Old Fool ready to start brewing in Licking County

Old Fool Brewing opened just east of Newark on June 15 but has yet to brew a beer. They have survived to-date serving a nice array of guest beers while awaiting a change in the local regulations allowing them to begin brewing on-site. That happened on election day, November 2, when voters overwhelmingly supported the Old Fool initiative, so Old Fool will be firing up their 3.5 Barrel brewing system within the next month.

The location for Old Fool is definitely off the beaten path. Head out Route 16 about 10 miles east of Newark, go north about 5 miles on a country road and look closely for the Old Fool sign. Then it’s up the gravel drive into the woods to the taproom. The brewery and taproom are in a newly constructed building on the property of owner/brewer Craig Moore. Inside, you’ll fine seating for about four dozen. Several flat screen TV’s, a shuffle board table, and 12 taps. The seating outside may be the place to be, as you can enjoy a nice craft beer while overlooking the wooded surroundings.

Currently, you will find a nice lineup of local and national guest beers, that includes Dankhouse, Seventh Son, Columbus, Homestead, Y-Bridge, Buckeye Lake, Millersburg, Leinenkugel, Yuengling, New Belgium, and Sierra Nevada. Once the house beers are ready to pour, Moore would like to be able to add an additional 12 taps to keep a healthy mix of house and guest beers. On his initial brewing list is a Strong Ale, West Coast IPA, and Orange Cream IPA, a Peanut Butter Porter and a Pilsner. Wine from the nearby Stone Crest Vineyard is also available.

Old Fool is not just about the beer as pizza gets co-star billing. Moore’s son, Heath, is the pizza maestro and turns out a delicious lineup of thin crust, wood-fired pizzas and strombolis.

Old Fool Brewing is located at 17495 Pinewood Trail Rd east of Newark and north of Hanover. Hours are Tues – Friday from 3-8, Saturday 1-8, and Sunday 1-6.