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OH: Ohio raises alcohol limit for beer this week By Carly Flynn Morgan August 28, 2016 AKRON – Ohio is raising the alcohol limit for beer starting this week and it has very little to do with getting drunk. It’s generating a big buzz among consumers and business owners. In three days, you’ll have more choices if you like to drink beer brewed locally. It’s good news for breweries like Hoppin’ Frog Brewery & Tasting Room here in Akron. In May, the legislature lifted Ohio’s 12 percent cap on beer brewed here. And this Wednesday, breweries can begin serving it to the public. Lawmakers say the move levels the playing field and makes Ohio even more attractive to smaller breweries. The craft beer industry is booming. Ohio has about 190 craft breweries and craft beer was a $22.3 billion industry in the U.S. last year, with sales growing by nearly 13 percent over the previous year. Fred Karm, founder and brewmaster at Hoppin’ Frog, fought for the change here in Ohio. Hoppin’ Frog in Akron brews dozens of different beers. But this week, founder and brewmaster Fred Karm will finally get to serve one he’s been dreaming up for years. “We’ve been developing recipes, but not being able to make them,” said Karm. TORIS, a Triple Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout, packs 13.8 percent alcohol. TORIS is possible because the state lifted the 12 percent alcohol cap. |