Streetside Brewing announced it was time to release this year’s version of the ever-so-delicious stout, Demogorgan. Like millions of other people, I watch the show Stranger Things on Netflix and any beer pun or play on words on the topic peaks my interest (much like Star Wars). As a matter of fact, one of last year’s version, the toasted coconut/Vanilla, was one of my favorite beers of the year and the Apple Brandy variant wasn’t far behind.
I decided I should visit the taproom on the day of the release to ensure I at least get a taste of what they brewed up this year. I talked some of my good friends into meeting me there so they could share in the good beer. I’ve been to Streetside a handful of times but never wrote about it so I’d kill two birds with one stone on this one.
The Place
Streetside Brewing is located at 4003 Eastern Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45226. Streetside has on and off street parking and is easy enough to find along Eastern Ave. They offer a unique taproom experience in that the brewery has a split level floor plan. Just a few steps from the bar you can look over a balcony and see the brewhouse where all the magic happens, pictures above. It’s a really cool feature that adds a different dynamic to the taproom.
The taproom is plenty big enough, although we tested that this past Saturday to get our hands on the Demogorgan, but small enough to feel intimate with seats at the bar, booths, tables, and seats along the windows. Additionally, they have roll up doors in the taproom that when opened connect to a nice patio out front for those upcoming sunny days made for drinking outside.
Streetside doesn’t have a traditional kitchen but they do have a food truck parked outside everyday from Street Chef Brigade that serves up edgy comfort food just for you.
The Beer
I’ve had a lot of Streetside beer. They can some of their beers and whenever I see it on the shelf somewhere I make sure to pick some up because they’re always putting out something new and original.
Streetside offers 24 taps, mostly of their own beers and from time to time offer guest taps, flights, pints, and growler fills. They also offer a small selection of wine for the non beer drinkers.
On this visit I had two flights and a pint. Here are the three that jumped out to me on this visit.
3. Oh Heck Yes! This triple berry berliner checks in at a cool 4.4%. Think blackberry pie meets raspberry jam meets a lemon tang all whipped up with a hint of hops (maybe) for a very well balanced refreshing brew. 4/5.
2. John Lemon is a delicious lemon meringue milkshake IPA. It doesn’t have a super heavy body and the lemon and vanilla that come through really make this beer stand out. Luckily for you they can it as well. It’s 6.2% ABV and should be drank fresh. If they have this beer on tap I’m ordering it and you should too. 4.5/5.
1. Cinnamon Whiskey Demogoran – I mean, it’s the reason I woke up early and went to the taproom. It didn’t disappoint. It was one of two variants available, but more on that below. It’s a monster at 11.3% ABV. I got a brown sugar, slight cinnamon, dark fruit/raisin flavor after the initial hit from the barrel. 4.5/5
The Event
Like I mentioned in the intro the reason I headed to Streetside was for this year’s release of the Demogorgan. I’ve never went to a brewery specifically for a beer release before but last I had to make sure I got a can or two of what they offered up this year. They offered two variants for this release Vanilla Demogorgan and Cinnamon Whiskey Demogorgan.
The descriptions from the brewery:
Streetside has raised another 13.5% leviathan from the Upside Down for your pleasure. Vanilla Demogorgon was aged in New Riff Bourbon barrels until perfection, then hand scraped vanilla pasted was added for your sipping pleasure. This colossus presents captivation flavors of vanilla and tones of dark chocolate for a mind blending mouthfeel. We present to you New Riff Bourbon barrel aged Demogorgon with vanilla, a treat the Mind Flayer would surely adore.
From the Vanilla Demogorgon can description
Brought up from the depths of the Upside Down, Cinnamon Whiskey Demogorgon is a prodigious 11.3% ABV Imperial Stout, aged in cinnamon whiskey barrels. This monster presents mesmerizing flavors of spicy cinnamon and smooth whiskey with a mind-melting mouthfeel. We present to you Cinnamon Whiskey Barrel-Aged Demogorgon; a delicacy the Mind Flayer would surely savor.
From the Cinnamon Whiskey Demogorgan can description
I’m not going to lie I was both intrigued and nervous about the Cinnamon Whiskey variant but it ended up being my favorite of the two because the flavor profile was more complex.
The release started at 10am, I showed up at 9:45 and was the 74th person in line. By that I mean I got ticket #74 and drank my flights until my number was called. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I felt like I showed up just in time. I got a 2 pk of both beers and a glass to top it all off.
Once I went to cash out I asked the beertender how he thought everything went. He said it was super smooth, the vanilla Demogorgan had already blown and the cans were sold out. You can’t beat that.
Overall
I had a blast at the beer release and another good time at the taproom with some good friends. The beers that Streetside is putting out is some of the best in the city. The staff are always super friendly and down to talk shop in a down to earth experience that always makes you feel good.
Before you go, check them out online:
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