Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour

Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour: A Closer Look at Local Heritage

Imagine walking through Cincinnati’s historic brewing streets, visiting century-old tunnels, and learning how the city’s craft beverage scene evolved—from pre-Prohibition days to today’s modern breweries. For $59 per person, this 2 hour 30-minute small-group tour takes you inside some of Cincinnati’s most iconic brewing and distilling locations, with plenty of chances to sample local spirits and beers along the way.

Your adventure begins at Northern Row Brewery and Distillery, where you’ll get an insider look at both spirits and historic fermentation houses. Next, you’ll explore Jackson Brewery’s underground lagering tunnels, dating back to the 1850s — a rare peek into Cincinnati’s brewing past. The tour finishes at Rhinegeist Brewery, housed in a building that survived Prohibition, where you’ll sample some of their seasonal beers.

What we especially love about this experience is the balance of history and taste, combined with the small group setting that encourages questions and lively conversation. Plus, since most of the tour is indoors, it’s ideal for any weather—no worries about rain or sunshine interrupting your day.

Of course, a potential downside is the length of the tour—at 2.5 hours, it can feel a bit long if your attention span isn’t the longest or if standing for extended periods is challenging. But overall, this tour is best suited for those with an interest in local history, craft beverages, or both. If you enjoy learning about how things are made and love trying regional flavors, this experience will hit the spot.

Key Points

• Historic and modern mix: Combines Cincinnati’s pre-Prohibition brewing history with current craft brewing practices.
• Inside access: Most stops are indoors, making it comfortable regardless of weather.
• Tasting opportunities: Samples include spirits and beers from renowned local venues.
• Small group experience: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring plenty of interaction.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews frequently praise guides like Lisa and Alex for their depth of knowledge and engaging style.
• Accessible for most: Suitable for most travelers, with some stairs and uneven terrain noted as minor challenges.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point: Northern Row Brewery & Distillery

The tour kicks off at Northern Row, a space with roots in Cincinnati’s pre-Prohibition fermentation houses. Here, you’ll learn about the history of whiskey and spirits production in Cincinnati—a city with a longstanding tradition of distilling. The behind-the-scenes look at distilling operations gives you a real sense of the craft involved.

What’s particularly engaging are the stories and details shared by guides like Lisa, who, according to multiple reviews, are both knowledgeable and personable. After the tour of the distilling setup, you’ll get to sample a few spirits in the taproom—an opportunity to taste what the distillery is known for and to ask questions about the process.

The Jackson Brewery Tunnels

Next, your journey takes you underground to the Jackson Brewery’s lagering tunnels. These tunnels, dating back to the 1850s, are a rare glimpse into 19th-century brewing practices. Walking through these cool, dark corridors, you’ll imagine Cincinnati’s bustling beer-producing days before Prohibition changed everything. Several review mentions highlight how cool and atmospheric this part of the tour is, with visitors describing tunnels as a “very cool” look into history.

Rhinegeist Brewery: From Prohibition to Today

The tour concludes at Rhinegeist, a modern craft brewery housed inside a pre-Prohibition building that survived the alcohol ban. Here, you’ll see the brew house in action and learn about their production methods. The flight of winter beers provides a satisfying end-note, giving you a taste of Cincinnati’s contemporary brewery scene.

Guests often comment on the delicious beers at Rhinegeist and appreciate the insights into their brewing process. The setting, with its historic roots, offers an authentic backdrop for tasting.

What We Loved About the Experience

One of the standout features is the insider access to historic spaces, like the tunnels and old brewing cellars, which are rarely open to the public. We also appreciate how guides like Lisa and Alex blend historical storytelling with practical brewing knowledge, making the experience both educational and fun.

The sampling portions are well curated, allowing you to taste a variety of local spirits and craft beers—a real value for the price. Several reviews remark on how the guides are passionate and knowledgeable, creating an engaging environment where questions are encouraged.

Another plus: the mostly indoor route offers protection from Cincinnati’s unpredictable weather, so you won’t have to worry about rain ruining your plans.

Considerations Before Booking

While the tour is generally praised, some reviews mention that it can drag on, with a few participants feeling it could be shorter. The length of walking and standing, especially in uneven terrains and stairs at tunnels, might be a concern for travelers with mobility issues.

The tour’s duration and detailed historical stories mean it’s best suited for history buffs or craft beverage enthusiasts. If you’re just looking for a quick tasting or don’t enjoy standing around for a while, you might find the experience a bit lengthy.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history lovers, beer and spirit aficionados, and curious travelers wanting a comprehensive look at Cincinnati’s beverage heritage. It’s especially suitable if you appreciate small-group settings where you can ask questions and really learn about the craft of brewing and distilling. If you’re interested in local stories, underground tunnels, or seasonal beers, this tour will be right up your alley.

Final Thoughts on Value

At $59, the tour offers good value, considering the access to historic spaces, guided insights, and tastings. The small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the indoor stops make it a comfortable option year-round.

While it’s longer than some might want, the depth of learning and the delicious samples help justify the time invested. If you’re in Cincinnati and want a fun, educational, and taste-filled experience, this tour is a strong choice—especially for those with an interest in local history and craft beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers can participate, it’s focused on tasting alcoholic beverages, so it’s mainly geared towards adults. The tour includes spirits and beers, so it’s not suitable for children.

How much walking is involved?
There’s some walking between stops, including going down stairs into tunnels, but most of the tour is indoors. Expect uneven terrain in the tunnels.

Are there any food options included?
The tour features tastings of spirits and beers, but no mention of food. You might find the beer flights at Rhinegeist to be a good complement to your experience.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour limits attendance to 15 travelers, ensuring plenty of personal interaction and questions.

Is this tour appropriate for people with mobility issues?
Some stairs and uneven terrain, especially in tunnels, could challenge those with limited mobility. It’s best to check with the provider if you have concerns.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour. Full refunds are available if canceled in time.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing are recommended. Since most stops are indoors, no special gear is needed.

Is there any special rule about pets?
Service animals are allowed, but pets are not mentioned, so it’s best to assume only certified service animals.

What is the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 27 days in advance, indicating that the tour can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

This Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour combines history, craftsmanship, and regional flavor in a way that’s both educational and enjoyable. Whether you’re a craft beer lover, history enthusiast, or just curious about Cincinnati’s roots, it offers a thoughtful look behind the scenes of some of the city’s most iconic brewing and distilling venues.