Beer Guide: Hansa Brewery

While trendy, younger versions of Cleveland’s bustling craft brew scene in Ohio City  catch much of the hipster attention these days, the longtime owner of Hansa Import Haus had a vision for his German market on Lorain Avenue. After three years of renovations and expansions, Boris Music opened Hansa Brewery with a 15-barrel brewery, restaurant and retail shop. The chalet-style building retains a classic, Old World feel with European flags dotting the walls and groups ordering bierstiefels (boots full of beer) to celebrate everything from Oktoberfest to your average Friday night out. It’s easy to indulge in brewmaster Corey Miller’s creations such as the popular Winzig Haus Bier ($6 for 16 ounces), a traditional Lichtenhainer smoked-sour session beer. Or try the Aura of Menace Blackberry Porter ($6 for 16 ounces), a decadent combination of rich dark chocolate and fresh fruit. With creative brews like this, we’re happy to keep this German gem to ourselves. Our Pick: The Black Flag Schwarzbier ($6 for 16 ounces), a dark, graham cracker-flavored beer, is toasty and malty, but still light and easy to drink. 2717 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-6585, hansabrewery.com