Cincinnati Brewery Tours: Craft Beer City Adventures
Discover Cincinnati's thriving craft beer scene with guided brewery tours, sampling local brews and exploring historic brewing districts.
Cincinnati boasts a rich brewing heritage, once known as "Brew City, USA." This legacy lives on today through a vibrant craft beer renaissance, and Cincinnati brewery tours offer the perfect way to dive in. These curated experiences go beyond just tasting; they unlock the stories behind the city's beloved breweries, from established names to exciting newcomers pushing the boundaries of flavor. Visitors can expect to explore diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique brewing character, and gain insights into the brewing process from the experts themselves. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just curious about what makes Cincinnati's craft scene so special, these tours provide a delicious and informative journey through the heart of American brewing tradition.
Featured Cincinnati Brewery Tours Tours
Discover our top picks for cincinnati brewery tours in Cincinnati
Join American Legacy Tours as we take you back Underground on our newest tour. The Hidden Caverns tour will go underground to explore the Linck brewery tunnels. Next we will visit the site where Johnny Cash filmed a movie. After that we will visit the site of one of Cincinnati's most important inclines. Exclusively for the Hidden Caverns Tour we will have a beer tasting for tour guests 21 and over at the Northern Row Taproom 111 W McMicken Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tours will go on rain or shine!
The former Bruckmann Brewery complex in Cincinnati is one of the most complete 19th brewery sites in the country. Brewing began at this location in 1856 and continued for nearly 100 years. Most major components of the brewery are still in existence including the brewhouse, malthouse, bottling building, stables, family home, power plant, and the underground lagering cellars! After brewing operations ceased in 1950, much of the site was repurposed for other businesses including the Fountain Winery in the 1970s and the headquarters and production facility of the Worthmore Food Products Company, who specialized in producing Cincinnati style chili and mock turtle soup. This site has not been open to tours before and the Brewing Heritage Trail has put a lot of work into repairing the site, so that we can bring guests inside several of the buildings and into the underground lagering cellars. Don't miss out on this unique experience offered only by our non-profit organization!
Professional baseball began in Cincinnati and this unique experience takes guests to every location where the Reds played during the 19th and 20th century, tracing the connection between historic brewing and baseball along the way! Beginning at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, the tour starts with an informative trip to Great American Ball Park and includes a stop in the Reds’ home dugout. From there, we head out via bus to Union Grounds and Cincinnati's Union Terminal, where the undefeated 1869 Red Stockings played baseball! The Crosley Field site is certainly on the list, as are Avenue Grounds and Bank Street Grounds. Findlay Market’s Opening Day Parade is a Cincinnati tradition dating back more than a century and we’ll take you along the original parade route on the way to the remaining structures of the historic John Hauck Brewery, owner of the team during the 1880s. Tours include a souvenir map, a ticket voucher to the Reds Hall of Fame, and a beer at the Moerlein Lager House!
Why Choose Cincinnati Brewery Tours in Cincinnati?
Explore Historic Brewing Districts
Discover areas like Over-the-Rhine, which once housed the nation's largest breweries, and see how they've been revitalized.
Taste Local & Unique Brews
Sample award-winning lagers, innovative IPAs, and experimental brews crafted by passionate Cincinnati brewers.
Learn Brewing Secrets
Gain firsthand knowledge about the brewing process, ingredients, and the inspiration behind each beer.
Support Local Businesses
Tours often feature independent craft breweries, directly contributing to the local economy.
Effortless Planning
Let guides handle the logistics, transportation, and brewery selections, so you can focus on enjoying the beer.
Social & Fun Atmosphere
These tours are a great way to meet new people and enjoy a relaxed, convivial experience with friends or family.
Types of Cincinnati Brewery Tours in Cincinnati
Neighborhood Brewery Crawls
These popular tours typically focus on a specific district, like the historic Over-the-Rhine (OTR), visiting 2-3 breweries within walking distance. Expect a mix of iconic and emerging craft spots.
Brewery & Distillery Combos
For a broader taste of Cincinnati's beverage scene, some tours combine visits to craft breweries with local distilleries. It's a great way to experience spirits alongside beer.
Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tours
These tours offer a deeper dive into the brewing process itself. Guides often include a brewery production tour, explaining the science and art of making beer.
Bicycle Brewery Tours
Enjoy Cincinnati's scenic routes while cycling between breweries. These tours are perfect for active travelers wanting to combine exercise with craft beer exploration.
What to Expect on Cincinnati Brewery Tours
Duration
Most Cincinnati brewery tours last between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, allowing ample time to visit multiple locations and enjoy tastings.
Weather
Cincinnati weather can vary. Tours are often conducted rain or shine, especially those involving indoor brewery visits. Dress in layers and check the forecast.
Group Size
Group sizes can vary from intimate private tours to larger public excursions, typically ranging from 6 to 20 participants.
What's Included
Most tours include guided commentary, pre-selected beer tastings at each stop (often 2-3 samples per brewery), and sometimes snacks or light appetizers. Transportation may be included for some types of tours.
Meeting Point
Meeting points are usually at a designated brewery, a local landmark, or a central point within the neighborhood being explored. Specific details are provided upon booking.
Costs
Prices typically range from $35 to $75 per person, depending on the number of breweries visited, included tastings, and any additional features like food pairings or transportation.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Book in advance, especially for weekend tours, as popular breweries and tour slots fill up quickly.
Pace yourself! It's easy to get carried away, but remember you'll be sampling multiple beers.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water between beer tastings.
Wear comfortable shoes. You'll likely be doing a fair amount of walking, even between nearby breweries.
Be open to trying new styles. Cincinnati breweries offer a wide range, so step outside your comfort zone.
Check if food is included or available for purchase. Some tours offer light snacks, while others allow you to purchase full meals.
Consider transportation home. If you're not on a tour with dedicated transport, arrange for a rideshare or taxi in advance.
Ask questions! The guides and brewers are passionate about their craft and love to share their knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I book a private Cincinnati brewery tour?
A: Yes, many operators offer private Cincinnati brewery tours. These are perfect for bachelor parties, corporate events, or just a special outing with friends and family. You can often customize the itinerary to your group's preferences.
Q:What is the best neighborhood for brewery tours in Cincinnati?
A: Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is arguably the most popular due to its dense concentration of historic and modern breweries, along with its vibrant atmosphere. However, other neighborhoods like Northside and Madisonville also have burgeoning craft beer scenes worth exploring.
Q:Are the beer tastings included in the tour price?
A: For most Cincinnati brewery tours, a set number of beer tastings (usually 2-3 samples per brewery) are included in the ticket price. Some tours might offer full pints at a discounted rate. Always check the specific tour details.
Q:What if I don't drink beer or have dietary restrictions?
A: While the focus is beer, some tours can accommodate non-drinkers by offering alternatives like cider or soda, or sometimes just focusing on the historical and brewery tour aspects. It's best to contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any dietary or beverage needs.
Q:Do I need to tip my tour guide?
A: Tipping your tour guide is customary and appreciated if you enjoyed the experience. A common range is 15-20% of the tour cost per person, similar to restaurant service.
Q:Can I bring my children on a brewery tour?
A: Generally, brewery tours are geared towards adults due to the nature of alcohol consumption. While some breweries are family-friendly, many tour operators have age restrictions, often requiring participants to be 21 or older. Always verify the age policy before booking.
Q:What's the difference between a brewery tour and a beer tasting?
A: A brewery tour typically includes a guided walk-through of the brewery, explaining the brewing process. A beer tasting focuses more on sampling different beers, often with descriptions from a guide or brewer. Many Cincinnati brewery tours combine elements of both.
Why Visit Cincinnati?
Explore vibrant neighborhoods brimming with unique shops and delicious food, offering a true taste of the Midwest.
Discover stunning architecture along the Ohio River, from historic districts to modern marvels.
Enjoy world-class museums and a thriving arts scene without the overwhelming crowds of larger cities.
Immerse yourself in Cincinnati's rich German heritage, evident in its iconic architecture and culinary traditions.
Experience a friendly, laid-back atmosphere perfect for exploring parks, breweries, and lively street festivals.
Uncover a city rich in history and innovation, surprising visitors with its dynamic cultural landscape.
Best Time to Visit
Weather
Cincinnati experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures, with blooming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.
Best Months
The best months to visit Cincinnati are typically May, June, September, and October. During these periods, the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.
Peak Season
Peak season in Cincinnati generally falls during the summer months, from June through August. Expect warm to hot temperatures, larger crowds at attractions, and higher accommodation prices.
Off Season
The off-season spans the winter months, from December to February. While it can be cold and snowy, you'll find fewer crowds, lower prices on hotels, and a cozy atmosphere, especially around the holidays.
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Plan Your Cincinnati Trip
Transportation Tips
Getting around Cincinnati is quite manageable. The city offers a decent public bus system, the Metro, which is an affordable way to reach most attractions. For more flexibility, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and convenient. Renting a car is an option if you plan on extensive day trips outside the immediate downtown area, though parking can be challenging and costly in popular spots. Many central neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine and downtown are very walkable, making foot exploration a pleasant choice for shorter distances.
Car Rental Deals in Cincinnati
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Where to Stay
Find the perfect accommodation for your Cincinnati adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
Best Hotel Deals in Cincinnati
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