Just a short drive from Columbus, there are a world of breweries waiting to be explored.

If you’ve tried all that Franklin County has to offer, read on to learn about the some excellent breweries nearby in Licking County.

Grab your sunglasses and get ready to head down 161 to sample these spots:

Granville Brewing Co.

Granville Brewing got their start with a focus on classic styles, including Belgian ales. However, visiting on a Thursday or Friday will allow you to sample one of their unique special Randall (an infuser that filters beer through hops or other additions to add a fresh flavor) or cask ale specials. During my visit there was a wet-hopped farmhouse with local hops on the Randall tap.

My favorite beer from the line-up was the Cherry Oud Bruin, a sour brown ale of Flemish origin. The complex flavors of oak, funky tartness, leather, and cherries blended beautifully together. I felt transported to my initial tastes of Lindeman’s Kriek, but with a much more grown-up palate.

Regular mobile food pop-ups offer something to pair with your beer as you sit inside the cozy taproom or on the beautiful patio. On a recent visit, I enjoyed a tasty mushroom pizza from Tyler’s Pizzeria.

Granville Brewing is located at 5371 Columbus Rd. in Granville and open Wednesday – Saturday, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. For more information visit https://www.granvillebrewing.com or check their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/granvillebrewingco. 

The Lot Beer Co.

All about a good time, The Lot offers classic beers paired with fair-inspired foods like hot dogs, burgers, and Lot-chos (tater tots with nacho toppings) from their onsite kitchen. Patrons can enjoy games such as skee-ball and video games for free while they enjoy a beverage or wait for food. This leads to a fun hangout vibe where young families and nearby Denison University students mix.

Fan favorites at The Lot include Goldeneye Cream Ale or Never Say Die IPA. While known more for lighter options, I greatly enjoyed their Midnight Oak Reserve Imperial Stout, a rich and boozy sip with notes of chocolate, molasses, and, of course, oak.

The Lot is located at 133 North Prospect Street in Granville and open Tuesday – Thursday 3 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. For more information visit http://thelotbeer.com or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Lot-Beer-Co/100082985275279/. 

Three Tigers Brewing Co.

The recent expansion of Three Tigers to the old Granville fire department offers them much more space to expand their brewing and kitchen operations. You’ll find Mai Chau favorites like the banh mi sandwich, steamed buns, and noodle bowls with customizable protein options, alongside new menu additions like nachos and burgers to please every palate.

The draft list always includes several excellent IPAs amongst the variety of styles. Brother Sam, their Oatmeal Stout, recently won a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival. I’m partial to their Willy Mays Haze, an especially-hazy IPA full of citrusy and tropical flavors.

Three Tigers is located at 140 North Prospect Street in Granville and open Tuesday – Thursday 3 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. For more information visit https://www.threetigersbrewing.com/ or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/threetigersbrewing/.