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Moerlein Lager House named “Ohio Brewery of the Year” by New York International Beer Competition
Bier: A Cincy Tradition
or nearly 100 years leading up to Prohibition, beer was a leading export and the breweries themselves were a major employer of Cincinnati. Although the Queen City had previously been infamous for being the center of pork production in the US, beer eventually took the lead in driving Cincinnati’s economy. By 1890, Cincinnati was the 3rd largest beer producer in the country. Several German breweries located in Over-the-Rhine produced this beer. Over-the-Rhine is a 360-acre neighborhood located just north of downtown Cincinnati. This neighborhood was the landing spot for most immigrants making their way to Cincinnati, including the Germans, who brought with them a serious work ethic, a strong cultural identity and a thirst for bier. (traditional German spelling). At one time, Over-the-Rhine was home to more than 15 breweries. A few of these elaborate structures still stand today. In fact, some lagering tunnels and underground storage facilities that ran underground and connected many buildings and facilities are still being rediscovered today. The many saloons that operated during this period were the nerve center of social life for many of the residents of Overthe-Rhine. They were also the target of several temperance movements and caused a considerable amount of political unrest in the area. With the onset of Prohibition in 1919, the many breweries in the region were shut down. A few were able to reopen in 1933 but, changes in the marketplace made it difficult for them to operate for long. Many bigger operations such as Anheuser-Busch and Miller had changed the game. A few Cincinnati beer names you may recognize include: Hudepohl, Christian Moerlein, Burger, Schoenling and Little Kings. Many of these beers are once again being brewed for a new generation of fans. The legendary Christian Moerlein brand was reintroduced in 1981 and led the way for the local craft beer movement. It soon became the first brand to pass the high standards of the
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Reinheitsgebot Bavarian Purity Law of 1516. Their beer still contains only four ingredients: Malted Barley, Hops, Water and Yeast just as it did when Christian Moerlein was the brew master. Since 2004 Christian Moerlein has been under the ever-watchful guidance of beer baron Greg Hardman, who purchased the brand in 2004. Greg’s continued commitment to beer excellence makes Christian Moerlein a better beer. The Moerlein Lager House and Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. were awarded “Ohio Brewery of the Year” by the prestigious New York International Beer Competition over the last two years and earned top commendations for its beers. In 2019, Moerlein Lager House won Gold for its Smoked Marzen, Bronze for Barbarossa Dunkel Lager, and Bronze for its Golden Helles. Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. also won Gold for its Emancipator Doppelbock. The Moerlein Lager House and Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. competed against more than 600 breweries from the United States and 14 countries. At the Moerlein Lager House, located across the street from Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati’s colorful beer brewing history comes to life and continues to introduce a new generation of craft beer lovers to time tested traditions. This world-class brewpub features German inspired dishes as well as their freshly brewed, award-winning Christian Moerlein beer on site. For more information on Christian Moerlein Lager House: moerleinlagerhouse.com
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