Archives for October 2024

CINCINNATI, OH— Cincinnati’s Brink Brewing is raising a glass after Cincinnati’s Brink Brewing being named 2019 Very Small Brewing Company of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival® (GABF). The Brewers Association honored the brewery at the 33rd annual event, where Brink snagged gold medals for two standout beers, proving they’re a force in craft beer.

Hold the Reins, a classic English-style Mild Ale, scored gold among 40 entries. This easy-drinking beer brings nutty flavors, a touch of caramel, and a crisp, roasty finish. It started as Head Brewer Kelly Montgomery’s homebrew and has been a taproom favorite. “I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years,” Montgomery says. “New ingredients keep it fresh, and it’s always on tap.” The beer previously won gold in 2017 and silver in 2018 at GABF.

Moozie, a lush Milk Stout, also took gold, beating out 67 competitors in the Sweet or Cream Stout category. It’s like a chocolate-coffee shake—rich, creamy, and packed with lactose and oats. Named for Molly, sister of Brink owners John and Kelly, it honors their Uncle Jack, who inspired their craft beer journey. “Moozie’s a family tribute and Molly’s go-to style,” Montgomery says. “With seven awards, it’s our most celebrated beer.” Moozie’s accolades include a 2018 World Beer Cup® bronze, a 2019 Ohio Craft Brewers Cup silver, and a 2018 GABF gold.

Brink made GABF history as the first brewery to win Very Small Brewing Company two years running. As they near their third anniversary in 2020, the team is buzzing. “We didn’t think we could top last year, so this is huge,” says co-owner John McGarry. “We’re proud to help Ohio rank among the top U.S. beer scenes for medals.”

Find Brink Brewing’s award-winning beers at their Cincinnati taproom or search local spots. Here’s to epic brews and good times!

History of Brink Brewing
Brink Brewing Co. was founded in February 2017 in Cincinnati’s College Hill neighborhood by brothers Kelly Montgomery and John McGarry, inspired by their Uncle Jack’s passion for craft beer. The brewery started as a small, community-focused taproom, emphasizing quality brews and local vibes. With a modest setup, including a reclaimed wood bar and a large community table, Brink quickly became a neighborhood staple. Their initial production was around 650 barrels in 2018, reflecting their focus on small-scale, high-quality brewing.

Rapid Rise to Recognition (2017–2018)
From the outset, Brink made waves in the craft beer scene. Just months after opening, they entered the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the nation’s largest beer competition. In 2017, their English-style Mild Ale, Hold the Reins, won gold, and their Milk Stout, Moozie, earned early accolades. Named after Molly, the owners’ sister, Moozie became a flagship beer, celebrated for its rich, chocolatey profile. In 2018, Brink continued their streak, with Moozie taking gold and Hold the Reins earning silver at GABF. These wins led to Brink being named Very Small Brewing Company of the Year, an honor for breweries producing under 1,000 barrels annually. They also secured a bronze for Moozie at the 2018 World Beer Cup and multiple medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship, including #2 Overall Brewery.

Historic Back-to-Back GABF Wins (2019)
In 2019, Brink made history as the first brewery to win GABF’s Very Small Brewing Company of the Year two years in a row. At the 33rd annual GABF, Hold the Reins reclaimed gold in the English-style Mild Ale category (40 entries), and Moozie secured gold in the Sweet or Cream Stout category (67 entries). Moozie also earned a silver at the inaugural Ohio Craft Brewers Cup that year. By this time, Brink had amassed seven GABF medals since opening, a remarkable feat for a brewery barely two years old. Their 2019 production rose to about 850 barrels, and their awards brought free publicity, drawing beer enthusiasts to their taproom.

Sustained Excellence Amid Challenges (2020–2023)
The 2020 GABF, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Brink maintain their dominance, with Moozie winning gold for the third consecutive year in the Sweet or Cream Stout category. They also expanded into distribution in 2021, partnering with Adena Distributing to offer 12- and 16-ounce cans. Despite industry challenges, Brink’s awards kept coming, including gold for Lil Zoomie (Coffee Stout) at the 2021 GABF and multiple medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship and Ohio Craft Brewers Cup. In 2022 and 2023, Moozie earned bronze at GABF, and Lil Zoomie took gold in 2023, contributing to Brink’s streak of medaling at GABF every year from 2017 to 2023.

Expansion and Continued Success (2024–Present)
In 2024, Brink expanded their footprint by acquiring the adjacent space in College Hill, adding a canning line and enlarging their outdoor patio. This allowed greater production capacity while preserving their small-batch ethos. At the 2024 GABF, Moozie won bronze, and Oktoberfest earned gold at the Ohio Craft Brewers Cup, pushing their total to over 22 awards since 2017. Their taproom, known for its cozy vibe and rotating lineup of 20 beers, remains a draw for locals and visitors.

Legacy and Impact
Brink Brewing’s meteoric rise is defined by their consistent excellence, with standout beers like Moozie and Hold the Reins earning a combined 12 GABF medals. Their focus on community, quality, and innovation has elevated Cincinnati’s craft beer scene, helping Ohio rank among the top U.S. states for beer medals. As of 2025, Brink continues to brew for their neighborhood, staying true to their roots while cementing their place as one of America’s top small breweries.

Top 10 Beer Festivals in America plus a few more: Click Here!