Streetside Brewery

So before I begin the actual review for Streetside, I first must get something off of my chest…

For the past year, small business, more than anyone else, have been brutalized. The mandates and restrictions placed upon them have been horrible. According to Bizjournals.com, “more than 700 businesses in Cincinnati closed because of the coronavirus crisis, with almost half of them shuttering permanently.” To say that this is sad is an incredible understatement. I understand the enormous pressures that small businesses are under (I myself am a small business owner). Now with this said, let me say one more thing…I do NOT understand why any small business would undertake adding even more restrictions to the ones that are being enforced, especially when they are meaningless (emphasis mine).

As a self professed beer and wine snob/connoisseur, I can tell you that drinking from a plastic cup absolutely changes the way the beverages aromas and taste are perceived. This is especially true with craft beers (and fine wines). If your entire business is about electrifying your customers taste buds with your amazing product, why on earth would you damage that experience by having them drink your product from a plastic cup? I know some of you may read this and think, what’s the big deal? If all I was wanting was to drink alcohol and catch a buzz…I would not be paying a premium and going out of my way to a brewery. Craft beer is an experience and to fully enjoy that experience, you need a glass (preferably the right type of glass) to experience it with. IF, using plastic cups (instead of glass) actually did anything (anything at all) regarding SARS-CoV-2, I could see the point…However, it does not make any difference at all (read the science please) nor is it a mandate. The science shows that SARS-CoV-2 does linger on a variety of surfaces (including plastic cups), however as this one research paper stated…”although the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on inanimate surfaces is possible, washing hands and regular disinfection practices should reduce the possibilities of transmission of the coronavirus by this potential route of infection.” In other words…wash the glasses. If your staff is worried about touching them, have them wear gloves. However, the only way staff would catch SARS-CoV-2 from the glasses would be if they touched an infected glass and then stuck their hand in their mouth. Easily avoided.

Now that that is off my chest, I feel so much better. On with the review…

Above issue aside, let me say loud and proud, I love Streetside’s beer! Even from a plastic cup, their beer shines brightly. I am looking forward to buying some to take home so I can fully appreciate it. It is always hard to get a full look at a place during this shut down as everything is modified and there is less energy in a place. Streetside has lots of outdoor space for enjoying their product, however winter time does not make for enjoyable outdoor beer drinking. Hopefully the coming summer will allow some delicious brew outside. The inside is small but relaxed and comfortable feeling. The brewing facility is observable from the main room. They do not serve food but do have a food truck outside to fill that need. We did not partake in the food so no comments there.

Another Covid downside, was they were not doing tasting flights (too much glass). The result was that I had to order small plastic cups meaning more expense and more beer per cup so therefore less tastes. Mrs. Bacchanalian only chose one to taste, the Level Up Pilsner (ABV 4.2%), which I tasted as well. I wish I could say something about this beer other than it tasted like a Pilsner. This was the one beer that seemed the most affected by the plastic cup. I got no nose from it and the taste was a bit flat. Pilsner are rarely that exciting to me and so I do not often go for them. I would try this one again (in a glass) to see if it is more than I experienced. My first beer was the Oh Shoot NEIPA (ABV 6.2%). The nose was subdued and I was only getting mild aromas of orange (plastic). The flavors were hoppy and juicy however the full flavors, I feel, were not fully expressed. Even so I still enjoyed this beer (which makes me want to try it again (properly). My second beer is what truly opened my eyes to how great Streetside”s beers actually are. Suh, Brah? NEIPA (ABV 6.7%) was a truly beautiful beer. Thick and dense in the plastic cup, this hazy was eye catching right out of the tap. Tropical aromas were obvious but once again subdued. The flavors ere full of pineapple, hob and bitters and perhaps a little peachy. The mouthfeel was thick, creamy and chewy. I will be purchasing this again and again.

If Suh, Brah? opened my eyes then it was my last beer that knocked the ball outta the park for me. We’ve Strayed from the Light (ABV 10%) an imperial strawberry cheesecake Berliner, a collaboration with one of my other fav breweries, Listermann’s. Thick and dense like Brah, this one has a lovely strawberry color with an intense aroma that makes me think of strawberry cupcakes. The mouth feel is just as thick and creamy as the appearance and the flavor? Think strawberry Captain Crunch (but overly sweet). What an awesome treat of a beer. This is definitely one that I am going to pour into an equally beautiful glass at home and sample again (and again).

So, my opinion…my review…I am an official fan. Streetside has the innovators spirit, similar to their fellow collaborator, Listermann. Their beer is full of flavors and textures that separate them from others. I can not wait for all the Covid craziness to be over so I can return and enjoy these truly fabulous beers again. I highly recommend visiting Streetside Brewery.