Third Eye Brewing Company
Third Eye Brewing Company’s user-friendly website is the first I’ve visited that lists numerous Ohio Brewers Cup awards. The Hamilton, Ohio, location offers a vegan, vegetarian, and carnivore-friendly menu. Options include burgers, pizzas, and salads. The pizza and Caesar salad were both delicious, and the sandwiches served to other guests looked appetizing. Customers entering the taproom are greeted by a welcoming exterior with front-porch seating and warm wood-paneled accents that highlight the modern architecture. Inside, a psychedelic mural adds depth to the back wall. In front of it, a sleek concrete bar top features a narrow epoxy blue river running through it, catching just the right amount of light and enhancing the atmosphere. The blue epoxy contains swirls of purple and red that match the interior color scheme. Friendly bartenders stand behind it, ready to serve the next guest in line. Greater Cincinnati’s beer culture continues to evolve with each new generation, shaped by changing preferences and driven by a pursuit of quality. The illuminated tap sign above the bar resembles an art gallery catalog of beers, each accompanied by a small psychedelic canvas representing a flavor. Summarizing what to expect when exploring the art and science of mindful brewing, Third Eye’s descriptions encourage guests to become more aware (not in a Timothy Leary way—wrong substance) and to appreciate the quality ingredients used in crafting great beer.
The selected flight beers included a Kölsch called Untapped Potential, a West Coast IPA named Third Eye P.A., an amber lager called Liquid Harmony, and a milk stout called Higher Purpose. At the top of the tap list is the Kölsch, Untapped Potential. Its description, “a crisp, delicate, and extremely drinkable ale/lager hybrid,” is accurate. Tasting begins with the aroma, which, like the flavor, is citrusy and subtly malted. Pale in color, with extreme clarity, medium-high carbonation, and rich flavor, this award-winning brew is sparkling and flavorful. Third Eye P.A., the West Coast Indian Pale Ale, releases a grapefruit aroma and features a light amber hue. High-quality ingredients deliver a complex citrus flavor in this tasty beer, which finishes dry, prompting another sip. Liquid Harmony is a high-carbonation amber lager with a medium amber hue, featuring a complex floral aroma and a dry finish. Its balanced, light caramel flavor remains truly harmonious. The Milk Stout, Higher Purpose, is very dark with a rich, coffee-and-chocolate aroma. It’s robust, full-bodied, balanced, and surprisingly smooth, with plenty of character. This beer offers a rich texture, flavor, and finish to enjoy slowly, appreciating its complexity.
Along with the flight of four, one of the friendly bartenders offered a taste of a masterpiece not on the board—a Wee Heavy called Higher Consciousness. Yet another balanced Third Eye creation, this one with a light caramel fruity aroma and a complex, smooth, delicious flavor. Traditionally served in small portions, Wee Heavy is a rich Scottish ale known for its deep amber-to-dark brown color and high alcohol content. Its origins date back to 18th-century Scotland, when hops were costly, prompting brewers to focus on sweet, strong malt in their beers. It pairs well with hearty meats, pungent cheeses, and creamy dishes or desserts. Inner Sight, an American brown ale, was also available for tasting. It is the newest addition to Third Eye’s brown ale lineup. Described as having the rich, complex nuttiness of black walnuts and earthy undertones, it is all that and more. The aroma features coffee and walnuts, while the complex, outstanding flavor, like a multi-layered cake, is chocolatey with hints of maple. All the beers sampled are highly complex. These guys can brew beer! Third Eye Brewing Company exemplifies the art of local craft brewing. The taproom provides a friendly place to meet friends and socialize with neighbors.
