About Us | Great Black Swamp Brewing Co.

From Homebrewers to Northwest Ohio's Craft Beer Legacy

2009

The Dream Begins

Two passionate homebrewers, Paul Traver and Bob Morris, each with 20+ years of brewing experience, founded Great Black Swamp Brewing Company. Meeting through the Salacious Homebrewers In Toledo club, they shared a vision to bring truly local craft beer to Northwest Ohio.

2010

First Brews

After acquiring equipment and securing brewing space on Monroe Street in spring 2010, we began distributing our first beers in December. Our motto was simple: "Born in Toledo, Brewed in Toledo."

2015

Opening the Taproom

We opened our first tasting room in Perrysburg, giving beer lovers a dedicated space to experience our craft and connect with the community that supported us from day one.

2022

Coming Home

After a year of construction, we consolidated our brewery and taproom into one spectacular 7,000-square-foot facility in South Toledo. With a 4,000-square-foot tavern, one of the city's largest beer gardens, 25 taps, and a full liquor license, we finally brought our complete vision to life.

Today

Toledo's Second Oldest Brewery

Now led by owners Kyle King, Andy Parish, and Dr. Bob Morris, we continue to craft exceptional beers, wines, and seltzers while serving as a community gathering place for Toledo and beyond.

What's in a Name?

The Great Black Swamp

Our brewery's name honors one of the most significant features in Toledo's history—the Great Black Swamp, a massive glacially-fed wetland that once covered 1,500 square miles of Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana.

Formed over 10,000 years ago as the Wisconsin glacier receded, this vast mosaic of swamps, marshes, and dense forests occupied what was formerly the southwestern part of Lake Maumee, a prehistoric precursor to Lake Erie. The swamp earned its name from the thick, dark mud and rich black soil that defined the landscape.

For early settlers, the swamp was nearly impassable—travelers were lucky to move one mile per day through waist-deep mud and water. The region earned the nickname "Graveyard of the Midwest" due to endemic diseases like malaria, cholera, and typhoid fever spread by mosquitoes that thrived in the wetlands.

The swamp was so treacherous that it prevented the Michigan and Ohio militias from engaging in battle during the Toledo War of 1835-36. Soldiers described mud "nearly up to our Saddle Skirts" and an environment of "Water! Water! Water! Tall timber! Deep water! Not a blade of grass growing or a bird to be seen."

The Great Black Swamp by the Numbers

1,500 Square Miles

25 Miles Wide (N-S)

100 Miles Long (E-W)

10,000 Years Old

1850s Drainage Began

From Swamp to Farmland to Brewery

Beginning in 1850, the state of Ohio initiated organized drainage efforts. Over 40 years, the swamp was gradually drained using ditches and James B. Hill's revolutionary Buckeye Traction Ditcher, which laid drainage tiles at record pace.

Once drained, the land revealed some of the most fertile farmland on the planet. The same rich, black soil that gave the swamp its name now supports Northwest Ohio's thriving agricultural industry.

Today, only about 5% of the original wetlands remain, with conservation efforts underway to restore portions for environmental filtering and wildlife habitat. We honor this incredible transformation—from impenetrable wilderness to productive farmland to thriving community—in everything we brew.

"We chose our name to celebrate Toledo's gritty heritage, the perseverance of early settlers, and the incredible transformation of our region. Like those who drained the swamp and built a city, we're homebrewers who turned a passion into something meaningful for our community."

Our Brewing Philosophy

Local First

We source locally whenever possible, including organic rye from Northwest Ohio farms. Supporting our community isn't just good business—it's who we are.

Craft Over Scale

With over 40 years of combined homebrewing experience, our founders still approach every batch with the same care and passion they had when brewing in their garages.

Beers We Love

We focus on beers we genuinely enjoy drinking. From bold IPAs to sessionable ales, every recipe reflects our tastes and Toledo's craft beer culture.

Community Driven

Our taproom is more than a place to drink—it's where friendships form, dogs make friends, and Toledo comes together over great beer.

Always Evolving

While we're proud of our year-round lineup, we constantly experiment with seasonals and limited releases to keep things fresh and exciting.

Respect the Land

Named after a natural wonder, we're committed to sustainable practices and supporting wetland restoration efforts in Northwest Ohio.

The Team

The passionate people behind your pint

Great Black Swamp Brewing is led by a team of dedicated beer lovers who bring decades of experience and unwavering commitment to craft. Our ownership includes Kyle King, Andy Parish, and Dr. Bob Morris, along with founding partners Paul Traver and Bob Morris.

Beyond our owners, we're supported by talented brewers, friendly bartenders, and a tight-knit crew who all share one thing in common: a passion for creating memorable experiences for every person who walks through our doors.

Join Our Crew

Interested in working with us? We're always looking for passionate individuals who love craft beer and great hospitality. Stop by the brewery and ask for Kyle, Andy, or Dr. Bob—they'd love to meet you.

Our Story