Granville Brewing Co.

Granville Brewing Co. has a rural setting as inviting as the beers made and poured in the renovated barn it calls home. Belgian ale styles are the focus, with a lineup that includes saisons, a witbier and a Belgian tripel that is counted among the brewery’s core offerings. There is also an IPA made with local hops and the occasional porter or stout on tap.

“One of my favorite beers is our [The] Traveller Pale Ale, an American pale ale finished with the yeast that we use in the Tripel,” says Jay Parsons, who co-founded the place with Ross Kirk in 2012.

Steven “Pinto” Wagner makes the beer, and Parsons credits him as the main driver behind the brewery’s liquid creativity. Brews are frequently rotated in and out, prompting locals to stop in on a regular basis. Beyond the beer, the rural charm of the combination taproom and brewing facility is reason enough for repeat visits.

“The barn we renovated was a horse barn,” says Parsons. “You can still see the stall doors on the outside. It’s a pretty unique experience inside.”

The brewery’s interior wall decor ranges from tin signs to framed posters, and its eclectic nature has prompted regulars to contribute their own items to the mix. For those who prefer to sit outside, there is a partially covered outdoor space. Don’t be surprised if the brewery cat shows its face as well.

“If the weather’s good, there’s a phenomenal view [of the countryside],” Parsons says.

While the brewery doesn’t have its own kitchen, it hosts a regular rotation of food trucks and invites customers to bring food in from outside. Parsons is quick to praise the small town that inspired the brewery’s name. Granville and nearby Newark together boast over half a dozen breweries, so craft beer fans can turn a visit into a weekend trip. 

“Granville’s a phenomenal little town with great restaurants,” Parsons says. “We definitely encourage everybody to make a Licking County trip out of it.” 

5371 Columbus Rd., Granville 43023, 740/919-5495, granvillebrewing.com