Beer Guide: Cornerstore Brewing Co.

It’s more than the brick mantelpiece and warm lighting that makes Cornerstone Brewing Co.’s Berea location feel like a little saloon. The hands-on approach and traditional beer list is why we order a few rounds with the regulars. You’ll find brewer Jay Cox at the back of the restaurant, but be sure to heed the sign on the door warning to open slowly or risk injuring the longtime brewer, who spends about 80 hours a week on-site. By day he works between the 15-barrel brewing system, six fermenters and 12 bright serving tanks. By night he mans the bar’s nine taps, serving up suds such as the rose-hued sweet Erie Blu ($6.50 for 22 ounces). If you catch him on a busy night, he might even serve beer straight out of the fermenter for the freshest brew. Our Pick: Cornerstone’s Xmas Ale ($6.50 for 22 ounces) is only available from November until it runs out. Spiced with cinnamon and cloves, this true holiday staple is worth the wait.