Buckeye Beer Engine > Life!!!

If you've ever hung out with buckeyehoppy after work on Fridays, you probably know how much he enjoys beer. I'm a regular Homer Simpson...mmm...Beer!!!

Well, I needed a place last night to watch both the Cleveland State and Ohio State March Madness games concurrently without placing the remote onto the Cape Canaveral launching pad. Since the games were on locally, I would have been fine with staying home and watching. Mrs. buckeyehoppy didn't see it that way, so, off we went.

Since the games were both on locally, that meant I could pretty much go anywhere that had two televisions to watch. Well, I could have parked my butt anywhere. But the Buckeye Beer Engine has become a default setting for yours truly. Mrs. buckeyehoppy, as is the norm, allowed buckeyehoppy to choose the venue even though he asked her where she wanted to go. Didn't have to think much about it...the Beer Engine was the spot.

Now, for those who haven't been to the Beer Engine, let's just say that it is Disneyland for Drunks who just happen to like about 200 or so different varieties of fermented hops. I think it's safe to say that if they don't have it, you don't need it.

I had three offerings from their tap selection, which they have a continually evolving list of product which changes as often as day-to-day.

While buffering the alcohol with tasty orders of pierogies with sour cream and sauteed onions and fried ravioli with a chunky tomato sauce for dipping, my first selection was Buckeye Brewing's own Anniversary Dortmunder. The AD was a pleasant offering that didn't break much new ground but was a nice contrast to the heaviness of the food, pairing particularly well with the pierogies.

From there, I sampled a glass of Avery Brewing's New World Porter. I would put this product in about the top 5% of all the porters I have had over the years. A hoppy character stood out and complemented the lushness of the dark fluid. I don't necessarily equate porters with being even modestly hopped, but Avery's attempt was noteworthy and a very pleasant surprise.

My final drink of the night was in celebration of Cleveland State's first NCAA basketball tournament win in 23 years. I ordered up Troegs Pale Ale for the occasion and that was another pleasant ale rendering without going over the hoppy top. It was a nicely balanced, yet not too boozy quaff which allowed the hops to make their own emphatic statement.

The Buckeye Beer Engine is a small and snuggly place that might be a challenge to sit at during its busiest times. Yet, it is a destination for all who fancy themselves beer aficionados, snobs, etc. Aside from the beer, the food, particularly their burgers, is noteworthy.

It's a spot that offers everything you need to sit and enjoy awesome beer with an above average attempt at bar cuisine. Indeed, the Buckeye Beer Engine is > life.

another placeholder post

Maybe this should be a beer mat?