A little bit of Eastern Europe in Ohio City. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios
👋 Sam here, sampling our fine city's beer offerings, as I do.
Brewery of the week: Hansa Brewery, a little taste of Eastern Europe in Ohio City.
State of the play: Opening in 2016 adjacent to imported foods store Hansa House at West 28th Street and Lorain Avenue, the brewpub features European cuisine and traditional craft beers in a modern urban chalet environment.
Vibe check: Bright and subdued, with a long, living-edge wooden bar, a flag of Slovenia over the doorway, and decor dominated by European imagery and St. Ignatius athletic memorabilia.
What I drank: A flight of Hansa staples, including the Femdom Kölsch (4.8%), the Black Flag Schwarzbier (4.7%), the No Fox Pilsner (4.2%) and a cold IPA collaboration with Bookhouse Brewery (6.5%).
Plus: The bartender — who doubles as a travel agent — was keen to show off "Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Animal," the potent Christmas ale brewed with honey and maple syrup instead of sugar.
Verdict: Beer quality is through the roof, but Hansa feels more suitable for a dinner with parents than a night of carousing.
