Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire Brewing began in Ashville, North Carolina in 2013. This location in Norwood, Ohio is now their tenth location for this quickly expanding brewery. This location is the anchor for a new development called Factory 52, which is a combination of apartments, restaurants, breweries, parks and more. They refer to themselves as a city within a city and that is a fairly close statement. Though the entire complex is not quite completed, the exterior and surrounding space is still very impressive and I can not wait to see it when the entire thing is done.
Hi-Wire’s newest space is quite impressive. The back of the brewery is the highlight as it opens “garage-door” style onto a wonderful green space with nice views and some games to play. The interior of the ground level is very open and inviting although it also does not have the best acoustics and can be quite loud as well. The upper level is a wonderful little area with great views of the entire complex and a tap area so you do not have to go back downstairs if you do not wish to. I unfortunately forgot to take pictures of this area (apologies).
Although the location does not really have any food to speak of (they sell chips and you can order in from a local pizza place) the facility and the beer is still worth coming for. We sampled a good number of their brews on the day we went. My flight started with the Lo-Pitch Hazy IPA (5.5% ABV) which was bright and filled with citrus, lemon-peel and grapefruit. A very nice, light hazy to enjoy. Next was their Strawberry Cheesecake Parfait (8% ABV). The beer had lovely aromas reminiscent of an actual strawberry parfait. The flavors unfortunately did not wow me. It had a mildly sweet taste with notes of strawberry and cream, but it was not the taste I envisioned from the name. Good but not great. Next I tried the Boogie Board fruit beer (7.5% ABV). The descriptor on this one mentioned guava, pineapple and sweet cherry flavors but (for me) they really did not reveal themselves in the finished product. Once again, good but not great. My final beer sample was the Twice as Nice Doppelbock (10% ABV). Not usually my go to but was very curious. Flavors were mild and consisted of fig and toffee notes. The alcohol was definitely noticeable for me. I thought it was good but not something I would come back for.
I also sampled some of Mrs. Bacchanalian’s flight. I tried the Leisure Time lager (5% ABV) which I found to be quite good. This is such a “basic” beer but done with a craft quality and flair. Think Coors but with craft quality. I really enjoyed this beer (much to my surprise). I also tried the Wickles Hula Pickle beer (5% ABV). This is definitely not one I would have selected but I wanted to give it a chance anyway. Certainly smells like pickle juice. I did not enjoy this however, Mrs. Bacchanalian loved this and even purchased a four pack to take home. Just goes to show that opinions are only personal. Finally, I sampled her Mudslide 10W-40 stout (8%ABV). I love some stouts but most are typically to much like burnt malt to me so I usually do not go for them. This one was quite good. Mrs. B loved this one as well. Tons of chocolate and vanilla on the nose with flavors of malt, chocolate and coffee. Can not see myself drinking much of this one because of its heavy nature but it was note worthy.
The overall experience was wonderful and Mrs. B. mentioned that it was her favorite brewery experience thus far. She is already planning our return visit. For me, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There were plenty of beers for me to enjoy and the atmosphere lends itself to relax and do just that. I will also look forward to my next visit to Hi-Wire. Hey Hi-Wire, welcome to Cincinnati!
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