Beer Guide: BrickOven Brewpub

Sure, Josh Bringman loves beer. But what the owner of the BrickOven BrewPub enjoys even more is the science behind it. “I liked how changing one little thing could make a completely different beer or using a different wheat in the exact same beer could make something completely different,” he says. “If you ferment it 2 or 3 degrees warmer or cooler, you can really bring out the dryness or more fruitiness. It’s a never-ending science experiment.” Since opening his Akron spot in 2014, Bringman has been measuring, tinkering and testing with a one-barrel, direct fire system that produces up to 30 gallons at a time. We’re happy to be his test subjects for the four flagship beers, which includes a smooth oatmeal stout ($4.50 for 16 ounces) and a hoppy, citrusy IPA ($5.50 for 16 ounces), and one-offs such as the Peanut Butter and Jelly Porter ($6.50 for 16 ounces). Our Pick: An alternative for those who aren’t dark beer fans, the cream ale ($3.75 per 16 ounces) offers a touch of sweetness with a Champagne look and taste.

604 Canton Road, Akron, 330-475-7005, thebrickovenbrewpub.com