Lager Heads Brewing Co.

Lager Heads Brewing Co. is a family-owned brewery that offers three year-round beers: Bed Head Red Ale, Tyranny Pale Ale and Barnburner Lager. These beers are supplemented by a number of seasonal offerings that are available at different times throughout the year. As with many small breweries, growth and expansion at Lager Heads are as much a constant as the staccato clinks of empty pint glasses being returned to the bar.

Located in Medina, the brewery got its start in 2010 but that isn’t where the story begins. Brothers Jon and Matt Kiene opened The Lager Heads Smokehouse on the same site in 2004. The menu at Lager Heads focused on great barbecue — dry-rubbed, smoked “slow and low” — and finished with a house-made sauce. Even before ground was broken on the brewery, the tavern focused on craft beer and served some of the best offerings from local and national craft brewers. Today, it’s a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat and a couple of pints.

Following the success of the smokehouse, Jon and Matt decided it was time for Lager Heads to take their beer program to the next level by brewing their own beer. The brewery operates in the same building as the smokehouse and tavern, and new equipment is regularly brought in to accommodate an ever-present growth in demand. The brewery currently operates with a 15-barrel brew house, four 15-barrel fermentation tanks, one 30-barrel fermentation tank, and there are more than 30 barrel tanks on their way. The brewery has recently transitioned from a 22-ounce bottle format to a more consumer-friendly six pack of 12-ounce bottles.

Lager Heads Brewing Co. focuses on brewing quality lagers and ales that are true to style. Their hard work was recently rewarded at the 2012 International Beer Festival at the IX Center in Cleveland where their Tyranny Pale Ale and Wild Banshee Barley Wine brought home medals from the judged competition. Barn Burner Lager and Bed Head Red both medaled in the 2011 competition.

Lager Heads’ beer is available at retail shops, bars and restaurants throughout the Akron area. Ask for one at your local watering hole, and while you’re enjoying your beer, you can also be proud that you’re supporting an up-and-coming local brewery.  Who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire a pilgrimage to the Brewery and Smokehouse.

Barnburner Lager

A very well-balanced golden lager. Brewed with German malted barley and hops, this refreshing lager finishes with just a touch of sweetness.  

Tyranny Pale Ale

This aptly-named American Pale Ale references this style’s evolution from its English Pale Ale roots. This hoppy ale is dry and citrusy with ample use of both Simcoe and Centennial hops.  

Bed Head Red

A complex American Red Ale that’s sweet with notes of caramel and a touch of roasted malt on the finish.  

Oktoberfest

Marzen beers were traditionally brewed in March, then cellared for release in late summer and early fall. This beer exhibits a honey-like sweetness with enough dry-roastiness to bring it all into balance.  

Winter Mischief

Brewed with honey from a local Medina apiary and a secret blend of holiday spices, this strong, dark ale is sure to warm you up on a cold winter day.