Raise a Glass to Aviation History at 9 Ohio Breweries

The craft of aviation is deeply rooted in Ohio, where the Wright brothers designed and perfected the first airplane in their hometown of Dayton. As a result, Dayton-area breweries hold a profound connection to flight. 

“Dayton has such a rich history of aviation and innovation, and we’ve always felt a responsibility to reflect that,” says Nick Bowman, co-founder at Warped Wing Brewing Co., which takes its name from a technique Wilber and Orville used to control roll in flight. “Warped Wing honors that legacy while putting our own modern twist on it,” continues Bowman. “We will always celebrate Dayton’s deep connection to invention because of the spirit it inspires and how it connects us all.” Drop into the downtown taproom to try a Flyer Red Amber Lager.

Heavier Than Air Brewing Co. in Centerville similarly pays homage. “Inspired by the birth of aviation and the innovation that followed, we make classic and experimental styles celebrating flight in Dayton,” explains founder Nick Tarkany Jr. The brewery‘s menu of taps reads something like a fleet list — ease in with the flagship Earn Your Wings golden ale.

Patrons at Warped Wing Brewing Co. in Dayton (photo courtesy of Warped Wing Brewing Co.)

The region is also home to the National Aviation Heritage Area, with several breweries adjacent to notable sites. Carillon Brewing Co. in Carillon Historical Park is not just the nation’s only production brewery in a museum, but also houses the 1905 Wright Flyer III. The plane, designated a national landmark, soared for nearly 40 minutes over Dayton’s Huffman Prairie, marking a major design improvement for the Wright brothers. The brewery itself is a step back in time, utilizing methods circa 1850 to brew beers like Carillon Coriander ale. Stay for a pint then check out other features of the park, including the nesting bald eagles.

Nearby, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base houses the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, another favorite National Aviation Heritage Area spot. Stroll through aviation history from early aircraft to modern jets, as well as decommissioned Air Force Ones. Afterward, stop by Wandering Griffin in Beavercreek for a pint of Hazy Griffin New England IPA and some wings or smokey barbecue.

Aviation-connected breweries extend beyond Dayton, too. Other Ohio breweries sit adjacent to notable aviation sites, making them great places to land. Edison Brewing Co. in Gahanna sits under the flight path of John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Savor a pint of Hilda Hefeweizen in the brewery’s extensive hilltop outdoor space, with spectacular views of the Columbus skyline and aircraft rumbling overhead.

View of the outdoor space at Edison Brewing Co. in Gahanna (photo courtesy of Edison Brewing Co.) 

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery in Akron rests in the shadow of the Goodyear Airdock, a rare, lighter-than-air aviation landmark. The facility was built in the late 1920s to construct dirigibles and still serves private aerospace research today. Contrast the feather-weight blimps with some of Hoppin’ Frog’s hefty brews, including the original B.O.R.I.S. Imperial Stout.

New Philadelphia’s Pilot Brewhouse, run by a former U.S. Air Force member, overlooks Harry Clever Field — training grounds for one of Ohio’s most famous aviators, John Glenn. The brewery’s Chessboxin’ Midwest IPA and airfield views make for a smooth sipping experience.

Some Ohio breweries simply celebrate the love of flight. Double Wing Brewing Co. in Madison, originally dubbed Cellar Rats, was renamed as a nod to the owner’s father, a sport pilot who flew double-winged craft. Owner Tony DeBevc Jr. brewed Double Wing Lager as an homage; the name took off, and the brewery was relaunched. The original recipe imperial stout is still a fan favorite today.

The Getaway Brewing Co. in Dublin is for travelers between trips. Inspired by classic airport lounges, Getaway lets you leave home without a boarding pass. “The travel theme was inspired by the idea of brewing your favorite beer from your favorite location,” explains co-founder Collin Castore. “This gives us the opportunity to bring many classic European and Asian styles into the lineup.” Sip and savor a Tuk Tuk Rice Lager while you dream up a new destination or plot your next Ohio brewery to visit.

On Tap is for Ohio craft beer fans and is produced by Great Lakes Studios in partnership with the Ohio Craft Brewers Association.