50 West Brewing Co: A Complete Guide To Cincinnati's Premier Craft Brewery

50 West Brewing Co has emerged as one of Cincinnati's most beloved craft breweries, captivating beer enthusiasts with its innovative brews and community-focused approach. Founded by a group of passionate beer lovers, this brewery has become a cornerstone of Cincinnati's vibrant craft beer scene. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the city, understanding what makes 50 West Brewing Co special is essential for anyone seeking an authentic craft beer experience.

The brewery's journey began with a simple mission: to create exceptional beers that bring people together while celebrating Cincinnati's rich brewing heritage. What sets 50 West apart is their commitment to quality and innovation, constantly pushing boundaries in craft beer production while maintaining traditional brewing values. Their state-of-the-art facility in the Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood serves as both a production hub and a welcoming community space.

Beyond just brewing excellent beer, 50 West Brewing Co has established itself as a vital part of Cincinnati's social fabric. Through their diverse range of events, from weekly trivia nights to seasonal beer releases, they've created a gathering place that transcends mere beer consumption. This article will explore every aspect of 50 West Brewing Co, from their brewing process to their community impact, providing readers with comprehensive insights into what makes this brewery a must-visit destination.

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History and Founding of 50 West Brewing Co

50 West Brewing Co was established in 2012 by Bobby Slattery, a Cincinnati native who transformed his passion for craft beer into a thriving business. The brewery's name pays homage to its location along the historic U.S. Route 50, which runs through Cincinnati's eastern neighborhoods. Slattery, along with his team of experienced brewers, set out to create a brewery that would not only produce exceptional beers but also serve as a community anchor in the Columbia-Tusculum area.

The brewery's growth has been remarkable, expanding from a modest 15-barrel brewhouse to a 60-barrel production facility within its first five years. This expansion was driven by increasing demand and a strategic vision to become one of Ohio's leading craft breweries. Key milestones include their distribution expansion across multiple states and the opening of their second location, the 50 West Barrel House, in 2019.

50 West's brewing philosophy centers around three core principles: quality, community, and creativity. They maintain strict quality control measures, using only the finest ingredients and implementing rigorous testing protocols. Their commitment to community is evident through their numerous partnerships with local organizations, while their creative approach to brewing has resulted in over 100 unique beer recipes since their inception.

The Art of Craft Brewing at 50 West

The brewing process at 50 West Brewing Co combines traditional techniques with modern innovation. Their state-of-the-art facility houses a custom-built brewhouse from Alpha Brewing Operations, featuring a 60-barrel system with six fermentation tanks. The brewing team, led by Head Brewer Kevin Moreland, employs a meticulous approach to every batch, starting with careful selection of raw materials.

Water treatment plays a crucial role in their brewing process, with a sophisticated filtration system ensuring consistent water quality. The brewery sources premium malts from local suppliers like Country Malt Group, while their hops come from both domestic and international sources, including direct relationships with Pacific Northwest farms. Yeast management is equally important, with 50 West maintaining their own yeast lab for propagation and quality control.

Innovation drives their experimental brewing program, where they regularly test new recipes and techniques. Recent innovations include their sour beer program, which utilizes a dedicated barrel-aging facility, and their hazy IPA series, developed through extensive research on hop utilization and dry-hopping methods. The brewery's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through their waste reduction initiatives and energy-efficient equipment.

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Flagship Beers and Seasonal Specials

50 West Brewing Co's portfolio features a diverse range of beers that cater to various palates. Their flagship offerings include West Coast IPA, a classic American-style India Pale Ale with citrus and pine notes, and Pay Day Porter, a rich, chocolatey dark beer that has won numerous awards. The brewery's core lineup also features Vienna Lager, a crisp and clean amber lager that showcases their brewing precision.

Seasonal releases highlight the brewery's creativity, with popular offerings such as:

• Summer Shandy - A refreshing wheat beer with lemon zest
• Oktoberfest - A traditional Märzen style perfect for fall celebrations
• Winter Warmer - A spiced ale featuring cinnamon and nutmeg

Specialty releases often push brewing boundaries, including barrel-aged variants and experimental hop combinations. Their limited-edition series, "Brewmaster's Reserve," features small-batch creations that showcase unique ingredients and techniques. Recent examples include a Brett-fermented farmhouse ale and a barrel-aged imperial stout with coffee and vanilla.

Exploring the Tasting Room Experience

Ambiance and Atmosphere

The 50 West Brewing Co tasting room creates an inviting atmosphere that blends industrial chic with warm hospitality. Spanning 12,000 square feet, the space features exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a custom-built bar crafted from reclaimed wood. Large garage doors open to an expansive outdoor patio, offering stunning views of the Ohio River and creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

Design elements throughout the tasting room reflect Cincinnati's brewing heritage, with historical photographs and vintage brewing equipment displayed alongside modern art pieces. The space is thoughtfully arranged to accommodate both intimate gatherings and large groups, with various seating options including high-top tables, lounge areas, and communal benches. Ambient lighting creates a welcoming environment that transitions smoothly from day to night.

Food and Beverage Options

50 West's food menu complements their beer selection with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and elevated pub fare. Signature dishes include:

• 50 West Burger - A half-pound patty topped with house-made pickles and special sauce
• Pretzel Board - Giant soft pretzels served with beer cheese and mustard
• Smoked Wings - House-smoked chicken wings with various sauce options

The beverage program extends beyond beer to include craft sodas, locally-roasted coffee, and a selection of wines. Their flight options allow guests to sample multiple beers, while knowledgeable staff provide detailed tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Special events like "Beer School" offer educational experiences about different beer styles and brewing techniques.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

50 West Brewing Co demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility through various community-focused initiatives. Their "50 West Cares" program partners with local non-profits, donating a portion of sales from specific beer releases to charitable causes. Recent beneficiaries include the Freestore Foodbank and the Cincinnati Zoo's conservation efforts.

The brewery's environmental initiatives include a comprehensive recycling program, water conservation measures, and partnerships with local farmers to repurpose spent grain. They've invested in energy-efficient brewing equipment and implemented waste reduction strategies throughout their operations. Their community engagement extends to hosting fundraising events and supporting local artists through gallery exhibitions in their tasting room.

Employee development is another crucial aspect of their social responsibility approach. 50 West offers extensive training programs, competitive wages, and benefits packages that exceed industry standards. They maintain open communication channels with staff and regularly solicit feedback to improve workplace conditions and career advancement opportunities.

Awards and Industry Recognition

50 West Brewing Co has garnered numerous accolades since its inception, solidifying its position among the nation's top craft breweries. Their Pay Day Porter received a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2018, while their Vienna Lager earned silver at the World Beer Cup the following year. These prestigious awards reflect the brewery's commitment to quality and innovation.

Industry recognition extends beyond competition wins, with 50 West being named "Brewery of the Year" by Ohio Craft Brewers Association in 2020. Their distribution growth has been impressive, expanding to six states while maintaining consistent quality across all markets. Trade publications have praised their business model and community engagement strategies, with features in prominent beer industry magazines.

Customer satisfaction metrics further validate their success, with consistently high ratings on popular beer review platforms. Their Untappd score averages 3.8 out of 5, while Google Reviews maintain a 4.7 rating based on over 2,000 reviews. These positive ratings reflect not only beer quality but also their exceptional customer service and overall experience.

Signature Events and Community Gatherings

50 West Brewing Co hosts a diverse calendar of events that cater to various interests while fostering community connections. Their weekly trivia nights have become a local institution, drawing large crowds of regular participants and newcomers alike. The brewery's outdoor space transforms into a vibrant concert venue during summer months, featuring both local and regional musical acts.

Annual events showcase the brewery's creativity and community spirit:

• Oktoberfest Celebration - A month-long festival featuring traditional German beers and food
• Barrel-Aged Beer Release - Exclusive tasting event for limited-edition releases
• Community Yoga - Weekly sessions combining fitness with social connection

Specialty events include beer pairing dinners, homebrewing workshops, and educational seminars led by industry experts. Their "Brewer for a Day" program offers unique experiences for beer enthusiasts, while their corporate event space provides a distinctive venue for business gatherings. These events not only drive engagement but also contribute to the brewery's reputation as a community hub.

Expansion and Future Developments

50 West Brewing Co's growth strategy focuses on sustainable expansion while maintaining their core values. The opening of their Barrel House location in 2019 marked a significant milestone, providing additional production capacity and a dedicated space for barrel-aged beers. This 30,000-square-foot facility has enabled them to experiment with longer aging processes and more complex beer styles.

Future plans include expanding their distribution network to new markets while enhancing their direct-to-consumer offerings through improved e-commerce capabilities. The brewery is investing in additional fermentation tanks and packaging equipment to meet growing demand. They're also exploring new product lines, including hard seltzers and non-alcoholic beverages, while maintaining their focus on quality craft beer production.

Community-focused initiatives remain central to their growth plans, with upcoming projects including an expanded outdoor space and enhanced sustainability measures. The brewery aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025 through various environmental initiatives and partnerships with local organizations. Their long-term vision includes establishing 50 West as a model for sustainable craft brewing operations nationwide.

Planning Your Visit to 50 West Brewing Co

Visiting 50 West Brewing Co offers an experience that combines exceptional beer with warm hospitality. The brewery's main location at 4363 Westendorf Road operates seven days a week, with extended hours on weekends to accommodate increased visitor traffic. Their Barrel House location at 3044 Madison Road provides additional tasting opportunities, particularly for those interested in barrel-aged and sour beers.

Accessibility features include ample parking, wheelchair access throughout the facility, and accommodations for service animals. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations for groups larger than six, particularly on weekends when the tasting room tends to be busiest. The brewery's website provides real-time updates on beer availability, food truck schedules, and special events, helping visitors plan their experience effectively.

Local transportation options include rideshare services and nearby public transit stops, with the brewery encouraging responsible drinking through partnerships with designated driver programs. For overnight visitors, nearby accommodations range from boutique hotels to larger chain properties, all within a short drive of the brewery. The surrounding Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood offers additional attractions, including riverside parks and historical sites, making it an ideal destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

Why 50 West Matters in Craft Beer Culture

50 West Brewing

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