Warped Wing Brewing Co.

26 Wyandot St.

Dayton, OH 45402

937.222.7003

Downtown Dayton has been pining for a microbrewery to call its own since the craft beer craze began, but as with many other businesses, it’s been a bit of a challenge to entice someone to stick with a spot outside the Oregon District. In that context, it’s so appropriate that Warped Wing Brewing Co. opened its doors in a former industrial site, preserving much of the feel even as it set up major equipment with plans to take its crafts regional. The crowds here are a clear testament to the naysayers of Dayton: If you build it, and you rock it, we will come.

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The brewery started in 2013 with three core beers, now it has brewed dozens over the years, many seasonal, and a few available in cans. Some of them:

Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale: The lightest of Warped Wing’s inaugural beers, it’s got a light aroma and a very mild, almost citrus-like quality to it, before a clean finish. My favorite of the varieties I tried.
Flyin’ Rye IPA: I’d consider this one a lighter variety of IPA, of course the hops are a presence, but more of a delicate one. It’s got a full body and the hop bite comes as an aftertaste.
10 Ton Oatmeal Stout: A heavy stout with a good oatmeal base, the flavor on this one is pretty easy to like. It’s a heavy beer that doesn’t fill you up.
Gamma Bomb IPA: This American IPA is a bit on the heavier end of the India pale ale spectrup, with an ABV of 7.2%. Recommend if you like hops — a lot of hops.
Flying Heads Pumpkin Beer: While this beer is definitely on the darker end, and stronger for sure at ABV of 8.4%, that full body matches well with the pumpkin taste. For dark lovers, to be sure.
Space Food IPA: Another American IPA which is a bit lighter all-around, this one appears during the summer months and is nicer with a lighter food.
The Radler: A radler beer is inherently a little weaker, but this one is another option popular during the summer months. A light, almost crispy taste on the nose makes this a nice starting beer.
Mr. Mean Double IPA: Warped Wing does heavier beers well, and this one is a perfect example. It’s a lot to handle; ABV of 9.7% and a flavor that is a strong kick of hops in the beginning, middle and end.
Barn Gang Saison: This saison, or lighter beer, can be enjoyed in spring months, with that crisp, wonderful on-the-nose floral note and clean finish.
Pirogue Black Tripel: This one is another dark beer, a Belgial Tripel with a strong body and a heavy 9% ABV. It’s got a nice caramel flavor that hides how strong it really is. Great!
Incorruptible IPA: This beer can be found in the March timeframe, and it’s got a strong German Sapphire hop that adds a body to it. It’s a middle ground though; a lot of Warped Wing’s IPAs are weaker, and this one has that almost banana-like note thanks to abbey yeast.
Irreverent Red IPA: I red IPA, but not overwhelmingly bitter. It’s got a warm, caramel taste, a citrus aroma and the hoppy note comes later.
Cascara saison: Another lighter beer, this one has an interesting twist; it’s made as a collaboration with WoodBurl Coffee Roasters and features dried coffee fruit, giving a notable tartness.
Self Starter Session IPA: This India Session Ale is one of the first ones the brewery sold in cans thanks to its popularity. Pale orange with citrus hints, and a dry but clean finish. Great.
Trotwood Lager: This mid-range lager is a very well-liked beer, with a sturdy but smooth flavor. Great for warm months.
Wedding Beer: This unusual take on beer has to be tried to be believed. It’s a lighter one for sure, but the beer has the texture almost of champagne. Very unique!
Whiskey Rebellion Russian Imperial Stout: Bourbon barrel aged stout. This beer has had a lot of good attention recently. It’s got that full, chocolaty body and a nice hint of bourbon smokiness.

The Spent Grain Grill nearby has the added charm of selling food for Warped Wing. And there are a lot of great things to try there:

Pulled pork: Served on a thick bun with a very vinegary sauce, this pork is best topped with the collared greens for an unusual but great sandwich.
Cheese curds: Easy finger food to go along with the beer, the curds are served with a nice tomato sauce.

The atmosphere of Warped Wing is great; very industrial. The interior is spacious, with long tables and a bar that encourage people to socialize, and of course the genuine industrial feel; everything from the exposed brewing apparatus to the door-going-nowhere hanging above the entrance make this place by far the most interesting craft beer environment. In all, a spectacular craft beer house.

Recommendations

Parking is ample in the front, but the place is just about always busy. I’d recommend the lot on the side, or street parking.
Like the others, Warped Wing doesn’t serve food, but encourages you to bring in your own or get some from the nearby spots.
It doesn’t look close to anything, but actually you’re really close to the Cannery and Oregon District, and I consider the walk to be fine from either.