Cincinnati’s brewing scene has been brewing since the 1800s, and its rich mixture of history, ghost stories, and craft beer makes it a fantastic destination for beer lovers. What sets Cincinnati apart is its blend of historic breweries, underground tunnels, and ties to baseball, all woven into engaging tours. Whether you’re into haunted tales, underground caverns, or historic ballparks, Cincinnati offers a brew tour that fits your curiosity. And because many tours include behind-the-scenes access, tasting opportunities, and unique stories, you’ll get more than just a quick sip — you’ll gain a real sense of Cincinnati’s beer-loving spirit.
In this guide, we highlight the best brewery tours in Cincinnati, from spine-tingling ghost tales to history-rich underground caverns, and even a bus tour dedicated to the Reds’ baseball legacy. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft beer devotee, or just looking for a fun afternoon, these tours give you an authentic taste of Cincinnati’s brewing story.
Quick Overview
The list below features Cincinnati’s top brewery experiences, each with a distinctive focus. The Darkside of Brewing Tour offers a spooky look at Cincinnati’s grim past with visits to abandoned sites and flashlight tours. The Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour combines historic breweries with spirit tastings in a small-group setting. If underground adventures are your thing, check out the Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour, which explores tunnels and historic brewery ruins. Lastly, the Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour ties Cincinnati’s baseball history together with its brewing landmarks on a convenient bus ride.
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail to help you find the perfect Cincinnati brew experience.
1. Darkside of Brewing Tour: Tales of Cincinnati’s Haunted and Gruesome Past
At number one, this Darkside of Brewing Tour takes a spooky twist on Cincinnati’s brewing history. It’s perfect if you enjoy tales of murder, ghostly activity, and macabre stories. Starting at the Brewing Heritage Trail, you’ll visit sites like an abandoned city street overtaken by nature, a flashlight-tour of the Imperial Theater, and the historic Jackson Brewhouse, both rarely open to the public.
The tour is about 2 hours long and costs $45 per person. What makes this tour special is its focus on Cincinnati’s darker stories — from grave robbing to a serial-killing saloonist. The guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the stories come alive. Visitors have noted that the tour reveals surprising details about Cincinnati’s gruesome past, creating a compelling mix of history and suspense. One review mentions, “I learned a lot about my hometown that I never knew,” emphasizing how much local history is packed into this experience.
Bottom Line: If ghost stories and true crime tales are your thing, this tour will give you a memorable, spine-tingling peek into Cincinnati’s shadowy past.
2. Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour
Next up is the Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour, which offers a relaxed look at both historic and modern brewing and distilling. This 2.5-hour tour is priced at $59 and takes you to three key stops: Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, Jackson Brewery lagering cellars, and Rhinegeist Brewery. It’s a small-group experience, so you get plenty of personal attention and chances to ask questions.
The tour begins at Northern Row, where you’ll learn about their distillation process and sample spirits in the taproom. You’ll also explore the historic Jackson Brewery lagering cellars, dating back to the 1850s, and finish at Rhinegeist, housed in a pre-Prohibition building. Guests especially appreciate the indoor focus, making it a good choice in any weather. Reviews highlight the educational aspect and the quality of the tastings, with one saying, “Very glad we did this tour — the tunnels and historical details were very cool.”
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive look at Cincinnati’s historic brewing and distilling, combined with tastings, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience for craft beer and spirits lovers alike.
3. Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting
For those interested in an underground adventure, the Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour ranks high. It’s a 2-hour journey through tunnels built in 1850, including the Linck Brewery and Jackson Brewery tunnels. This tour is particularly unique because it explores underground spaces most visitors never see, including tunnels used for beer fermentation and storage, as well as sites where Johnny Cash once filmed a movie.
At $49 per person, the tour includes visits to the Northern Row Taproom for a beer tasting. The experience is highly rated, with over 1,200 reviews praising its storytelling and the chance to see Cincinnati’s hidden brewery history. The tour is quite detailed, walking through old tunnels and discussing stories from local history. One reviewer appreciated the guide’s knowledge, saying, “Miranda was outstanding — friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable.”
Bottom Line: If you want a unique underground experience with a good dose of local history and a beer tasting, this tour offers a memorable subterranean journey.
4. Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour
Finally, the Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour offers a fun way to connect Cincinnati’s baseball heritage with its brewing industry. This 2.5-hour tour costs $69 and covers sites like Union Grounds, the Crosley Field, and the current Great American Ball Park. It’s perfect for sports fans who also want to learn about Cincinnati’s brewing history.
Starting at the Moerlein Lager House, the tour moves through historic ballpark locations, including the site of Riverfront Stadium, and visits several historic breweries tied to the Reds. You’ll also walk through Findlay Market, exploring its historic significance. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide and the seamless combination of sports and brewing history. One reviewer notes, “Enjoyed this experience — the tour guide was very interactive and informative.”
Bottom Line: If you’re a baseball fan or enjoy a combined history of sports and brewing, this bus tour offers a lively, engaging way to spend an afternoon.
How to Choose
Choosing the right Cincinnati brewery tour depends on your interests and energy level. If spooky stories and ghostly legends are your thing, the Darkside of Brewing Tour delivers a terrifyingly good experience. For a balanced introduction to Cincinnati’s historic beer and spirit production, the Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour provides tastings and behind-the-scenes insights. If underground adventures appeal, the Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour combines tunnels and local lore—perfect for explorers. And for those interested in Cincinnati’s sports connection and beer history, the Cincinnati Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour blends baseball sites with vintage breweries.
When booking, consider your pace: the underground tour involves walking and stairs, while the bus tour is relaxed and indoors. Timing-wise, many tours run regularly, but booking early ensures your spot, especially in peak seasons or on weekends.
Cincinnati’s brewery landscape offers a variety of experiences that go well beyond just tasting beer. Whether you’re intrigued by ghost stories, underground tunnels, historic brewing structures, or baseball legends, these tours provide a glimpse into the stories that shaped Cincinnati’s beer culture. For the history enthusiast, the Darkside of Brewing Tour and the underground Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour are standouts. For a comprehensive tasting experience, the Cincinnati Brewing & Distilling Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded dive. And for a fun, active day connecting Cincinnati’s baseball history with its brewing legacy, the Ballparks & Breweries Bus Tour is a unique choice.
No matter your preference, Cincinnati’s brewing tours are a great way to see the city from a new perspective—cheers to your adventure. Be sure to book early, especially for popular dates, and enjoy discovering Cincinnati’s lively beer story firsthand.