I think that I first really fell in love with lager beer the first time that I ventured underground into one of our city’s lager tunnels. It was Bockfest (I have no idea what year…). We jumped on a school bus that departed the Museum Center at Union Terminal, and a tour guide took us around the city talking about some of the remaining historic brewing structures that were around.

The tour then moved inside – where we were led through a small hole in the floor that opened up into a massive underground cavern. The space was hand-dug, and it was built for one purpose – making a beer that for all intents and purposes was a pain in the butt to brew.

Lager.

Cincinnati Was Built On Lager

There are beer cities around the United States that deserve every ounce of respect that they get. The Ashevilles, Portlands, and Boulders of the world are amazing places to grab a beer or two – but they were all built on ales. (Don’t send me your grumpy emails, I know that some of these beer cities have historical spaces, and were making lager beer in the 1800s – but it wasn’t to the level that Cincinnati was.)

Cincinnati thrived in the 1800s as a brewing capital in our country. The record of this runs under our streets like veins. It’s a part of who we are, and it was almost forgotten about.

Our current craft breweries have all poked their heads into some of this history – but until recent years, there weren’t very many of them really pulling it close to them, and letting it consume who they are.

Northern Row, Lager, And Being Unapologetic

When Northern Row opened its doors, they knew they had to do things differently. They needed to honor the history, not just of their building or of the neighborhood they call home – but of the entire city.

Because of this dedication, we are blessed to have a brewery that is cranking out lager beer like it’s the late 1800s – except probably much better tasting than things did then. They wrap tradition, technology, and pure passion for it all into a package that makes me proud to live in a city that has them in it.

It’s not an easy road to take – there are still a lot of craft beer drinkers that don’t get it. Lager beer is the stuff our parents and our grandparents were drinking, it was boring, it was cheap… it didn’t speak to the same culture that craft beer did. Those days and that misconception is going away – and folks like those at Northern Row are at the forefront of helping to change that narrative.

Perfect example? Lagerfest.

What Is Lagerfest?

Lagerfest on the surface is a day to hang out with your friends – drink a few of the city’s finest lagers, and honor the history on which all of this was built. When you dig deeper, though – it’s a movement.

Lagerfest is about educating, respecting, and showcasing the process, the history, and the pure happiness that is lager beer.

For $55 you get a ticket that includes a guided tour through 100+-year-old underground lagering tunnels. You’ll learn about how this all came about – and just like my first time in them… it might spark something in you. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, you’ll get a taster glass and 10 tasting tickets to try a bunch of great lagers. There are going to be incredible offerings available from:

• Northern Row
• Rhinegeist
• Sonder
• Nine Giant
• HighGrain
• Sonder
• Rebel Mettle
• Narrow Path
• 16 Lots

Once you try all the beers, you then have three more tickets that will get you half pints of your favorites.

It all goes down this weekend – on Saturday, June 11th from noon until 5 pm. Tickets are still available, so make sure you snag yours before you miss your shot! You can learn more about the event on this week’s episode of Cincy Brewcast – and more importantly, you can snag your tickets over here from Northern Row!