You know how some beers just taste… predictable? That’s why we created Curveball. It started as a late-night idea between our brewers, “What if we made a Belgian golden that doesn’t punch you in the face?”

After six test batches (and a minor yeast explosion we don’t talk about), here’s what emerged:

The Look: Sunny golden, with bubbles that dance like the Ohio River in sunlight

The Sniff: Like biting into a just-ripe pear dusted with black pepper

The Sip: Starts sweet and finishes dry, with a sneaky warmth that’s 5.5% ABV

Fun Fact: We almost called it “Trick Question” because regulars keep asking: “Is this fruity or spicy? Strong or easy-drinking? Belgian or Ohioan?”

The answer? Yes to all.

Let’s throw back a Curveball at our Milford taproom and see what we mean. First round’s on us if you can guess all the fruit notes.

What Makes Belgian Beers So Unique?

We used to think Belgian brewers had some secret wizardry. Turns out? They kind of do. Here’s the real talk on what sets these beers apart:

A Brief History of Belgian Beer

Back when most of Europe brewed basic ales, Belgian monks were essentially the mad scientists of fermentation:

• Trappist breweries have operated like flavor labs since the 1600s.
• Each abbey guarded its yeast strains tightly than state secrets.
• They proved high-ABV beers could still be smooth and drinkable.

Signature Traits We Love

What makes our Curveball a proper Belgian-style beer at heart?

• That Magic Yeast
  • Creates flavors no other yeast can replicate
  • Builds natural fruit and spice notes without additives
• The Carbonation Game
  • Bottle-conditioned for lively bubbles
  • Makes an 8% ABV drink like 6% (dangerously smooth)
• The “No Rules” Approach
  • Candi sugar? Sure.
  • Spice additions? Absolutely.
  • 90-day fermentation? If it works, we do it.

Brewer’s Note: “Working with Belgian yeast is like herding cats. It’s unpredictable, but worth it when it clicks.”

Take a virtual tour of our Taproom.

Meet Curveball: Belgian Golden Ale, the LMBC Way

Let’s be honest. Most Belgian-style beers brewed in the U.S. fall into two camps:

• Too sweet (cloying, like liquid candy)
• Too strong (basically rocket fuel in a tulip glass)

But we wanted something different.

The Curveball Approach:

• Balance first: That 5.5% ABV? You’d never guess it. The malt sweetness and carbonation keep it sneaky.
• Ohio drinkability: We ferment it cooler than traditional Belgians to keep the yeast character bright, not boozy.
• A real head-scratcher: Regulars debate whether it’s the fruit notes (pear, apple) or subtle spice (black pepper, clove) that hooks them.

Our Brewer’s Confession:

“The first test batch was not as expected. Belgian yeast hates Ohio humidity. It took us three months to stop it from tasting like banana bread.”

Curveball in the Context of Popular Beer Types

Just when we thought we had everything lined up, our rooftop bar expanded in early 2020, ready for sunny days and packed crowds. So we brewed our own response: a curveball in beer form.

Meet Our Unexpected MVP

• Style: Belgian Witbier (5.5% ABV, 10 IBU)
• Secret Weapons: Orange peel + coriander
• Tastes Like: Sunshine in a glass, bright citrus with a whisper of spice

Why It Works

• For IPA Fans: Enough flavor to intrigue, but no bitterness
• For Lager Lovers: Crisp and refreshing with more punch
• For Food Pairings: Plays nice with everything from grilled shrimp to goat cheese salads

That coriander? We toast it in-house. It makes the difference between “good” and “where’s my next sip?”

The Art of Brewing Curveball – Inside LMBC’s Process

When we first brewed Curveball, some regulars asked, “Isn’t this just a fancier Blue Moon?” Let’s set the record straight on why authentic Belgian witbiers like ours stand apart:

400 Years of Brewing Wisdom

• Originated in the 1600s in Belgium using local wheat, wild yeast, and spices
• Nearly went extinct until Pierre Celis revived the style by the 1960s
• The original craft beer; every village had its own version

Curveball’s Nod to Tradition

We honor the classics while adding some of our Ohio magic:

• Wheat/Oat Base: 50% malted wheat for silky texture
• Citrus Brightness: Fresh orange peel (not just zest) added during brewing
• Subtle Spice: Hand-toasted coriander from Findlay Market

Getting that perfect witbier haze is like baking soufflés. One wrong move and it’s either too clear or looks like pancake batter.

When to Enjoy Curveball – Food Pairings & Occasions

When we crafted Curveball as our pandemic-era knuckleball beer, we didn’t just want another witbier. We wanted one that could match our entire food menu. Here’s why it works:

Flavor Profile That Plays Well With Others

Bright Citrus (from real orange peel) cuts through rich dishes like:

• The Holy Smoke Pulled Pork Pizza
• Crock of Chili

Toasted Coriander complements:

• Greek Salad (feta + spice = magic)
• Bavarian Pretzel Sticks

The ABV Sweet Spot

At 5.5%, it’s light enough for a long afternoon with Oven-Baked Churro Donuts, yet flavorful enough to match Tony Pizza’s meaty intensity.

Pro Tip: Try it with The Figgy Piggy Pizza. The fig jam and prosciutto make the orange peel in Curveball sing.

Discover Curveball at Little Miami Brewing Company

The best way to experience Curveball is fresh from the source: our award-winning taproom in Milford. Sure, it’s about freshness. But it’s also about how we serve it, pair it, and bring it to life in the space where it was brewed.

The Art of Serving Curveball Right

We’ve perfected every detail of presentation because this beer deserves it.

• Temperature Matters: We keep our kegs at a precise 45°F, cold enough to refresh but warm enough to release the orange peel aromatics and coriander spice.
• Glassware Science: Those wide-rimmed Belgian tumblers aren’t just for show. The shape allows the citrusy esters to concentrate at the nose.

Why Our Taproom Makes All the Difference

• Pairing Perfection: Our kitchen team built dishes to specifically complement Curveball:

• The Bright & Zesty Option: Seasonal Salad with citrus vinaigrette highlights Curveball’s fruit notes
• The Comfort Food Match: Bavarian Pretzel Sticks, the malt sweetness mirrors the beer, while the mustard sharpness plays off the coriander

• Seasonal Surprises: Depending on when you visit, you might catch:
  • Winter Edition: Brewed with blood orange peel and extra coriander
  • Summer Batch: Slightly drier finish for patio-sipping with our shrimp specials
• The Atmosphere Factor: There’s something magical about drinking Curveball:
  • On our riverside patio during sunset along the Little Miami River
  • At the main bar, watching the brew team through the glass walls

Check our tap list online.

Catch This Curveball While You Can

There’s magic in that first sip of Curveball. It’s where Ohio sunshine meets Belgian tradition in a glass. This isn’t just beer; it’s a liquid invitation to slow down and savor something brewed with intention.

We always recommend trying Curveball straight from the source. The orange peel and coriander flavors are at their freshest on tap, and our bartenders know just how to pour it right. If you’re looking for a pairing, ask for the Churro Donuts; the cinnamon sweetness brings out every sparkling note in the beer.

While you’re here, take a moment to see the craft in action. Peer through the brewery glass and catch our team toasting coriander for next week’s batch. It’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what makes this beer so special.

But don’t wait too long. Curveball is a seasonal release. Once the keg’s tapped out, it’s gone until next time.

The glass is chilled, the pizza’s hot, and your perfect beer moment is ready. We’ll save you a stool. Visit Little Miami Brewing today.