Rhinegeist: Cincinnati’s Beer Spirit with a Taste for Fun

If you think Cincinnati is all about chili, baseball, and the Bengals, think again.

Ohio’s Queen City also has a serious brewing pedigree, and one of its most exciting modern beer names is Rhinegeist Brewery. Since opening in 2013, this independent brewery has built a following with hop-forward IPAs, playful seasonal drinks, and a taproom that makes a brewery visit feel like an event in itself.

Why the name Rhinegeist?

Pronounced roughly RINE-guy-st, Rhinegeist combines the German words Rhein (Rhine) and Geist (spirit or ghost). The name means “Spirit of the Rhine,” a nod to Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and its German brewing heritage. The ghost is also the brand’s cute, spooky logo/mascot.

The brewery occupies a former pre-Prohibition bottling plant, connecting its contemporary craft-beer culture with the city’s industrial past. Rhinegeist was founded by Bob Bonder and Bryant Goulding, with brewer Jim Matt helping develop the beers that would put the business on the map.

Why is Cincinnati a brew city?

Cincinnati’s beer history owes much to German immigrants who arrived in the 19th century and brought their brewing traditions with them. Over-the-Rhine became a center of brewing, with breweries, cellars, and bottling operations woven into the neighborhood’s architecture and working life.

Prohibition devastated the American brewing industry, but Cincinnati’s beer identity survived. The modern craft-beer movement has helped revive that legacy, and Rhinegeist is one of the breweries bringing new energy to the old brewing district. The result is a city where beer is more than something to drink: it is part of the local story.

Can you visit the Rhinegeist taproom?

Absolutely! Head to 1910 Elm Street, Cincinnati, in Over-the-Rhine, where the brewery’s industrial bones, high ceilings, and spacious beer hall create a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Expect communal tables, games, brewery activity, and a changing selection of drinks. The rooftop bar adds sweeping city views to the experience. Particularly appealing in warmer weather, the rooftop also hosts special events, including seasonal brunches.

There are more than 25 beers on tap at times, alongside refreshing ciders, cocktails, crisp vodka sodas, and other options. Public brewery tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at production, finishing with a fresh pint. Tours are listed Wednesday through Saturday; check the official website for current availability and booking details.

What to drink: Rhinegeist’s standout products

Truth: The flagship IPA

Truth is the beer that helped launch Rhinegeist to success. This West Coast-style India pale ale packs a punch at 7.2% ABV, with hops delivering grapefruit, mango, tropical fruit, and resinous pine. A dry, distinctly bitter finish keeps it from tasting too sweet. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to understand the brewery’s reputation.

This is a great beer for game day at home as it pairs perfectly with pepperoni pizza or wings. We also love it with a cheesy bowl of chili, or an Indian curry—like chicken tikka masala.

Apple Pie Bubbles

Who says autumn belongs exclusively to pumpkin spice? This new seasonal member of Rhinegeist’s Bubbles family combines crisp apple character with warming pie spices for a festive, fruit-forward drink. At 6.2% ABV, it’s a refreshing alternative to a traditional beer, particularly for those who enjoy apple cider and fall flavors.

Cincy Splash

Rhinegeist has expanded into ready-to-drink cocktails with this vodka soda range. The three flavors are Pineapple, Black Cherry, and Peach. Made with real vodka and real fruit juice, each can contains 100 calories and 2.8 grams of sugar, with an ABV of 4.5%. Light, fruity, and fizzy, and thankfully not too sweet at all, Cincy Splash is designed for poolside afternoons, backyard gatherings, and anyone who fancies a change from hops and malt or mixing spirits with soda. Just grab a can and enjoy!

Ghost Haze and Ghost Pils

The Ghost NA collection also includes Ghost Haze, for drinkers who prefer the softer, fruitier profile of a hazy IPA, and Ghost Pils, a crisp nonalcoholic pilsner with bready malt notes. Ghost Pils has earned recognition at the Great American Beer Festival and the NANA Cup, making the range worth exploring even if you’re simply curious about how far nonalcoholic brewing has come.

More than just beer

Rhinegeist’s appeal lies in its willingness to experiment. Beyond its flagship IPA, the brewery produces seasonal beers, ciders, fruit-forward drinks, and stronger limited releases. Its range means a group can visit together without everyone needing to be an IPA devotee.

The company also emphasizes community involvement, supporting local organizations through donations, volunteer efforts, and cause-related beers. It describes itself as independently owned, with independence central to its identity.

Rhinegeist is a terrific stop for travelers who want to discover a city’s personality through its food and drink. It combines Cincinnati’s German brewing roots with a distinctly modern craft-beer attitude—and whether you choose a bitter Truth IPA, seasonal Apple Pie Bubbles, a fruity Cincy Splash, or a nonalcoholic Ghost Hops, there’s plenty to explore. And there’s a fun line of merchandise as well, from caps to T-shirts and more, to remind you of why you clicked with Cincy.

Make a trip of it. Book yourself into one of the charming Top 10 hotels in Over-the-Rhine here. Check the official taproom page for changes, special events, and holiday hours.

For events and current seasonal drinks, visit the official Rhinegeist website.