Tuesday Brewsday: Braxton Labs - Newport, Kentucky

We love Braxton Brewing Company. So much so that we go to their Labs location just about every week. Started in a garage, it's extremely popular in Cincinnati/northern Kentucky area - and they've just expanded to the Columbus, Ohio area as well. They're taking the craft beer world by storm. (Pun intended - because one of their core beers is named Storm!)


They have two locations in northern Kentucky. One is the main taproom and brewery in Covington, and the other is Braxton Labs - also a taproom and brewery - in Newport (in the back of Party Source). Today, I'm focusing on the Labs location, because that's where we go most often.


There are a couple of reasons why we usually go to the Labs location. One - there is plenty of easy parking available, and two - we find we like being able to try the small, experimental batches available there. (Note: The Covington location will soon have better/easier parking because a new parking garage is being built nearby.)


Braxton Labs has 40 beers on tap, including exclusive Braxton Labs' beers, all of Braxton's core beers, and guest taps. The Labs is where they experiment, which makes it a lot of fun. I have found some of my favorite beers there, and I'm always saying, "Gee, I hope they put this one into production!"


It's a great little space - open enough that you can just be private at your table, yet cozy enough that you can easily strike up a conversation with other patrons.


I don't have a photo of it, but there is also a Beer Garden outside the back door. On Fridays, when weather permits, you'll find live music out there. (Tip: Park in back and enter through the Beer Garden and back door - that way you don't have to walk all the way through Party Source to get to the Labs.)


On Mondays at 5:00pm, they tap a rare craft beer. On Triple Play Tuesdays you can get three 32 oz. crowlers for just $25. Wednesdays is Labs Feud Night (Family Feud). Thursdays sometimes bring Tap Takeover (it can be on other days as well) featuring a few brews from another craft beer company. Fridays often bring something special from Braxton - and sometimes it's something you can only get at the Labs. Right now, they have a Mixed Berry Gose that I'm dying to try!

They're a verified venue on Untappd, so you can always check their current tap list.


I'm listing a few of our favorites below, but keep in mind that some are seasonal, and some are exclusive to the Labs and when they run out, it's gone. When I say "Labs only", you might also find it at the main taproom, but you usually won't find it anywhere other than Braxton (unless they have a special tapping at another location).

My favorites*:

• Summertrip (Seasonal Sour/Berliner Weisse) 
• Claus (Seasonal Milk/Sweet Stout - milk chocolate with a hint of peppermint)
• Lemon Meringue Berliner Weisse (Labs only)
• Kiwi Berliner Weisse (Labs, main taproom, & special locations)
• Pear Berliner Weisse (Labs, main taproom, & special locations)
• Buckeye Stout (Labs & Columbus area only)
• Kentucky Waltz (Brown Ale - Kentucky Common with blackberries & bourbon-soaked chips)
• Cherry Saison (Labs only)

Gus' favorites*:

• Haven (Hefeweizen)
• Matcha Blonde (Blonde Ale - Labs only)
• Kentucky Waltz 
• 1957 All Star Ale (English Style Mild)
• Claus
• Kringle (Limited Release Belgian Quad)

Buddy's favorites*:

• Summertrip
• Dark Charge (Stout)
• Dead Blow Tropical Stout brewed with Braxton's Starter Coffee (Seasonal)
• Kiwi Berliner Weisse 
• Haven
• Claus

Here's where and when to find them:
Braxton Labs (Braxton Brewing Company)
95 Riviera Drive
Newport, Kentucky

Hours (Labs):
Monday - Wednesday 11am - 10pm
Thursday 11am - 11pm
Friday & Saturday 11am - 12am
Sunday 11am - 9pm

Labs: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram ~ Untappd

Braxton Taproom
27 W. 7th Street