Cincinnati is a city that really knows its beer. With a brewing heritage stretching back over a century, it offers a range of tours that cater to every interest—whether you’re eager to sample craft beers, learn about Cincinnati’s dark past, or explore secret underground tunnels. What makes Cincinnati stand out is its mix of modern breweries and historic sites, often within walking distance, making it easy to combine history with tasting. Something like the Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop is perfect for those who want to enjoy Cincinnati’s beer scene without worrying about driving, thanks to its small-group vibe and inclusive sampling.
For a more macabre side of Cincinnati’s history, the Darkside of Brewing Tour: Tales of Cincinnati’s Haunted and Gruesome Past offers a spooky look into the city’s past, combining ghost stories, abandoned sites, and historic theaters. And if underground adventures are your thing, the Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour takes you beneath the city streets to explore tunnels that most visitors never see.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top Cincinnati brewery experiences to help you choose the perfect tour for your trip.
1. Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop
At number 1 on our list, the Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop is an ideal way to taste Cincinnati’s best craft beers without the hassle of driving. This small-group tour (max 10 people) lasts about three and a half hours, taking you to three different breweries around the city. The focus is on variety—sampling nine beers in total—plus snacks to keep you energized. It’s a relaxed, social way to learn about Cincinnati’s brewing scene and history, especially with knowledgeable guides who keep things lively.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized experience you get with smaller groups and the opportunity to talk beer with locals. Each brewery has its own vibe—ranging from modern taprooms to more traditional settings—and the guide is happy to share insights about Cincinnati’s brewing heritage. Reviews mention the host Alex’s engaging style and the unique beer selections at each stop, making it a favorite for both first-timers and seasoned beer fans.
Bottom Line: If you want a fun, friendly introduction to Cincinnati craft brewing without the stress of transportation, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for those who enjoy tasting a variety of beers in a laid-back environment.
2. Darkside of Brewing Tour: Tales of Cincinnati’s Haunted and Gruesome Past
For those interested in Cincinnati’s darker tales, the Darkside of Brewing Tour offers an immersive experience into the city’s eerie history. This seasonal tour lasts around two hours and includes visits to haunted sites and stories of grisly events—such as grave robbing, a serial-killing saloonist, and other deadly legends. It also features a flashlight tour of the Imperial Theater and the 19th-century Jackson Brewhouse, which haven’t been open to the public in decades.
What makes this tour especially compelling is its storytelling. Guides share vivid accounts of Cincinnati’s past, combined with visits to abandoned streets overtaken by nature and forgotten brewing sites. The tour is highly praised for its knowledgeable guides, like Robert and Marcha, who bring local history to life with enthusiasm and detail. It’s well-suited for history buffs or anyone looking for an unusual twist on a city tour.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy stories of Cincinnati’s haunted past and want to explore some of the city’s most mysterious sites, this tour offers a fascinating, spine-tingling experience. It’s best suited for those comfortable on foot and interested in the macabre.
3. Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour
The Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour combines the city’s love of beer and spirits into one engaging experience. Over about two and a half hours, you’ll visit notable spots like Northern Row Brewery and Distillery, Jackson Brewery lagering cellars, and Rhinegeist Brewery. This tour is primarily indoors, making it a good choice for bad weather days.
The tour starts with a behind-the-scenes look at Northern Row’s distillery, where you’ll learn how spirits are made before sampling a few. Then you’ll explore Jackson Brewery’s historic lagering cellars, dating back to the 1850s, and finish at Rhinegeist, housed in a pre-Prohibition building. Guests rave about the depth of historic details combined with the tasting opportunities, making this a well-rounded experience.
Guide Lisa is praised for her knowledge and enthusiasm, and the tour’s focus on both historic brewing sites and modern practices provides a comprehensive look at Cincinnati’s beverage scene. The price is reasonable considering the variety of beverages and education involved, making it excellent value—especially for those curious about both beer and spirits.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those interested in a deeper understanding of Cincinnati’s brewing and distilling history, with enough tastings to satisfy any enthusiast.
4. Bruckmann Brewery History Tour
The Bruckmann Brewery History Tour offers a peek into one of Cincinnati’s most intact 19th-century brewery complexes. Brewing started at this site in 1856, and today, many of the original structures are still standing. This 1.5-hour tour takes you inside the historic buildings, including the brewhouse, stables, bottling plant, and the underground lagering cellars—some of the most complete in the country.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its focus on the physical remains of the brewery. You’ll see the original equipment and learn how the brewery operated during its peak. Since much of the site has been repurposed over the years, the tour provides insight into how industrial sites evolve. It’s ideal for history or architecture enthusiasts, or anyone interested in Cincinnati’s brewing legacy through physical artifacts.
Reviewers note the tour’s in-depth access and the opportunity to see the actual brewing equipment from the 1800s firsthand, making it a unique experience. The tour’s price reflects its specialized content, and it’s a good fit for travelers who enjoy exploring historic sites.
Bottom Line: If you love old buildings and want to see Cincinnati’s brewing past preserved in its original form, this tour provides a fascinating, tangible connection to history.
$45.00 per person
5. Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting
Rounding out our list is the Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour, which takes you underground into tunnels most Cincinnatians never see. Over two hours, you’ll explore the Linck Brewery tunnels built in 1850 and the Jackson Brewery tunnels, which housed brewing operations and are now largely inaccessible to the public. The tour includes visits to two sets of tunnels and even a brief walk through Findlay Market, adding a taste of local commerce and history.
What makes this tour special is its underground focus—you get to see the actual tunnels where beer was once stored and brewed, including the site where Johnny Cash filmed a movie. Afterward, enjoy a beer tasting at the Northern Row Taproom, blending history with modern brewing. Reviewers praise the tour for its fascinating underground spaces and engaging storytelling, with Miranda leading confidently and sharing plenty of local lore.
This experience is ideal for those who want a unique, adventurous perspective on Cincinnati’s beer scene—perfect for history lovers and underground explorers alike.
Bottom Line: For a memorable twist on brewery tours, this subterranean adventure offers a rare glimpse into Cincinnati’s hidden brewing world—an experience you won’t find elsewhere.
$49.00 per person
How to Choose Your Cincinnati Brewery Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and what kind of experience you want. If you prefer a casual tasting with friends, the Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop is a great choice. For those intrigued by Cincinnati’s darker past, the Darkside Tour combines history and mystery perfectly. If you’re a beverage enthusiast curious about both beer and spirits, the Brewing & Distilling Tour offers an in-depth look at Cincinnati’s brewing heritage.
History buffs or architecture lovers will appreciate the Bruckmann Brewery for its preserved structures. Meanwhile, adventure-seekers and underground explorers should consider the Hidden Brewery Caverns, for its unique subterranean experience. Budget-wise, most tours are priced between $45 and $63, offering solid value given the included tastings and insights.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular tours like the caverns or haunted history walks, as Cincinnati’s brewery scene is growing fast. Think about your fitness level—some tours involve walking through historic sites or outside weather—so dress accordingly.
To sum it up, Cincinnati offers a wide range of brewery experiences that go way beyond just tasting beers. Whether you want a relaxing day sampling craft brews, exploring haunted sites, or venturing into underground tunnels, this list covers the best options. For first-timers, the Craft Brewery 3 Stop Hop provides a well-rounded intro, while seasoned enthusiasts may love the underground adventure of the Hidden Brewery Caverns. No matter your choice, booking early guarantees a spot—these tours tend to fill up fast.