These Filson-branded mugs are produced by Ohio Stoneware and are crafted from clay and fired at extremely high temperatures. Each one is finished with a baked-on enamel glaze featuring custom graphics: bears, deer, trout, and a vintage Filson miner illustration.
Ohio Stoneware was founded in 2005 and based in Zanesville, Ohio about 55 miles east of Columbus. It is one of the few remaining commercial pottery manufacturers in a region once known as the Pottery Capital of the World. It’s a bold claim for an area many people may not know well, but it speaks to the company’s heritage and craft.
The mugs themselves are large and substantial. Filson lists them at 12 oz (355 ml), and each weighs roughly 1.3 lbs (550 g). Their shapes aren’t perfectly uniform, which is part of the appeal. These are low‑volume, hands‑on pieces, and each one has its own quirks. One of my mugs doesn’t sit completely flat on a table, a small imperfection that reinforces the handmade character.
The color shown on Filson’s website appears as a bright white, but in person the mugs lean more toward a light yellow‑brown or medium beige. The handles are comfortable but on the smaller side. Most hands will only fit two fingers through the opening, which can feel a bit tight given the mug’s weight and size.
Retail pricing is $49 on Filson’s site, though they recently appeared in the outlet at 30% off. While the cost may seem high, lower priced mass‑produced mugs rarely offer the charm and individuality of these Ohio Stoneware pieces. With their sturdy build, distinctive graphics, and made‑in‑the‑USA craftsmanship, they feel like mugs that will last and will be enjoyed for many years.
