Buy Ohio, Give Ohio : Ohio Beer!

Monday, we featured something you can use. Tuesday, was something you can wear. Today's (belated) entry to the "Buy Ohio, Give Ohio" series is something you can drink. And drink. And drink.

Great Lakes Brewing Company has quickly become one of Ohio's best consumer brands, with product distribution in at least nine states. Their high quality beers can be found in pretty much every town in the state and always make a great gift - even for yourself. In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm enjoying a hearty Edmund Fitzgerald Porter.

Their sampler cases are always great for gifts and usually feature the aforementioned Edmund Fitzgerald Porter along with the award winning Dortmunder Gold Lager (widely considered to be the flagship of the Great Lakes fleet). Of course, if you're hosting a party, the limited edition, seasonal Christmas Ale is a must - but buy it now. When it's gone, it's gone.

If you're in the Cleveland area, specifically the Near West side and the Ohio City neighborhood, you can stop by the brewery and restaurant and enjoy some tremendous dishes containing fresh produce and meats from the historic West Side Market, which is right across the street. That's Ohio beer and Ohio grown foods in one shot. That doesn't sound like a gift, it sounds like heaven.

Best of all, GLBC has a tremendous reputation as stewards of the environment and leaders in sustainable practices - right down to the "Fatty Wagon," a small shuttle bus used to transport patrons to local shopping and sporting events. The Fatty Wagon runs on straight restaurant vegetable oil.

From their website:

Great Lakes Brewing Company is a principle-centered, environmentally respectful and socially conscious company committed to crafting fresh, flavorful, high-quality beer and food for the enjoyment of our customers. We aspire to maintain our status as the premier craft brewery in the Great Lakes region and are dedicated to uncompromising service, continuous improvement and innovative consumer education.

Want to support multiple Ohio businesses and do it in an Earth-friendly way? Shop Great Lakes this holiday season.