Good beer with good friends is what craft beer is all about. I was able to corral two of my good friends to a new brewery this past weekend. While our wives/girlfriends held their book club meeting the three of us went to Wooden Cask, a place I’ve wanted to check out for a while now. I’ve had many of their beers since they can and distribute but a visit to the taproom was long overdue.
The Place
Wooden Cask Brewing Co is located at 629 York St, Newport, KY 41071. At least that’s where you’ll find their original location. They also have a taproom on the Levee but that will have to be a another adventure for another day. The building at the York Street location looks giant from the outside. It’s actually over 4000 sq. ft. that houses everything a brewery would need including a space for private events. I was pleasantly surprised that as I walked in through the side door I found a cozy taproom. A large bar is the first thing you notice followed by a variety of seating options. The vibe toes the line of lounge and open industrial space.
They have a couple of TVs but it certainly isn’t a sports bar vibe. They have a stack of board games to choose from too. A lot of breweries have these board games but I’ve never played one in a taproom. My buddies decided they wanted me to dominate them at Rack-O while were there. I had fun winning a couple of rounds.
Come to Wooden Cask hungry because Beards & Bellies BBQ is housed in the taproom. I can’t overstate how good it smelled but unfortunately, I didn’t try anything on this visit. I’ve only ever heard good things about their BBQ abilities though.
The Beer
Wooden Cask focuses on putting out traditional European styled beers but they have so much more. From lagers, to sours, to dessert stouts, they’re going to have something you like. They have 21 taps at their disposal. They had 20 going on my visit. Of course, I’m going with a flight, or two, to feel out their range. Here are the three that stood out for one reason or another.
3. Hell Yes is a bock beer. I love a good bock so if there’s one I haven’t had before available, I’ll almost always try it. This one is textbook. It’s malty, the right amount of sweet and sits at 8% ABV. It’s not too thin either. I found it delicious. 4/5.
2. The Scotsman – If a brewery says they love European style beers they better bring it with those styles. Wooden Cask didn’t disappoint with this Scottish Ale. The brew is malty, smooth, a touch sweet and boozy with dark fruit notes. At 8% it will keep you warm in all levels of winter. I wasn’t ready for this beer to be this good. 4/5.
1. Chocolate Praline Stout – So many places around Cincinnati do pastry/dessert stouts so well. Be sure to add Wooden Cask to that list. This 8% stout (I promise not all of their beers are 8%) is smooth and filled with chocolate and toffee flavors from start to finish. It’s a dessert stout yes but it won’t make you feel like you’ve just eaten an entire cake. 4.25/5.
If beer isn’t your thing and you need something a bit stronger just take a look at their bourbon selection. It’s impressive. Every Wednesday is Whiskey Wednesday and features $5 pours of select bourbons. Maybe you’re a wine connoisseur and prefer a nice glass of grapes. Orchard Street Winery, a winery that they own, is served in the taproom as well.
Overall
Since going to Wooden Cask I’ve found some of their cans around town and quickly purchased, and drank them. I left the brewery impressed by their variety of beer styles and execution on each one of them. If you’re looking for a wide variety of beers and beverages in a relaxed environment give this place a visit. The York St location is closed on Mondays and hours vary the other six days of the week.
Before you go, check them out online.
dotcom ———- Twitter ———- Instagram ———- Facebook
