Clevelanders were wary in July 2017 when Saucy Brew Works’ 18-barrel system invaded a 12,000-square-foot space in Hingetown. But that didn’t phase co-founder and chief brewing officer Eric Anderson. “We’re doing some experimental stuff,” he says.
It’s most apparent in his beer-wine hybrids, such as the El Lager ($$5 for a pour), a light and crispy Mexican-style lager, characterized by a yellow hue and touch of Mexican maize taste. Even the brewery’s core list has inventive options such as the Juicy Asao ($6.50 for a pour), an American-made IPA with 4 different hand-selected American hops that has hints of passionfruit, mango and citrus.
The experimentation continues into the kitchen with the Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza, which features white BBQ sauce and smoked cheese mix that's topped with hot crispy chicken, dill pickles, parsley and pecorino romano.
They've been rapidly expanding as well, having opened four new locations in the last year as well as a beer garden across from their Cleveland location. Our Pick: While all of the members of Saucy's Drifter Series, which are brewed with Lanchancea Tart yeast, are worth checking out, Crosby stands out among the rest. Named after the chef's pug, this beer is brewed with over 80 pounds of lychee fruit and is characterized by a light golden color with bright white foam. 2885 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-666-2568, saucybrewworks.com
