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-The Beercat
sonder (n) – the realization that every person has a unique story.
The Place
I recently visited the newest brewery to the greater Cincinnati area, Sonder Brewing in Mason, OH. They’re located at 8584 Duke Boulevard, Mason, Ohio 45040. Mason is almost always buzzing and is a very happening place. Sonder, however, is a nice break from all of that. It’s tucked back off of Mason-Montgomery Rd. The lot it sits on is very nice and allows for plenty of expansion in the future as well as any outdoor activities they might want to plan for once the grass starts growing again.
The whole facility is really impressive. They started operations with a 30 bbl system and over 2500 sq ft of taproom space. A patio and outdoor lawn space is available now, it’s quite impressive on its own. I stopped in one early afternoon during the week and the place was packed. They have a huge parking lot which is always nice. Still, that day I had a little trouble finding a spot, which I took for a good sign. The taproom still had that new beer smell but it was packed. Thirsty craft beer consumers were already taking in Sonder’s line up and I was eager to try something myself. I found an open spot at the bar and took a seat. A friendly server promptly asked me what I’d be having, I ordered a flight, as you can see above. I didn’t have the chance to talk a good look around but I loved the layout from what I could see from the bar. They have windows separating the taproom from the brew space so you can watch the magic happen while you’re drinking which is something I’m always interested in seeing and learning more about. I talked to a couple different servers and one of the brewers while I was there. All were super friendly and ready to give a recommendation or specs on a beer.
Sonder also has a kitchen, BrewRiver, serving up a unique menu for almost anything you’re in the mood for while you’re there. Burgers, Mac n Cheese, Gumbo, and beer infused ice cream.
The Beer
During my visit Sonder had 9 beers on tap. I had a flight with 4 of them. (I’ll be back to try the others.) First up was Lore, a pale ale coming in at an ABV of 5.3%. It’s smooth, easy drinking. Next up, I had Record Hop, an IPA. It’s a very approachable IPA with an ABV of 6.8%.Sonder also has their version of the haze craze (is anyone else tired of that phrase yet?) with You Betcha!, probably as in “Do you have a NEIPA?” It’s a hazy IPA with heavy notes of tropical fruit that was brewed with Galaxy and Citra hops. It’s got that hazy mouthfeel and leaves the palate with a soft texture. Very well done for those hop heads who don’t know they’re hop heads yet.
Finally, the last beer I had at Sonder was Otto. A tiramisu stout checking in at an ABV of 8.1%. This was my favorite beer that I had that day. I picked up notes of coffee, vanilla, and hints of chocolate. A very good beer to sip on now that we’re solidly into 30º weather.
Overall
The atmosphere, amazing staff, and list of impressive beers will have me coming back again soon. The fact that the brewery is just a couple minutes away from my house is a big plus too. They are opened daily with the kitchen closing 1 hour before the taproom each day. You can find out more about Sonder Brewing on their website and their social media accounts.
Upcoming Events
On Black Friday take a break from the Purge (aka black Friday shopping) and stop into Sonder as they release their Frosted Mango Milkeshake IPA. Doors open at 9am with 50% off of pints as well until 11am.
You can find them on all social media platforms @Sonderbrewing
*Update*
I went back to Sonder on Black Friday, well after the madness was over to try their new beer, Frosted, a Mango Milkshake IPA. Mango at first sip with the milkshake IPA mouthfeel that makes style so unique. All of the milkshake IPAs that I’ve had so far are very sweet, also most too sweet. This one wasn’t packed with the over sweetness, it was delicious and worth the trip over.
They were also very festive, I was hoping they had a beer called Fragile, but didn’t see one.
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