Catawba Island Brewing Co. is expanding into cans.
The production brewery and tasting room just outside Port Clinton hopes to release its Whitecap Wit in mid-May or earlier with the help of Buckeye Canning, a mobile canning operation.
Whitecap Wit — and later Seiche Scottish Ale — will be available in 16-ounce cans and four-packs.
“For us, it’s a huge win because of the area we’re in,” co-owner Shad Gunderson said, referring to the Lake Erie Islands region. “There are a lot of people who are going to boat or going to the beach or some other place where glass bottles aren’t the best option or, in some cases, would be illegal.”
He also likes the idea of beer drinkers being able to take Catawba Island beer home in something other than a growler. Right now, Catawba Island is available only on draft.
The brewery opted for the 16-ounce size — as opposed to 12-ounce cans — because Gunderson believes most beer should be served as a pint.
The cans will be available at the brewery and also at area stores. Gunderson said he’s not sure how far Catawba Island will stretch its can distribution.
He added that he expects to offer Whitecap and Seiche year-round. Other brews also may make their way into cans, he added.
A masterpiece
The Huffington Post loves Wulver Wee Heavy Ale from Akron’s Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
The website included the bourbon barrel-aged beer on its list of “The 10 Best Beers You’ve Probably Never Heard Of.”
The author even called it “a leading candidate for the best BBA beer ever made” and “a masterpiece.”
Speaking of Thirsty Dog, it amazes me that so many Akronites are unaware of it. The production brewery opened seven years ago at 529 Grant St. just down the street from the University of Akron.
The brewery tasting room is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday, and 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Beer class
Cuyahoga Community College’s first homebrewing class filled up so quickly that the school is offering it again.
“Apparently people cannot get enough beer,” college spokesman John Horton said in an email. “Imagine that!”
The class, called Brewing Craft Beer and provided under the college’s Community Education program, will begin May 6 and run for four Tuesdays at Market Garden Brewery, 1947 W. 25th St., Cleveland. The cost is $74.99.
Students will learn the science of brewing and how to set up a homebrewing operation — all while experiencing a professional brewery. Aaron Morford, a homebrewer, will serve as the instructor.
Class size is limited to 15 people. For more details, go to: tinyurl.com/n6284uj.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his beer blog at www.ohio.com/beer. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.
