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1662 Merriman Road, Akron
Merriman Road in the valley offers a plethora of small businesses to explore. From bicycles and flowers to food and drink, the stretch of road alongside the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad is filled with unique shops and tempting flavors. Sandwiched between a short row of buildings on one side and a multi-story office complex — home to Akron Life — on the other, one of these intriguing places is R. Shea Brewing Co.’s tasting room. Owner Ron Shea opened the brewery in September 2015 and runs it himself.
A native Akronite, Shea grew up about a quarter mile away from his brewery. After years of working with a home brewing kit, he decided to dive into the business when the right location opened up. “It had all of the main things, like parking space, [and] it’s a main thoroughfare, so there are cars lined up all day,” Shea says. “It all came together and it was enough space to start big enough to be able to [grow] and take that next step, instead of starting too small.”
With degrees in biology and chemistry, Shea applies his knowledge to crafting a variety of beers that a wide range of people can enjoy. He brews the beers himself and works hard to craft a product that many people will be able to enjoy to the fullest. Shea says that his customers represent a broad spectrum of age groups, from mid-20s to mid-80s. “It’s a nice spread of people,” he says.
One element that helps attract such a wide range according to the brewer is a lower proof. “The way I make beer is that I want to drink a pint and have another pint, and not get hammered,” says Shea. With brews like Rubber City Red (4.5 percent ABV) and Uncommon Blonde (5 percent ABV), patrons can enjoy their beverages without forgetting the experience. The lower proof is perfect for what Shea describes as “gulpers.”
“I’m not a ‘sipping beer’ guy, I’m a ‘gulper.’ I like to take good gulps. That’s why I have a lot of wheats, a peach and a blueberry with low alcohol. It’s good for a hot day so that you can just guzzle and you’re fine.”
Sitting at the beautiful wooden bar, visitors can take their pick from a wide array of beers. From the colorful menu to the wooden tap pulls—handmade by Shea himself—the options are bountiful. “I like variety. I’m a seasonal drinker; if it’s hot outside, I’ll drink one thing. If it’s cool, I’ll drink another,” Shea says. Whatever the weather, there are lots of things to try.
For more information about this brewery, visit their website at rsheabrewing.com, or better yet, test out the drinks yourself with a visit. It's located at 1662 Merriman Road in Akron, with a second location at Canal Place at 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, in Akron.
Updated 2023
