Barrels roll by, tanks tower high and the smell of barley is pungent inside Thirsty Dog’s cash-only taproom in the historic former Burkhardt Brewing building. It’s the place Akronites fell in love with award-winning beers such as the dark brown, deep-roasted Old Leghumper Robust Porter ($5 for 16 ounces) and the crisp, caramel-malted Hoppus Maximus ($5 for 16 ounces). With such a loyal following, Thirsty Dog has plans for two new taprooms this year: one in Akron — a 4,000-square-foot space on Grant Street with a flatbread-and-beer soup-slinging kitchen — and one in the Flats East Bank, which has a 10-barrel system and an outdoor patio. But don’t worry, beer drinkers seeking history with their sips can still tour and taste at the original taproom each Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Our Pick: Our kind of Black Friday shopping includes scooping up a four-pack of barrel-aged 12 Dogs of Christmas ($23.99), a spiced holiday beer with a robust boozy finish. 529 Grant St. Suite B, Akron, 330-252-2739, thirstydog.com

Beer Guide: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
beer guide
9:00 AM EST
November 29, 2017