Crafting the finest German-style lagers, established in 1836

Hoster Brewing Company

About Hoster

Hoster Brewing Co. carries on a Columbus brewing tradition that began in 1836 by Louis Hoster. Our flagship beer is the award-winning Gold Top™ Dortmunder-style lager. Brewed with a blend of imported malts and classic German and Czech hops, it remains a refreshing, perfectly balanced favorite. Our core lineup also includes Eagle Dark™ (Czech-style dark lager), Vienna Lager, Hoster Light, a rotating selection of European and American beer styles, and original Frostop™ root beer made in-house.


Visit our taproom and patio at 653 N. James Road, near John Glenn Airport, and enjoy fresh beer alongside pizza, Bavarian pretzels, and complimentary popcorn. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time, surrounded by memorabilia from Hoster’s pre-Prohibition days. Our space is dog-friendly, family-friendly, and the perfect place to experience the craft and history of Hoster Brewing Co.


We’re also distributing across Central Ohio! Our four core beers—and a variety of rotating styles—are available by the keg. Email sales@hosterbeer.com to order Hoster beer or Frostop™ root beer.

Andy Rich, Head Brewer in the brewhouse

Andy Rich

Head Brewer

Andy is an experienced brewer and distiller and he's added some fun to our beer line-up by experimenting with parti-gyle mashing (making two separate beers from one batch of grain). Andy enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with his family.

Victor Aume, Brewer Emeritus, holding a pint of beer

Victor Aume

Brewer Emeritus

Victor was part of the brewing team that launched the 2024 Hoster re-boot and the opening of our James Road taproom. He remains with us as a consulting brewer. Victor is a Siebel Institute graduate and a retired chemical engineer.

A.J. Zanyk next to a trailer carrying brewing vessels

A.J. Zanyk

Brewer Emeritus

A.J. is an award-winning homebrewer turned professional. He was key in setting up the James Road brewhouse, and in developing many of our current beers. A.J. has been a photographer, cyclist, and martial artist.

Ian Hansford, Taproom Manager wearing Hoster Oktoberfest t-shirt and holding a mug of beer

Ian Hansford

Taproom Manager

Ian is a seasoned taproom manager and bartender with years of industry experience. He oversees the taproom’s daily operations and strives to ensure every visit to Hoster is exceptional. When he’s not behind the bar, Ian enjoys making art, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and writing.

Rory sitting at the kiddie table with a taster beer

Rory

Taproom Manager

Rory is a service industry veteran who has been with Hoster since our current brewery and taproom opened in April 2024. They bring spunk, dad jokes, and what has been described as a “spiteful bubbliness” to the team. In their free time they foster cats, collect cool rocks, and run a small soap business called Zombie Apothecary. 

Sandy Hugill in front of Hoster welcome sign

Sandy Hugill

Business Manager

Sandy is a Certified Cicerone® and an international beer, cider, and mead judge. She's active with local homebrew club Scioto, Olentangy and Darby Zymurgists (SODZ). Sandy's travels have taken her to breweries in 30 states and 10 countries.

Events

Meet the Brewer - Key Lime Gose
2026-10-01T21:30:00.000Z - 2026-10-02T01:00:00.000Z
Meet the Brewer - Key Lime Gose
653 N James Rd, Columbus, OH 43219
Hoster welcomes Peter Daniels back to celebrate his SEAPUNCH Key Lime Gose. Peter is an accomplished home brewer and the 2026 Don Croucher Brewer of the Year at Scioto Olentangy and Darby Zymurgists, Central Ohio's largest homebrew club. Peter brewed this beer with us here at Hoster. Come meet him, learn about the beer, and try a pour of this delicious concoction.
TGIF with Uncle Will's Wagon
2026-10-02T20:00:00.000Z - 2026-10-03T01:00:00.000Z
TGIF with Uncle Will's Wagon
653 N James Rd, Columbus, OH 43219
Start the weekend off right with a beer on our patio and some good eats from Uncle Will's Wagon.
Hoster Oktoberfest - Day 1
2026-10-09T20:00:00.000Z - 2026-10-10T02:00:00.000Z
Hoster Oktoberfest - Day 1
653 N James Rd, Columbus, OH 43219
Our Oktoberfest event is two days (Friday 10/9 and Saturday 10/10). Take a look at our Day 1 line-up: 🌮 4-8 pm Tortilla Street Food truck 🎵 7 pm Columbus Maennerchor performance 🔥 8-10 pm Pipes & Pleasures cigar & beer pairing (they'll have cigars & tools for sale!) Two Oktoberfest lagers: Märzen and Festbier. Along with a full draft board of your other favorites. Plus new merch! We'll have Bavarian felt hats for sale, Hoster "Flying H" pins, and a new Acrylic Tacker.
Hoster Oktoberfest - Day 2
2026-10-10T16:00:00.000Z - 2026-10-11T02:00:00.000Z
Hoster Oktoberfest - Day 2
653 N James Rd, Columbus, OH 43219
Save the dates! This year we're celebrating Hoster Oktoberfest for two days! - Friday, October 9th from 4-10 pm -- 4-8 pm Tortilla Street Food truck - Saturday, October 10th from 12-10 pm -- 12-4 pm Brats cooked in Gold Top lager with sauerkraut & mustard, plus hot dogs -- 5-9 pm Machete Taqueria truck We're finalizing more details!

Contact Us

Location

Find us near John Glenn International Airport

653 North James Road, Columbus, 43219, US