If we’ve learned one thing over the last five or so years, it’s that Dayton cannot seem to get enough local craft beer.
Starting back in 2013, Dayton began a brewing renaissance that has shown zero signs of slowing down.
Dayton has seen some of its brewing giants expand locations and/or add canning and distribution to other establishments and retail stores locally and regionally. And we’ve seen growth in brewing spread to more and more suburbs as well, with new brewery openings each year.
One of the kings of Dayton beer is Warped Wing Brewing Company. Warped Wing just celebrated five years and swept multiple categories in the Dayton.com Best of Dayton 2018 awards, in an impressive display of online voter support.
>> PHOTOS: Warped Wing’s 5th anniversary bash
>> Warped Wing sweeps 3 big beer categories in Best of Dayton
One of those big wins was Best Local Brewery. Here are the top three winners in that popular category:
🥇WINNER: Warped Wing Brewing Company
Warped Wing has been a success story from day one and has been one of the pioneers in Dayton’s craft beer renaissance.
Warped Wing opened its doors in January 2014 with a full production and canning facility and began self-distributing to retailers right away.
Less than a year after it opened, the brewery signed a lease on a second facility north of downtown to accommodate the stronger-than-projected sales of its beers, both in kegs and in pint cans for retail sales. A restaurant inside the brewery opened in 2015.
Hometown pride and Dayton history are an integral part of the Warped Wing brand. The Warped Wing name pays homage to the famous invention by the Wright brother’s called “wing warping.” One of Warped Wing’s top-selling beers, Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale, is named in honor of Ermal Fraze, a local resident who invented the pull-top can in 1959. The top-selling Trotwood Lager is named after Trotwood Trailers, a local company that manufactured unique camping trailers in Dayton for over six decades.
MORE INFO:
What's on tap right now? | Year-round beers and seasonal beers | Where to find Warped Wing beers in stores
26 Wyandot St., Dayton | 937-222-7003 | Website | Facebook
🥈SECOND PLACE: Yellow Springs Brewery
Yellow Springs Brewery takes pride in offering refreshing brews and capturing the spirit of its hometown of Yellow Springs with an eclectic display of art. The brewery is located in a historic 19th-century industrial building that once housed a cannery and seed company. It also is conveniently located near the Little Miami Bike Trail and a perfect stop after a ride.
Now more than 100 area establishments serve its beer.
MORE INFO:
305 N. Walnut St., Yellow Springs | 937-767-0222 | Website | Facebook
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
🥉THIRD PLACE: Fifth Street Brewpub
One thing that makes Fifth Street Brewpub stand out from the rest is the fact that it’s a co-op.
For a one-time fee of $125, you can join for life and hold a membership share and voting power, as well as 50 cents off all draft beer, $2 off daily food specials, access to members-only events and more.
The establishment, located in St. Anne’s Hill Neighborhood a mile east of downtown, feels like it’s literally part of the neighborhood. FSB also takes great pride in giving back to the community through its guest bartender program and special charitable events.
FSB also serves brunch, lunch and dinner.
MORE INFO:
How to join the co-op | Beer selection | Menu
1600 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-443-0919 | Website | Facebook
🏆 COMPLETE GUIDE TO BEST OF DAYTON 2018 WINNERS
>> Bars, Beer & Nightlife winners
>> Arts, Music & Entertainment winners
>> Shopping & Services winners
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