We know downtown boasts amazing restaurants and coffee joints, and we've heard more than a few rumors regarding the emerging microbrew market. Okay, so we admit we've even tasted a few brewskies along the way; but last weekend we discovered a guided downtown microbrew tour and a little history lesson along the way, thanks to Columbus Brew Adventures.

Turns out, Cbus has a malty rich history, and the same peeps who started Columbus Food Adventures just launched Columbus Brew Adventures, so we hopped on the van for the inaugural tour. Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall, ninety-nine bottles of beer...

The featured breweries may change from tour to tour, but rest assured that there are plenty of frosty libations and some hearty apps along the way to soak up some of those fermented hops and barley.

The first stop was Columbus Brewing Company where we heard a little of the downtown beer-making history, which began in German Village (big surprise, right?) and extended into what is now the Brewery District. From there, we climbed into a mack-daddy 10-passenger van and our designated driver took us to Barley's Ale House No. 1, and then to newcomers Seventh Son Brewing and North High Brewing. At each place we sampled a flight of four beers, and brew masters gave us the scoop on a different aspect of the brewing process. Sometime soon, we're hoping to see The Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus rotated into the tour and maybe Actual Brewing Company once their downtown digs are open.

In the meantime, it was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and many of us took growlers home for later. We joked with our designated van driver that perhaps he should earn tips (or maybe hazard pay) since our festive crew became a little happier and louder with each stop. That said, we were glad that we planned for dinner afterward, which offered a little down time to clear the noggin before heading home.

Tours for Columbus Brew Adventures take place very Saturday, but space is limited so make your reservations now.