Third Eye Brewing Company

On a somewhat decent day in March here in Cincinnati…Mrs. Bacchanalian and I went to check out the newbie to the Cincinnati brew scene…Third Eye Brewing. I have been wanting to come check them out for a while now as I have been hearing nothing but great things from this brewery. I reviewed their brew Nirvana or Bust back in January of this year and loved it.

The building is brand new and set up in a very typical “brewery style,” kind of industrial chic. I am ok with this very typical style however the acoustics make it a bit loud. It was pretty crowded the day we came as there was a University of Cincinnati basketball game on and there were a lot of people there to cheer them on. I was happy to see such a large crowd. The space has seating for indoors and outdoors. As it was still a bit on the cool side, we decided to sit inside at the bar.

The menu here looks quite appealing and we decided to sample several items. We tried the Garlicky Wings, the Beer Pretzel and the Saratoga Chips. I thoroughly enjoyed the wings. More like fried chicken wings, they were crispy and delicious. The Beer Pretzel was one of the best I have tried (and living in Cincinnati you get many opportunities to try them). The beer cheese was thick and delicious and the pretzel sticks were not overly salty (which I find is often the case). As for the Saratoga chips. Good but I have never been a huge fan of Saratoga chips in the first place. The “pickle dip” that comes with them was interesting (and good). I look forward to coming back and trying more of their food. (especially the Beef Short Rib Poutine).

As for the main event (the beer!)…

I sampled four and Mrs. Bacchanalian sampled four. For my four…my first selection was the Mind Juicer Imperial IPA (ABV 8.5%). The appearance is so inviting. Very thick, hazy, dark yellow. The flavors are tropical with mango standing out and a bit of orange there as well. This brew is very juicy. I initially detected no burn, but when I ordered a full glass later could definitely feel the burn from the higher alcohol. It just goes to show you what a specialized glass can do. The burn was not overpowering and this beer is stellar. My second beer was the Hop Shockra West Coast Double IPA (ABV 7.7%). With a clear amber color and light piney and floral notes on the palette, it was a lovely beer. Some sweetness but not too much. Very nice easy drinking IPA. Third Eye Kandy was my next beer, a sour at ABV 5%. I had heard a lot about this one from the craft beer community. A gorgeous, thick, dense, strawberry color. Creamy, tart raspberry with plenty of vanilla. I enjoyed this one however tart and sour beers are not my favorites. My last beer was the Jelly Brain IPA Milkshake (ABV 7.2%). This is another that has received a lot of hype recently and I will attest that the hype is warranted. A thick, hazy, light orange appearance leads you into a creamy, tropical and vanilla experience. I thought this brew was excellent.

I also sampled the beers that the Mrs. picked out: the first was a Kolsch called Untapped Potential (ABV 5%). Nice clear, light yellow appearance. Nice solid German beer, crisp and yeasty. I enjoyed it. Next was the Milk Stout, Higher Purpose (ABV 6.5%). I do love a stout, however I will confess that I am extremely particular regarding them. Most have a very smoky, malty flavor which I am not overly fond. This one was good but definitely fits the typical profile for me. The third beer was Mrs. Bacchanalians favorite of the sampling, Hippy Sesh, a Session IPA (ABV 5.2%). With a clear, golden color and flavors of pine, light grapefruit and resinous and floral notes, this was an interesting beer for me. I thought it was a good beer but probably not one I would drink again and again. The last one was Empowerment Pale Ale (ABV 5.6%). Many years back this would have likely been my go to beer. I have always enjoyed a good pale ale and this one is definitely a very good pale ale. Nice clear, amber color. Smooth mouthfeel with herbal notes and some sweetness and slight bitterness. I enjoyed this beer.

Overall…this will absolutely go down as one of my top brewery experiences in Cincinnati so far. I thoroughly enjoyed their beer (and isn’t that the main reason you go?). I also really enjoyed the food and my time spent in their establishment. I highly recommend going and experiencing Third Eye Brewing for yourself.