Opening a new brewpub is a good way to make the top of my news column! I’ve been reporting that Garrett’s Mill and Tavern on Main in Garrettsville had applied for and received their brewing license, but I can now report that they are not only open, but their first brew, a pale ale, was tapped in June.  According to owner Clayton Morris, the brewer, Dave Rock, is “an aggressive homebrewer ready to move to the next step.” I definitely will be back to see what’s next after the Irish red that was about to be tapped when I was there.  There are other reasons to visit Garrett’s Mill besides the beer. This scenic site on Silver Creek was originally a mill back in the early 1800s, and the dining room overlooks the falls.  There is a multi-level deck outside where you can enjoy Garrett’s Mill ice cream and the view.  I might add that the menu is quite varied and interesting with selections such as Brie Brulee, “pork chops stuffed with roasted apple and sourdough stuffing on a pool of bourbon shallot sauce,” and Seafood Diablo.  It’s an easy drive from Akron or Cleveland and worth the visit.

Speaking of new breweries, have you heard yet about Cowtown Brewing Company? Cowtown Brewing Company was started in 2005 according to their website (www.cowtownbrewing.com), and their flagship (and only?) brew is their Scarlet Amber Ale, available only on draft. I first learned of Cowtown at July’s first ever Ohio Brewing Week in Athens, Ohio, the only one of the fifteen Ohio Breweries sponsoring the event that I wasn’t familiar with. The logo for their beer looks very similar to that of a certain unnamed Columbus, Ohio university whose colors are scarlet and gray.

Here’s yet another new one for you: Pug Mahone’s Pub and Eatery in Lakewood.  Pug Mahone’s has actually been open since February of 2005, but have apparently been keeping a low profile.  Owner Rocky Fox says he wanted to be different than the other neighborhood bars, so opened an Irish pub that features very reasonably-priced food and beer ($1-2 drafts), that happens to brew its own beer, too.  They keep two of their own beers on tap, currently Fox’s Irish Red and Fox’s Irish Stout, along with the standard Irish pub beers like Bass, Harp, and Guinness.  Fox is currently in need of a new part-time brewer, as his former brewer is brewing full time someplace else.

Rocky River Brewing Company will have the gold-medal-winning Baltic porter, Neptune’s Nemesis back on tap in mid-August. The Blueberry Ale has become a year-round staple by popular demand, and returning in the next few weeks will be Subchaser Hefeweizen, HopGoblin IPA, and Sly Fox Sticke Alt. They are promoting August as “The Spirit of Belgium Month” with the return of five-time award-winning Artisan Saison, the Titan Trippel, and a new Belgian dubbel brewed with a blend of Trappist-style yeasts for the authentic spicy, banana, clove-like character.  All three of these Belgians will be on their way to Denver for the Great American Brew Fest along with the Baltic, Smokestack, a hickory and apple smoked porter, and an Ancho chili infused version of the smoked porter.  The patio is open, the ribs are great, and the beer fantastic! Enjoy! Oh … and bring back some medals from the GABF, Matt!

New at the BREW Kettle in Strongsville is the menu! The menu includes old favorites such as Barbecued Spaghetti and the Smokin’ Burrito along with new entrees like Heavenly Meatloaf and Mac-n-cheese with Andouille and Cajun cornmeal crusted catfish.  They’ve added new sides, vegetarian dishes, and desserts, and expanded their late-night menu. While you’re checking out the new menu, enjoy a glass of Dark Helmet, an imperial schwarzbier aged in bourbon barrels or the latest batch of Poor Richard’s Ale on nitro, a real smooth treat!  They also have an impressive array of guest beers on tap.  Their 10^th Annual “Golfers Against Bad Beer” golf outing will take place on Friday, August 25. This event is always a sell-out so call Chris or Pam now for reservations at (440) 239-8788.

Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Commodore Perry IPA is back!  I may be wrong, but I believe this is the first time I’ve seen it on tap outside of the Great Lakes pub itself.  Aggressively hopped at 80 IBU’s and an 8% ABV kick, it is their Summer Seasonal this year. It has won two awards in the past; a gold from the World Beer Championship, and a bronze from the GABF.  The week after its release, I found it on draft at 69 Taps in Akron.  If you are a fan of IPAs, you must try this one!  Not quite as big a beer as their Lake Erie Monster imperial IPA, which is a pub exclusive, but almost.

Speaking of 69 Taps, Summer is in full swing there with the patio open, longer hours (they are open for lunch now), good food (yes, they have FOOD now), live music on the patio, all 69 taps full (most of the time), and $2 happy hour pints, it’s THE place to be in downtown Akron.

The Brown Derby Roadhouse in Medina, has a new brewer.  Steve Bagley will be a familiar name to homebrewers from his frequent awards in homebrew competitions.  I sampled a Dortmunder style, still in the tanks and unfiltered, and can assure you he’s making the transition to professional brewer successfully.  

Willoughby Brewing Company has added a hoppy category to their regular lineup.  Currently it is the Hopfull American Brown Ale, which will be followed in late August or September with Hopnotic Red IPA. These will rotate with their Daisy Cutter IPA, 80 Rupee English IPA, and a new double IPA.

And finally, the rumors: The Hoppin’ Frog in Akron will soon be brewing.  Ohio Brewing Company may finally open downtown Akron later in the year.  There’s a new brewery planned in Westlake called the Black Box Brewing Company.

As always, if you have any news, comments, or questions, email me at brewmuse@ohiobeerguide.com … and thanks to those of you who DO keep me posted. It is appreciated!