Fat Head’s hop-heavy, fruit-forward beers pack enough flavor to reinspire even the most seasoned palates. Step into its Middleburg Heights taproom, furnished with picnic tables and surrounded by stainless steel brew tanks, and you’ll be smack in the center of brewmaster Matt Cole’s no-nonsense operation. Hops are kept whole to waft floral and fruity aromas, brews remain unfiltered for purer bodies and brighter colors, and drafts are brewed around the clock.
From Head Hunter ($6 for 16 ounces), an IPA staple showcasing pine and citrus hops, to the sweet-sipping Goggle Fogger ($6 for 23 ounces) hefeweizen, a frothy wheat beer with clove and bubblegum undertones, even basic beer drinkers can climb the ladder toward braver brews. Our Pick: A sweet malt brew, Spooky Tooth ($6.75 for 12 ounces) has a pumpkin taste followed by sweet malt, pie crust, spice and hints of brown sugar.
17450 Engle Lake Dr, Middleburg Heights, 216-898-0242; 24581 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, 440-801-1001, fatheadsbeer.com
