Local Beer Advice: Ohio edition

So I was going through the Local beer advice threads and noticed most of them were pretty non-comprehensive, and even seemed to focus on just a specific area of a state. Hopefully this will maybe nudge more people to do comprehensive beer guides, which includes not only breweries in the state, but give a little detail for places to hit up, beers to try, etc.

Ohio is solid state for finding good beer, as it's on many, many breweries distributing map, and of course, the many breweries of Ohio. Though, Ohio does have an ABV cap of 12% so certain brews like Goose Island BCBS doesn't find its way here. But most of the "hyped" beers of the Midwest do end up in Ohio in some capacity.

Though a few of Ohio's breweries do distribute, some more widely than others, there are many gems that you're only going to find in Ohio, or at least have an easier time spotting in the Buckeye State than elsewhere.

Great Lakes Brewing Company - Great Lakes is often considered the standard-bearer of Ohio brewing. It's the most widely distributed beer Ohio produces, and indeed, has many solid beers. Their brewpub in Cleveland is a must if you're in the area, and in addition to their year-round and seasonal offerings, they have many pub-exclusive beers worth trying out. Must haves - Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Dortmunder Gold Lager, Lake Erie Monster, Christmas Ale, Blackout Stout, and if you happen to be able to make it to the brewery release, the Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout.

Hoppin Frog' Brewery - A fairly small brewery in Akron that pumps out some delicious beers. Distribution is usually around the Midwest and into some parts of the East Coast, but is readily available in beer stores around Ohio. Their beers are exclusively sold in bomber-form, but are normally worth their price. Must haves - B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher (including Barrel-Aged BORIS and BORIS Royale), D.O.R.I.S. the Destroyer, Barrel Aged Naked Evil (usually a brewery release with some limited distribution). I also really enjoy their Frog's Hollow Double Pumpkin Ale.

Thirsty Dog Brewing - Located in Akron, Thirsty Dog beers can be found in Ohio and most midwestern states, as well as some states along the eastern seaboard. You can visit the brewery if you're in the Akron area, but can find most of their beers wherever sold. Must haves - Siberian Night Imperial Stout, Hoppus Maximus, Old Leghumper, and the 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale (said to be the 'original' recipe for Great Lakes Christmas Ale).

The BREW Kettle - Located in Strongsville, the BREW Kettle is a place to deliberately search out. A brewpub and a brewery you're going to find good food and good drink here. Their beers are distributed, though not widely, but in Ohio, you can find them all over. Must-haves - White Rajah (currently one of the top 10 IPAs in the world on Beer Advocate) and Tunguska Imperial Stout. But this is a place you definitely want to visit, because they brew a lot of non-distributed beer in-house.

Columbus Brewing Company - Before earlier this year, you could ONLY find CBC beers in central Ohio, and even now, the footprint of distribution is limited to certain areas of Ohio. But the beer is fantastic. CBC has a brewery, but also a restaurant and you can find a lot of their non-bottled beer on taps throughout Columbus. Must haves - Columbus IPA (even though it's hardly distributed, it's regularly one of the world's top 20 IPAs), Bodhi Double IPA (only on tap and a top 20 DIPA), and Uncle Rusty.

Jackie O's Pub and Brewery - This is a true Ohio gem. Located in Athens, Ohio, if you're in the area, a trip to Jackie O's is a must. And unless you're in town for a bottle release--typically done 3 times a year--you're only going to find their beer in the pub (though limited distribution of some beers will pop up this fall). Must haves - Honestly, there are too many to list, and Jackie O's brews so many variations on the beer, you never know what might pop up at a bottle release. Definitely recommend Oil of Aphrodite and Dark Apparition (and their variants)

There are many other small breweries in Ohio that barely or don't distribute, but are true gems. These include:

• Barley's Brewing Company in Columbus. There are two locations, one downtown, and one on Riverside, both are good--though I'll say that the Riverside location tends to have a greater selection. They brew their own stuff (included casks and firkins) and then have regular guest taps.
• Fathead's Brewing in Cleveland (you have to try their Headhunter and Battle Axe). Their beers will start seeing some limited distribution later this year.
• Elevator Brewery in Columbus. There's some limited distribution throughout Ohio and their Draught Haus is a great place to visit in Columbus.
• Rockmill Brewery in Lancaster. Sort of an "up-and-comer". Can typically find their bottles in beer stores around central Ohio. They have a lineup of four beers, the Witbier, Saison, Dubbel, and Tripel...and all tend to be solid.
• Weasel Boy Brewing Company in Zainesville. You won't find their beers in store, as it's all on tap. But I've heard some great things (especially their Anastasia RIS).
• Willoughby Brewing Company in Willoughby. Their Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter is apparently one to try, and a ton of other brewery-only offerings.

Here's a good map of breweries for reference if you're in the state.

Of course, there are ton's of great places to drink and find beer throughout Ohio. And while this list is by no means comprehensive, it at least gives you a little guide if you're near some of the major cities.

Columbus

Breweries

Stores (I personally frequent Weiland's, Palmer's, Grandview Carryout, and The Anderson's, but Kenny Road Market, Blacklick Wine and Spirits, and From the Vine in Powell are all solid choices.)

Bars (I tend to find great selections at Gallo's Tap Room, Matt the Miller's Tavern, Bob's Bar, and Bodega)

Cleveland

Breweries

Stores (Rozi's, Save-On, Heinen's, Simone's and Warehouse tend to be solid choices, but I'm less versed in the Cleveland beer scene)

Bars (Beer Engine in Lakewood was named one of America's Best Beer Bars 2011 by Draft Magazine)

Cincinnati

Breweries and eateries

Stores (Lots of love for Hyde Park Wine and Sprits, Dutch's Bar and Bottle Shop, and Jungle Jim's in Fairfield)

Bars (There's also a Hofbrauhaus across the river in Newport if you're so inclined)

And if you're in Dayton, check out Belmont Party Supply.

Akron

Stores

Toledo

Stores/Bars
(probably also worth checking out Maumee Bay Brewing)

This is by no means, nor intended to be, exhaustive, and I'd be happy to change/add whatever on an on-going basis.

The comments also have a ton of more specific, by-area guides.