As part of the inaugural Columbus Craft Beer Week in May, Experience Columbus launched the Columbus Ale Trail. The trail highlights the city’s booming craft beer scene in a Brew Book, which features 25 local breweries. Columbus’ rich history in craft brewing, in addition to the breadth and depth of the local products brewed, has put the city on the map as a top destination for craft beer. The scene has rapidly grown as more than half of the 25 breweries have opened in the past five years.
Five breweries, centrally located downtown, make up the newly created “Brewers Row,” and are stops on the trail. Each brewery is within walking distance to the Greater Columbus Convention Center, surrounding hotels and the free CBUS circulator route, making it easy for visitors and convention attendees to experience the trail.
Stops along Brewers Row include North High Brewing, where guests can create their own personal blend; Seventh Son Brewing Company, which hosts special events and live music as well as popular food trucks; Barley’s Brewing Company, which has been around more than 20 years; the father-and-son-owned Wolf’s Ridge Brewing; and Elevator Brewing Company, located in a historic building.
Visitors can pick up a Columbus Ale Trail Brew Book at any participating brewery or at one of two Experience Columbus Visitors Centers, in the Arena District or at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. After visiting four stops, craft beer enthusiasts will receive a custom pint glass from Experience Columbus.