widely regarded as one of the top craft-breweries in the United States. Calagione has written multiple books on beer, appeared in two documentary films about beer and developed and starred in the “Brew Masters” series on the Discovery Channel. The most-popular Dogfish Head offering is the 90 Minute India Pale Ale.

It pours a clear vermillion in color with a moderate off-white head. Aromas are of ruby-red grapefruit, caramel, spruce and wildflowers. The flavor is a confluence of notes of pineapple, toffee, raisin and blood orange that elegantly marries bitter and sweet. Medium-bodied, 90 Minute is neither cloying nor overpowering on the complex, lengthy finish. Hops are continually added to the beer while it is brewing, which allows for a finished product that is balanced without any harsh bitterness.

Though it drinks with such ease, I offer this piece of advice: This is an extreme beer. Be careful. At 9 percent alcohol by volume, 90 Minute is more of a sipper than a quaffer. To fully appreciate the aromatic notes, it is best enjoyed out of a snifter glass or a wine glass. Dogfish’s 90 Minute is a wonderful match for pulled pork, blue cheese or even a slice of pumpkin pie. It is available in 4-packs that sell for about $11.

Saison du Pont

The saison-style of Belgian ale dates backs to the middle ages as a refreshing drink. As a thirst-quenching beverage, specifically from the Belgian province of Hainut (inside of Wallonia), it sustained the farm workers through many unseasonably hot days.

Saison du Pont is the perfect beverage for brew enthusiasts to toast up during the winter holidays. It is truly the Champagne of beers. Saison du Pont pours a golden orange color with a rocky, white head. The carbonation is high with aromas of peppercorn, orange peel and sweet malt. The flavor of fresh-baked bread, spice and lemon flows from the glass. Tangy note of citrus and Kent Goldings hops allow for a crisp, long finish that balances out its effervescence. It has a wonderful funk sometimes described as wet horse blanket – a compliment in beer circles.

The brew is a lovely match for spicy sausage, shrimp paella, goat cheese or a Champagne toast. Saison du Pont retails for $9 for a 750ml bottle.

North Coast Old Rasputin

Dating back to the 18th century, imperial stouts were originally brewed in England as gifts to Catherine the Great and her court. These brews were higher in alcohol than typical stouts and were cherished as the ultimate beer for surviving the long, unrelenting Russian winters. Now that the leaves have fallen and the skies are gray, it is officially imperial stout season.

Hailing from the picturesque coastline of Mendocino County in California is Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing Co.

Old Rasputin pours an opaque jet black and has a beige, frothy head. Aromas of dark chocolate, espresso and burnt caramel waft out of the glass. The flavor profile consists of mocha, toffee, roasted malt and campfire. Old Rasputin is thick, rich and creamy on the palate with a long, roasty finish. Liberal additions of hops allow the initial sweetness to be balanced out and help give it a substantial dryness.

Old Rasputin is the perfect accompaniment to a roaring fire on a frosty evening. It clocks in at a robust 9 percent alcohol by volume, so it is certainly not a “session beer” by any means. It would pair well with roasted duck, smoked Gouda or chocolate mousse. Old Rasputin is available in 4-packs and retails for around $9.

Ithaca Cascazilla

Because of an advantageous microclimate, New York’s Finger Lakes region is well-known for producing world-class wines. However, in the sleepy college town of Ithaca, wine isn’t always the first beverage of choice.Ask people on the street and they’ll tell you that Ithaca Beer Co. is where it’s at. The brewery opened in 1998 and its beer is now available in seven states, and recently was awarded two medals at the Great American Beer Fest. One of its highest rated beers is the hopped-up red ale, appropriately named Cascazilla.

Cascazilla pours a medium ruby color with a moderate white head. Aromas are of tropical fruits, caramel, forest and bread. The predominant flavors are of grapefruit, orange, spruce and fresh-cut grass. Cascazilla finishes both bitter and sweet thanks to herbaceous Cascade hop character and malt sweetness. It’s very versatile as a “food beer,” but it would best match-up with braised short ribs, spicy jambalaya or gorgonzola cheese. It is available in six packs and retails for around $11.

Rockmill Brewing Dubbel

Every "beer geek" is born from an epiphany moment in which a certain beer opens up their eyes to the world of craftbrews. For Matthew Barbee, it was a Saison Dupont that was paired with a grilled peach salad. Not soon after, he decided to move from Los Angeles back to his native Ohio to open up his own brewery in the sleepy town of Lancaster. Blessed with water quality nearly identical to that of the Wallonia region in Belgium, Rockmill Brewing began producing four unique Belgian-style ales in 2010.

The Rockmill Dubbel clocks in at a robust 8% alcohol by volume. It pours a rich mahogany color with ample champagne-like carbonation with a light tan head and thick Belgian lacing. Aromas are of caramel, raisins, bananas and toast. The predominant flavors are of toffee, black cherry, dried plum and cognac. The finish is long thanks to a delightful balance of spice provided by the yeast and hops. This brew would pair perfectly with smoked barbecued ribs, a heart beef stew or a washed-rind Belgian cheese. Or you can serve the way Mr. Barbee serves it: with dark chocolate that has been dusted with Himalayan pink sea salt.

Rockmill is currently producing four barrels a week (roughly 130 gallons), but they are hoping to expand production in the near future. Their next release is slated to be a whiskey barrel-aged Belgian tripel. Undoubtedly, Matthew Barbee's Rockmill brews have provided that epiphany moment for more than a few "beer geeks."

Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout

Stone is easily in my top 5 favorite breweries. I was hooked merely by seeing a beer labeled "Arrogant Bastard". Granted, this was when I was still a newbie to the craft brew world and was still foolishly led by names and labels. But, like every other beer Stone offers, Arrogant Bastard lives up to its name.

This brings us to a new release from Stone... and imperial stout brewed with anise, oak chips, and Belgian yeast. It pours jet black, with a brownish tinge around the edges and a moderate dark tan head. Aromas are very, very strong of anise and black licorice. There is also a slight oak and vanilla aroma, but I don't catch much roasted malt. After opening up a little bit, the aromas all meld to give a root beer quality to the aroma... very pleasing.

The licorice is not as strong in the flavor as the aroma. The mouthfeel is not a thick as a typical imperial stout and the carbonation is on the high end. Root beer once again comes to mind. Roasted malt and dark fruit linger in the background as well as a slight acidity that lives a little burn in the chest along with the alcohol.

It's certainly an interesting beer. I'd imagine setting this beer down for a few years would do a great deal of good in terms of blending the flavors more. This seems like a beer that will have its haters... but I enjoyed. Seek it out and see what you think. Prosit!

Ithaca Flower Power IPA

Due to an advantageous microclimate, New York's Finger Lakes are well-known for producing world-class wines. However, in the sleepy college town of Ithaca, wine isn't the first beverage of choice. Ask anyone on the street and they'll tell you that Ithaca Beer Company is where it's at. Opened in 1998, Ithaca Beer Company is now available in seven states and they recently were awarded two medals at the Great American Beer Fest. One of their highest rated beers is their Flower Power IPA.

Flower Power pours a honeylike golden color with a moderate white head. Aromas are of tropical fruits, Juicyfruit gum, wildflowers and pine. The predominent flavors are of pineapple, honey, grapefruit, orange, spruce and fresh-cut grass. Flower Power finishes both bitter and sweet thanks to herbaceous hop character and malt sweetness. It's very versatile as a "food beer," but it would best match-up with Indian cuisine with curry, gorgonzola cheese or a spicy conch chowder.