Little Miami Brewing Company continues to stand out in the local brewery scene

Founded in 2015, Little Miami Brewing Company was born out of a spirit of entrepreneurship and adventure-seeking. Brothers-in-law Dan Lynch and Joe Brenner, both self-employed, wanted to “do something fun,” as Lynch, co-founder and owner of Little Miami Brewing, says.

With pizza and beer on the brain, the two pulled in a childhood friend, Jim Strelau. While the brothers-in-law had a combined 50 years of experience running their own businesses, Strelau had been working in craft beer for over 25 years and would become a valuable asset in helping the brothers-in-law establish their business.

“Jim was a childhood friend of Joe’s and was a pioneer in the craft brew scene since the early ‘90s,” Lynch says. “Jim has been everywhere…Over-the-Rhine (OTR), Watson Brothers [in Cincinnati], Sedona, Colorado…and now back to Cincy with [Little Miami Brewing Company].”

A decade later, the brewery serves as a staple in the Cincinnati-area’s brewery scene and an important part of Milford’s downtown culture. Taking inspiration from the natural beauty and rich history of the namesake river, the brewery is known for its small-batch craft beer.

Visitors to Little Miami Brewing can choose from up to 16 brews on tap at any given time, with everything from an IPA to a hefeweizen to a sour available.

What’s more, its flavors rotate seasonally: blackberry and peach ales shine during the summer, while Smoke on Water porter brings some toasty, smoky darkness to winter and the Magpie Amber Ale brings an invigorating crisp to autumn. Other favorites include the brewery’s best seller, Bike Bath, a light Bohemian Pilsner, and its collection of IPAs like Grateful, My Dad’s Truck and Peace Frog, according to Lynch.

This wide selection of craft beers is a product of innovation, according to the brewery. Making Little Miami Brewing’s beer even more exclusive is the fact that to get a pint, one must head to the taproom; Little Miami Brewing does not distribute its beer.

In addition to the beer, the brewery offers bites to eat. Elevating the standard taproom fare, Little Miami Brewing’s Pizza Kitchen serves up hand-tossed dough topped with freshly grated cheeses and ingredients of the guests’ choosing. Beyond the pizza, the menu features sandwiches, salads and more.

While Lynch, Brenner and the rest of the team may celebrate the beer they serve, the brewery’s atmosphere is a point of pride for them as well. Whether it’s hosting those looking for a watering hole as they make their way down to the Milford bike trail or for those looking to catch a Bengals or Reds game, Little Miami Brewing wants everyone to feel welcome. Little Miami Brewing looks to do this by offering events six days of the week. Monday is trivia while live music fills the atmosphere on Wednesday through Saturday. Even activities less associated with brewery culture are welcome—the Tri-State Running Company’s races offer a chance to grab a beer after getting in some cardio.

Additionally, the brewery has expanded to include an event center. A recent addition to the facility, a simple parking lot expansion, brought an exciting chance to expand the brewery’s reach, says Lynch. The new venue is suitable for weddings, corporate events, birthdays or any other sort of celebration. Little Miami Brewing boasts that its event center features impressive views of the river and multiple room sizes that are suited for different party sizes, allowing events from as small as 25 guests to as large as 300.

In addition to the taproom and the new event center, Little Miami Brewing celebrates the community through its dedication to the area and its people. Through its “Giveback Wednesdays,” the brewery donates $1 per pint sold to local nonprofits

As it approaches a decade in business, Little Miami Brewing Company has distinguished itself as more than just a place to grab a pint. Through its gathering space, the brewery’s dedication to one-of-a-kind pours, handcrafted pizza and a commitment to giving back, the brewery continues to carve out its unique place along the banks of the Little Miami River and in the area’s brewery scene.

Little Miami Brewing Company, 208 Mill St., Milford. M 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Tu-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sa 11 a.m.-midnight, Su 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 513-713-1121, littlemiamibrewing.com.