I love getting the chance to celebrate a brewery’s anniversary with them. The shining symbol of continued growth and evolution of our craft beer community in Cincinnati, another year in business is definitely something to honor and celebrate with the places that are so special to us.

Grainworks is wrapping up their second year of business in West Chester with a music festival that will highlight some of the things that have made them a favorite spot of so many craft beer fans here in Cincinnati. The three day event will be filled with beer (of course) food and music including a couple limited release cans that are using a new branding scheme that I’m really, really digging!

Let’s take this one at a time, shall we?

The Music

You can’t throw a music festival without some great music, right? Grainworks has invited in a ton of great performers to make sure that things keep rocking all weekend long, and no matter when you decide to pop your head in to say hey… you’ll be sure to hear something fantastic!

  • Friday – 6-8pm – StrangeLove
  • Friday – 8-9pm – Monte Lykins
  • Friday – 9-11pm – Matt Waters Band
  • Saturday – 4-5:30pm – David Thornton
  • Saturday – 5:30 – 7:30pm – Freak Mythology
  • Saturday – 7:30 – 9pm – Tana Matz
  • Saturday – 9-11pm – Dat Band
  • Sunday – 1-4pm – Steve Hudepohl
  • Sunday – 4-8pm – Bengals Watch Party

The Food

Of course, we can’t have anyone being hungry while they are hanging out. On Friday the brewery will have Krimmer’s Italianette Food Truck hanging out, Saturday will be Lyon’s Barbecue and then on Sunday, you’ll find Mexi-Q serving up their delicious food.

The Beer

Ok, Ok… here we go. I know this is your favorite part. The Grainworks Anniversary will be filled with not only great taproom one-offs but also a couple of new can releases that will make you really happy, even if it’s your first time stepping foot in their taproom.

All weekend long you’ll find

  • Willet Barrel Aged Old Motor Oil – Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout
  • Bagpipes of Bardstown – Barrel Aged Scotch Ale

On tap Friday, until they are gone:

  • Willet Barrel Aged Old Motor Oil with coffee and vanilla
  • Blood Orange Sunrise IPA
  • Coffee Cinnamon Rusty Bumper Brown Ale
  • Overfruited Pink Lemonade Stand Cherry Pineapple Berliner

On tap Saturday, until they are gone:

  • Scottish Cream Bagpipes of Bardstown
  • What’s In The Middle? Oreo Milk Stout
  • Orange Julius Picket Fence White Ale
  • Grapefruit Rebel Yell Pale Ale

On tap Sunday until they are gone:

  • Pineapple Coconut Cherry Tart
  • Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Then… finally. You’ve got the specialty can release. To commemorate two great years of business, the brewery is releasing two four packs of 16oz cans starting at 3pm on Friday. Supplies are going to be really, really limited – so get there early to snag yours before they’re gone.

They’re releasing their pineapple milkshake IPA, called Cabana Boy. This beer has made a few taproom appearances over the years and people tend to drink it down fast when it does.

Also up for release is their Berliner Weisse loaded up with cherry, and orange. This summer sipper is a perfect way to welcome in a new year for Grainworks.

Get there… get there early and stay late, bring your friends, your family… just go. I can’t say enough how much I love this community, and places like grainworks have become amazing additions to not just their individual neighborhood, but to the overall picture of what craft beer means in Cincinnati.

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