Cincinnati has built a real reputation as a craft beer city, and it’s earned it. The range of styles pouring across local tap lists has grown steadily, and the settings where you can enjoy them have gotten a lot more interesting too. Whether you’ve been drinking craft beer for years or you’re still figuring out what you like, there’s plenty here to explore.
This guide breaks down the styles you’ll find on Cincinnati tap lists, highlights ten beers worth ordering at Little Miami Brewing Company, and gives you a simple way to figure out where to start.
Why Cincinnati Has Become a Craft Beer Destination
Cincinnati’s relationship with beer goes back to the 1800s, when German immigrants built a brewing culture that shaped the city for generations. That foundation never fully disappeared. What’s happened over the past decade is a genuine revival, with local breweries bringing independent, onsite-brewed craft beer back into the conversation.
Beer in Cincinnati now means a wide range of styles and experiences. Crisp lagers, hazy IPAs, tart sours, Belgian ales, and fruit-forward beers are all brewed locally and poured fresh. Little Miami Brewing Company reflects that growth well, with craft beer brewed onsite in a riverside setting that draws in both regulars and first-time visitors.
The Types of Craft Beer You’ll Find on a Cincinnati Tap List
A long tap list can stop you cold if you don’t know where to look. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll typically see:
- IPAs: Hoppy and often bitter. West Coast IPAs run dry and crisp, while hazy IPAs lean tropical and juicy.
- Lagers and Pilsners: Clean, refreshing, and easy to drink. Great for warm weather and patio sessions.
- Wheat Beers and Wits: Light-bodied with subtle fruit or spice. One of the best starting points for newer craft beer drinkers.
- Amber Ales and Brown Ales: Balanced, malt-forward beers with notes of caramel, toffee, or roasted malt.
- Belgian Styles: Fruity, citrus-forward, and yeast-driven with layers of flavor that stay approachable.
- Sours and Fruit Beers: Tart, refreshing, and increasingly popular among drinkers looking for something different.
Newer drinkers tend to gravitate toward wheat beers, lagers, and fruit-forward styles. More experienced craft beer fans often head straight for IPAs, Belgian beers, and specialty releases.
10 Best Craft Beers in Cincinnati to Try Right Now
Little Miami Brewing Company brews a rotating lineup onsite in Historic Old Milford. Here are ten beers worth ordering on your next visit:
1. Bike Path (Bohemian Pilsner)
Light, refreshing, and incredibly drinkable. It’s the natural choice after a ride on the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
2. Addie’s Ale (Peach Wheat Ale)
Fresh peach flavor and crisp wheat malt create a refreshing beer that feels right at home by the river.
3. Blackbird Fly (Blackberry Wheat)
Fruit-forward and approachable with real blackberry character. A favorite for patio season and warmer afternoons.
4. Curveball (Belgian Wit)
Brewed with orange peel and coriander, this Belgian-style wheat beer is light, refreshing, and easy to enjoy.
5. Grateful (West Coast IPA)
Dry, hop-forward, and crisp with a clean bitter finish. A great choice for IPA fans who appreciate classic West Coast character.
6. Uno Mas (Mexican Lager)
Crisp, light, and highly drinkable. An excellent choice for sunny afternoons by the river.
7. Turn the Paige (Strawberry Sour)
A balanced sour that combines tartness with sweet strawberry flavor. Perfect for drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward beers.
8. Earth Cookie (Brown Ale)
Rich mahogany color with notes of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt. A great option for anyone looking for something darker.
9. My Dad’s Truck (Hazy IPA)
Loaded with Simcoe, Citra, and CTZ hops, this hazy IPA delivers tropical and citrus notes with plenty of hop character.
10. Piñata (Roasted Jalapeño Chili Beer)
One of the most unique beers on the tap list. Light-bodied with a balanced roasted jalapeño finish that pairs surprisingly well with food.
The tap list rotates throughout the year, so be sure to check our beer menu before visiting to see what’s currently pouring.
What Makes Little Miami Brewing Company Worth the Trip
The beer brings people in, but the setting keeps them there. Little Miami Brewing Company sits along the Little Miami River in Historic Old Milford, with outdoor patio seating, rooftop views, fire pits, and direct access to the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
We brew everything onsite, and the Taproom Pizza Kitchen handles the food side with pizza, pretzels, nachos, salads, and shareable plates that pair naturally with whatever is on tap. The patio is dog-friendly, and during warmer months, you’ll often find guests arriving from a bike ride, a kayak trip, or an afternoon exploring Old Milford.
More Than Just a Brewery
Many visitors come for a pint and end up staying for live music, community events, seasonal releases, or simply a few extra hours by the river. The combination of craft beer, food, outdoor seating, and scenic views makes Little Miami Brewing feel more like a destination than a quick stop.
Most people come planning to stay for one beer. Most people don’t.
How to Pick the Right Beer Style for Your Taste
Start with what you already know you like. Light or rich? Bitter or smooth? Fruity or roasty? That’s usually enough to point you in the right direction.
If You Like Lighter Beers
Go with Bike Path, Addie’s Ale, Curveball, or Uno Más.
If You Want Something Fruity
Try Blackbird Fly, Cherry Creek, or Turn the Paige.
If You’re an IPA Fan
Order Grateful or Misty Mountain Hop.
If You Prefer Darker Styles
Earth Cookie offers deeper malt character without feeling too heavy.
Our bartenders know the tap list well and are always happy to help you find something you’ll actually enjoy. One of the best parts of visiting a brewery is being able to ask questions, sample a style, and discover a new favorite.
FAQs
What are the main types of craft beer?
The most common styles include IPAs, lagers, pilsners, wheat beers, Belgian ales, brown ales, sours, and stouts. Each offers a different flavor experience, from crisp to refreshing to bold.
What craft beers should I try first if I’m new to breweries?
Wheat beers, pilsners, and fruit-forward styles are usually great starting points because they tend to be approachable and easy-drinking.
Are there breweries in Cincinnati with food and outdoor seating?
Yes. Little Miami Brewing Company offers craft beer brewed onsite, food from the Taproom Pizza Kitchen, outdoor patio seating, rooftop views, and riverfront scenery.
Cincinnati’s Craft Beer Scene Is Worth Exploring
There’s a lot of Cincinnati craft beer to discover, and that’s part of what makes the local scene so enjoyable. From crisp pilsners and Belgian ales to fruit-forward wheat beers and hop-forward IPAs, there’s always something new to try.
At Little Miami Brewing Company, you can explore those styles while enjoying river views, fresh pizza, outdoor seating, and craft beer brewed onsite in Historic Old Milford. Check the current tap list, grab a seat on the patio, and find your next favorite pint.
Visit Little Miami Brewing Company today to explore our rotating beer lineup, enjoy food from the Taproom Pizza Kitchen, and experience one of the most scenic brewery settings near Cincinnati.
