Feb. 14 kicks off The Brew Kettle’s annual Ogre Fest. Paul Mitchell, service staff manager, said, “It’s a way to celebrate the death throes of winter.”
High-gravity beer, for the uninitiated, is a term for beer/barley wine with high alcohol by volume content. These “big” beers are potent, but carry incredible flavors such as malt, raisins, chocolate, coffee, burnt caramel, and – of course – hops.
These beverages with ABVs of over 8 percent carry names like Dragon's Milk, Double Trouble, Pilgrim's Dole, Storm King, Wake Up Dead and Old Rasputin. TBK has several of its own craft brews in the lineup, such as Old 21 Imperial IPA, Bourbon Aged Baltic Porter, and Dopple Scotch. ($4-$9)
Inspired by Spinal Tap and the year 2011, the theme is to “Go to 11” as they crank it up for Ogre Tap. There will be over 60 beers/barley wines to choose from. “Ogre Fest comes only once a year! Feb. 14-21 (or until they’re all gone)” states the ogre on every menu.
People swap stories of the breweries they have visited, compare notes on favorites, talk about how recipes have changed, wear T-shirts of Ogre Fests (past and present), and enjoy a huge selection of craft brewed beer.
TBK started in 1995,as a brewery, smoke house and restaurant. In January 2011 it tripled its size and has reduced the wait often encountered at the front door.
The menu is varied and has vegetarian items as well as its smokehouse specialties. There are starters, soups, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts and sides. Served as part of a platter or a side, the potatoes Charlie and Ryan cook up are always unique and delicious.
The Brew Kettle, 8377 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-239-8788. Happy hour is Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on TBK regular beer. They are open, but hours vary for full menu and brewing/wine area area Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday 1-9 p.m.