CINCINNATI BREWERY FIELD GUIDE
Beneath the Brew: Cincinnati’s 19th‑Century Lagering Cellar Meets Modern Distilling
A focused 2-Hour, mostly indoor tasting tour that pairs behind-the-scenes access at a working distillery and a pre‑Prohibition brewery with samples and an exploration of an underground 19th‑century lagering cellar.
Beneath the Brew: Cincinnati’s 19th‑Century Lagering Cellar Meets Modern Distilling.
On this page
Join the Brewing Heritage Trail for a compact, mostly indoor walk through Cincinnati’s brewing and distilling past and present: a close-up visit to a working distillery, a descent into the 19th‑century underground lagering cellar of the Jackson Brewery, and a behind‑the‑scenes look at Rhinegeist’s modern brewing operations, capped by curated tastings of beer and spirits.
Explore Cincinnati’s rich brewing and distilling heritage on the Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour, hosted by Brewing Heritage Trail. This private outdoor adventure offers a unique opportunity to sample craft beers and spirits brewed locally, tracing the city's vibrant history as a major center for brewing in America. You'll visit a selection of hand-picked breweries and distilleries where knowledgeable guides share insider stories and showcase the art of beverage craftsmanship. The tour blends flavorful tastings with cultural insights, making it perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate both quality drinks and local heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to craft beverages, this experience delivers engaging, relaxed exploration through Cincinnati’s thriving brewing scene. With scenic outdoor stops and intimate group settings, the tour offers a refreshing alternative to typical indoor tastings, allowing guests to savor the city’s flavor in an open-air atmosphere.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
Three main stops linked by short walks—each stop pairs interpretation with tasting.
Northern Row Brewery and Distillery
Close-up look at Northern Row’s distilling process followed by included spirit samplings (three samples are provided; guests may opt for a pint instead).
Jackson Brewery Lagering Cellar
Explore the underground lagering cellar excavated from a hillside where beer was fermented and cold stored dating back to the 1850s; entry and exit require no stairs.
Rhinegeist Brewery
Behind-the-scenes tour inside a pre‑Prohibition brewing structure; part of this tour requires use of stairs, and the visit concludes with a flight of Rhinegeist beverages.
The tour is mostly indoors but includes short walks of about one block between locations; Rhinegeist requires stairs for part of the tour and the cellar is entered from the hillside with no stairs required for entry/exit—participants should be able to manage short walks and occasional stairs.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Explore a 19th‑Century Underground Lagering Cellar
Wander the excavated passages of the historic Jackson Brewery lagering cellar—an underground network where beer was fermented and cold stored beginning in the 1850s. The cellar is entered from the hillside and requires no stairs to reach.
Northern Row: Up‑Close Distilling and Spirit Samples
The tour opens at Northern Row Brewery and Distillery with a close look at their distilling process and included spirit samplings—three spirit samples are part of the visit, with sampling choices built into the experience.
Rhinegeist: Pre‑Prohibition Structure, Modern Brewing
End the tour inside Rhinegeist’s historic, pre‑Prohibition brewing structure for a behind‑the‑scenes walkthrough of their facility (note: stairs are required for part of this visit) and a concluding flight of their beverages.
What the day feels like
What the Tour Feels Like
The rhythm is compact and intimate: a distillery visit and spirit sampling at Northern Row; a short, one‑block walk to the excavated Jackson Brewery lagering cellar for an underground exploration; then another short walk to Rhinegeist for a behind‑the‑scenes tour and a flight of beers. The 2.5‑hour outing is mostly indoors and moves deliberately from modern production to preserved 19th‑century infrastructure, with opportunities to taste both spirits and beer.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this tasting tour—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs approximately 2.5 hours and is concentrated into a short, mostly indoor route with brief walks between stops.
Expect mostly indoor conditions with short outdoor walks of about one block between locations—comfortable footwear is recommended.
The itinerary includes a flight of beers from Rhinegeist and three spirit samples at Northern Row; guests may opt for a pint at Northern Row instead of samples.
Tours meet at 111 West McMicken Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; plan to arrive at the indicated meeting location before the scheduled start time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2.5 hours.
What tastings are included?
Included are a flight of beers from Rhinegeist and three spirit samples at Northern Row; guests can choose a pint at Northern Row instead of the spirit samples if they prefer.
Where is the meeting location?
Meet at 111 West McMicken Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
Is there walking or stairs on the tour?
The tour is mostly indoors with short walks of about one block between each location; the underground cellar requires no stairs to enter or exit, but part of the Rhinegeist visit does require stairs.
Is there an age minimum?
The tour is for ages 18 and up.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Yes—tickets are recommended in advance; any tour that has not sold tickets within 24 hours of the start time will be closed.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-11-02T00:55:56.534Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.