Cincinnati: Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour & Beer Tasting

Summary

Underground brewery tunnels stories beer tasting Cincinnati

You’ll step down into Cincinnati’s hidden brewery caverns with a local guide who brings old stories to life, wander through historic markets and past iconic breweries, and end with a fresh beer tasting at Northern Row Taproom (or soda if you’re under 21). You might leave thinking differently about what’s beneath your feet.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the cool, damp air when we ducked into the Linck brewery tunnels—like walking into a cellar that’s been holding secrets since 1850. Our guide, Ben, flicked his flashlight along the old brick arches and you could smell earth and something faintly yeasty. He joked about how much beer must’ve soaked these walls over the years. I tried to picture the workers down here, hauling barrels before anyone even dreamed up prohibition. It’s weirdly quiet underground, except for our footsteps and Ben’s stories echoing around us.

We popped back up to street level near Findlay Market—honestly, I’d only ever seen it on busy weekends but this time it was quieter, with just a few vendors setting out baskets of bread. Ben pointed out some steel beams overhead (Carnegie Steel, apparently) and I almost missed it because I was distracted by the smell of coffee drifting from somewhere nearby. There was this quick stop at what used to be one of Cincinnati’s big inclines—I didn’t expect that part—and then we wandered past Rhinegeist Brewery (we didn’t go in), hearing about how massive the beer scene was here in the 1800s. The city’s got layers, you know?

The last tunnel under Jackson Brewery felt colder somehow—maybe because Ben turned off his light for a second so we could “feel” what it was like back then. Someone nervously laughed (okay, maybe me). Back above ground at Northern Row Taproom, they handed us a flight of beer—malty and cold after all that walking. If you’re under 21 they’ll give you a soda instead. Sitting there with my glass, shoes still dusty from the tunnels, I realized how much history is hiding right under your feet in Cincinnati. Kind of makes you want to look twice at every old brick building.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore brewery tunnels and beer tasting

• Discuss building history and steel beams
• Walk to Linch Brewery Tunnels
• Walk through Findlay Market and history talk
• Visit Rhinegeist Brewery exterior and history
• Access Jackson Brewery tunnels and architecture
• Return to Northern Row Brewery for beer tasting

Top questions

How long is the Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect a moderate-paced walking tour with several stops underground and above ground.

Is beer included in the tour?

Yes, guests 21 and over get a beer tasting at Northern Row Taproom at the end; under 21s get a soft drink.

Are the Linck brewery tunnels open to the public?

No, these historic tunnels are only accessible as part of this guided tour.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests should meet at the starting point on McMicken Ave.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, but those under 21 will receive a soft drink instead of beer during the tasting.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to stairs and uneven ground.

What should I wear or bring on this tour?

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and possibly dusty or damp underground spaces.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, tours go on rain or shine since much of it is underground or indoors.

What’s included

Your day includes guided access to historic brewery tunnels usually closed to the public, stories from a knowledgeable local guide as you walk through key sites like Findlay Market and former breweries, plus a beer tasting at Northern Row Taproom for guests 21+ (with soft drinks available for those underage).