Cleveland Rocks!

Probably one of my best all-time beer experiences is also one of my most recent. In September, I was sent to Cleveland, Ohio to train a new customer. This is for my “real” job as a support and training manager for a small software development company. When I hear about business trips, I usually have to listen to people talking about visiting Chicago, New York City, London… but just my luck: I got Cleveland. As it turns out, it was kismet.

When I was told I would be heading to Ohio, I will admit I was not thrilled. I had never been, and lets be honest: Cleveland is not widely held in high respect (Drew Carey notwithstanding). But, being the dutiful craft beer lover that I am, I did some checking and found that – lo and behold – there is a very well-known brewery and brew-pub in Cleveland, The Great Lake Brewing Company. Well, at least I could salvage something form this trip. I mentioned this to one of my oldest and closest friends, Josh, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jokingly, I said “You know, it’s only about a three hour drive down to Cleveland. You should join me at the brewery!” Josh had been there before; he attended Oberlin College back in the early 90’s for his undergraduate degree, and most of their beers were available in the stores in Ann Arbor. He raved about the beautiful locale, excellent food and beer, and before long, we were making serious plans. We were on!

Great Lakes brews an impressive variety of terrific beer, with a good selection of seasonals and pub exclusives as well as their “family” of five beers that are always available: Dortmunder Gold Lager, Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Burning River Pale Ale, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, and Commodore Perry IPA. They also feature an excellent menu and are dedicated to their community and the environment. The pub features fresh food from local, organic ingredients, including some grown on the company’s own section of a farm in Bath, Ohio.

Josh and I had an amazing time. We each ordered flights, which were a generous 9 varieties of 5 ounce pours, and absolutely stunning to look at. I am pretty sure we influenced some of the other patrons to do the same as several commented as they passed our table, lined with the five flagships as well as Oktoberfest, Grassroots Ale (a saison), The Stein Bach (a pale bock; pub exclusive), and Nosferatu stock ale. Other than the bock, the other seasonals are available as 4- or 6-packs.

I won’t review the beers here. That can happen at Rate Beer. What I will say is that all of the beers were a treat to experience. I didn’t necessarily like all of them – some were just not styles I enjoy – but the overall experience is what made the trip worthwhile. From the smell of the brewery as we got out of the car to the beautiful building, from the excellent service to the delicious food, and then the beer and several hours with my best friend. Can you really ask for much more than that?

Beers
Burning River Pale Ale
Elliot Ness Lager
Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Commodore Perry IPA
Dortmunder Gold
Grasstroots Saison
Nosferatu
The Stein Bach
Oktoberfest

Food
Sausage Sampler
Cheese & Ale Soup
Black & Blue Burger

I will never speak ill of Cleveland again. A city that can produce this quality of a beer experience, from the ambiance to the food to the beer… well, I would be happy to visit again any time!

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