Heart State Brewing Returns Home

Written by on February 17, 2023 in Bars, Beer, Beer from Here, Taprooms - No comments

After pouring beer at the old Kindred Brewing taproom for the past 11 months, Heart State Brewing is returning on Sunday to their production facility at 750 Cross Point in Gahanna. The short hiatus allowed Heart State to recreate their taproom and bring in some fun new touches. The most apparent change is the new arcade space immediately adjacent to the taproom itself. There are currently a half dozen new Tilt pinball machines, a pool table, a pair of dart boards, and some very cool vintage games including a 1981 Ms. Pacman machine. The décor in the game room is an eclectic mix of wall art carefully curated from Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores. The wood on the walls and some of the furnishings are repurposed pallets.

The taproom layout is largely unchanged. Behind the bar are 10 taps pouring Heart State and Nowhere in Particular beers. A cooler is billed with beer-to-go. A wall of barrels separate the main taproom from the brewing space. You’ll be pleased to know that 20-30 of the barrels are filled with beer which should be ready to serve this winter. Some of the barrels are new oak and some are repurposed Bourbon barrels from Highbanks. (Hopefully, in the future, there will be some from Noble Cut in the mix as well.) And speaking of their next door neighbor, the Noble Cut Distillery; they will be featured at Heart State. This will include their spirits as well as their Simple Times mixers. Ultimately, there may be some collaboration in terms of tours and tastings.
Heart State’s Mug Club will feature 18 oz pours for $5 in your personalized (locally made) mug for $50 annually. Happy Hour will be Monday-Friday from 3-6 and feature $5 pints, and $10 flights.

The Grand Reopening is this Sunday, February 19 starting at 11 and lasting until everyone is worn out. There will be free pinball for this first hour or so and all pints will be $5 all day.

Coming attractions: While much has been done, much more lies ahead. The tap choices will be expanding from the current 10 to as many as 20. A kitchen is being installed and by late spring in-house food will be available with a major focus on sliders. If you like the arcade, you’re going to be pumped when the current six pinball machines expand to 20! There will also be a new retail space that will feature merchandise from local Gahanna area businesses. Tours will be available as well.

Hours will be Monday – Friday 3-10, and Saturday-Sunday Noon-10. Don’t forget the taproom is at 750 Cross Point Rd in Gahanna. Be careful using GPS to Heart State, as it might still direct you to the old taproom. Cheers!

About the Author

Bill Babbitt is a retired engineer, beer lover, and freelance writer for Beer Advocate Magazine.

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