The Buckeye Beer Engine

Recently I moved back to the Cleveland area for foreseeable future to try to find or make a job. However, as is my modus operandi for whenever I end up in a new area, I had to start asking and looking around places to great some great drafts. Fortunately, I have discovered that craft beer in my area is the norm rather than the exception and so I feel I have made the correct choice in my move.

On the first night I arrived, on a recommendation from my apartment manager, my family (who were helping me move) and I headed to a place called the Buckeye Beer Engine. Not really expecting much we were a bit surprised when we were greeted with a very unassuming fastfood looking joint with its windows covered in custom neon lights. Even more surprising was when we walked inside and we saw the absolutely huge U-shaped bar tucked into the place and the ceiling lined with old taps handles. Surprised continued with the incredible selection of beers on tap (and in cask!) and bottles available not to say anything about the fantastic burgers and sandwiches we ate for dinner.

If are ever in the Cleveland area and are looking for great food and great beer, I highly recommend checking this place out. They even have a Bike-In special on Monday where you get a discount on your order and so I will definitely be back before long and (un)fortunately, probably pretty often thereafter.

Paradox Smokehead (Cask)

Brewdog
Paradox Smokehead

There are few things that I always seem to order when I am presented with a long list of beers, and they are 1) Cask Ales 2) Interesting Named Beers and 3) Beers with intensely visual descriptors of they flavour. When I returned back to Houston to visit my family and we headed out to the phenomenal Hay Merchant, this beer checked all of my tics.

Now, before I continue, It should be noted that I am not a whiskey drinker--I am working on it, but haven't gained the taste yet--and that definitely coloured my experience with the beer.

(Specs) ABV 10%


Colour: Dark Brown
Aroma: Smoky
Head: Off white cream

Inital Taste: no initial taste
Mouthfeel: medium body, intensely peaty
Aftertaste: very smoky aftertaste

Verdict: I couldn't finish this beer, because of the overwhelming taste of smoke and peat. I can imagine that if you like whiskey, and you like it chock full of smoke, this could be a beer you fall in love with, but if you don't I'd recommend you try something else.