Newark’s Buck’s Brewing expanding

Everyone knows that Licking County boasts several craft breweries including Homestead, Buckeye Lake, and Granville Brewing. I doubt, however, that most are even aware of Buck’s Brewing in Newark. Located on the town’s far north side, Buck’s is easily the smallest of central Ohio’s 30+ craft brewers. Owner and brewer Clark Myers has been brewing with a one-barrel system since October of 2013. In his first couple of years, his average annual production was only in the range of 40 barrels—about 80 standard sized (½ barrel) kegs, though in order to spread the wealth, Buck’s Brewing has typically kegged in 1/6 barrels.

In spite of the brewery’s current limitations, Buck;s brews a wide range of beers including a Black Imperial IPA, Pale Ale and White Ale, but though Myers partial to Stouts and Porters.

In Licking County, you may have come across Buck’ beers at Red Oak, Brews, or Taco Dan’s. In the Columbus area, Bucks has occasionally been on tap at The Daily Growler and The Ohio Taproom, but with such limited production, he likes to keep the beer closer to home so as not to disappoint any of his regular accounts. Fortunately, more beer is on the way for all of us.

“Work is underway at a new location, and we are hoping to be up and running by the end of the year,” Myers told me recently. The new brewery and taproom will be located on Mt. Vernon Road, less than ½ mile away from his current operation. The seven-barrel brewing system will allow Myers to supply his taproom and expand his presence in central Ohio bars, restaurants, and growler shops.

Look for a full selection of beers when the new location is up and running.