Rust Belt Brewing plans series of monthly beer-tasting events

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

Vindicator entertainment writer

YOUNGSTOWN — Rust Belt Brewing Co., the craft beer-maker located in the B&O Station complex, is starting a series of tasting events, each featuring Rust Belt and a guest brewer.

The monthly series will begin Jan. 16 at the B&O Station with Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. of Akron. There will be three two-hour sessions: noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and include beer, food and entertainment. In addition, each ticket buyer will receive at least $10 worth of coupons redeemable at downtown restaurants and businesses. The list includes the Lemon Grove, Rosetta Stone, Buffalo Wild Wings and William Leonard Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Tickets can be purchased at the Boxcar Lounge, which is in the B&O Station complex, and online at rustybrew.com. The Boxcar is open Thursday through Monday from 4 p.m. to closing.

Ken Blair, owner of Rust Belt, came up with the event to raise awareness of regional breweries and also to bring more people into the city. He and his master brewer will be on hand to present the products and answer questions. Representatives from Thirsty Dog also will attend.

Hors d’oeuvres are included, and guests will learn about food pairings — in other words, which foods go best with each particular beer.

“It will be like a wine pairing, except with craft beer,” said Blair.

Several acoustic acts will perform, including Mr. Kyle. “The music won’t be real loud,” said Blair. “You’ll be able to talk about the beer.”

February’s event already has been scheduled; it will include The Church Brew Works of Pittsburgh.

Rust Belt Brewing is barely a year old but has already made great strides.

It now has four products — Rusted River Irish Red, Blast Furnace Blond, Coke Oven Stout and Old Man Hopper’s India Pale Ale.

More importantly, Rust Belt brews are now distributed throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. Bottles of Rust Belt can be purchased in Giant Eagle, Sparkle, Acme, Whole Foods and other grocery chains. Blair said he’s looking to expand distribution into a dozen more states in the coming year.

Many bars and restaurants in the Youngstown area also offer Rust Belt on draught.