Blue Heron Brewery is the only place you need to be this fall

By Ken McEntee

If your robust autumn brew goes down with a subtle nuance of mellow bourbon, you may be experiencing the latest concoction by Mike Piazza, brewmaster and co-owner of the Blue Heron Brewery, in Medina. And if you really know how to do fall gatherings correctly, you may be sipping it surrounded by close friends inside one of the Blue Heron’s unique igloo domes, shielded from the crisp evening outside air.

The outdoor heated igloos, which comfortably seat eight to 10 people on plush lounge furniture—a sofa, a love seat and chairs—were a popular addition to the vibrant Blue Heron patio when the restaurant and brewery introduced them last winter, General Manager Khadar Soussou says.

“Because of the heavy demand for our five igloos, we’re adding five more this year,” he announces. “But I suggest that you reserve them now, because they sold out fast last winter—especially on the weekends.”

The igloo domes, which can be rented in two-hour increments, feature full food and bar service. That means as the leaves—or snowflakes—blow around you, your toasty party may be enjoying braised short rib flatbread, a ratatouille shrimp bowl, or another of chef and co-owner Ben Erjavec’s eclectic menu selections, washed down by a refreshing pint of one of Mike’s 16 brewed-on-site drafts.

“With the change in the weather, we’re transitioning to some heartier, full-bodied beers with more character than the paler American beers we love to drink during the summer,” Mike says.

Among them are a multigrain harvest ale—a stronger English amber ale that reflects Mike’s interpretation of where fall beers are headed, and Mike’s Prenuptial German Dunkel—a dark lager with notes of toasted bread, chocolate and malty richness.

“We also just rolled out the first offerings from our bourbon barrel-aged program,” Mike says. “We have some imperial stouts that have been aged in bourbon barrels for nine months.”

Twice a year, Mike explains, he reserves a portion of a high gravity beer and lets it sit for a period of time in barrels previously used to age bourbon.

“It allows the beer to have some exchange with the wood of the barrel,” he says. “We get barrels used by three different distillers and it’s interesting how each company uses a different type of wood and a different char, which influences the flavor of the beer. It’s fun to talk about those nuances with our customers.”

Along with other new autumn brews, including a chocolatey Porter with coconut and cocoa nibs, Mike promises to break out this year’s Christmas ale the day after Thanksgiving.

“We are a brewery, but we also have some really fun fall cocktails as well,” Khadar emphasizes. “We’re rolling out some delicious caramel drinks and local apple ciders—like hot cider and spiced rum, garnished with fresh apple crisps.”

Blue Heron’s libations pair delightfully with Ben’s assortment of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees, Khadar says.

Among the new fall menu items are the chili glazed sous vide pork belly with a spicy Asian pepper slaw and crispy wonton frites, caramelized Brussels sprouts with bacon fat, caramelized onions and sriracha honey glaze, and the slow-braised short rib flatbread with fresh arugula, aged white cheddar and spicy pepper relish.

Or you might go seafood, with a ratatouille shrimp bowl highlighting fresh roasted ratatouille with farfalle pasta, aged parmesan Romano and garlic parmesan jumbo shrimp.

Sandwich selections might include a shaved smoked brisket hoagie topped with caramelized onions, roasted mushrooms and tangy gorgonzola cream, or the Heron’s Cubano: shaved smoked ham, smoked pork shoulder, pickles, baby Swiss cheese and homemade spicy mustard on a toasted ciabatta roll.

“Sharable appetizers are a fun way to enjoy your private party with friends in an igloo dome,” Ben suggests.

The igloo domes can be reserved only online—no phone calls—at BlueHeronMedina.com. The cost is $50 for two hours on weekends and $25 on weekdays. For guest safety, the igloos are sanitized with a special fog between sessions, Khadar assures.

You can learn more about Blue Heron Brewery, at BlueHeronMedina.com or by calling 330-870-BLUE. Blue Heron is located at 3227 Blue Heron Trace, in Medina.