USA, OH: Paradise Brewing expands operation

Paradise Brewing might be one of Cincinnati’s best kept secrets, Cincinnati.com reported on June 9.

Even before it was an accepted use in Anderson Township’s retail district, the husband and wife team of Jeff and Tammy Graff were operating a taproom out of their business at Paradise Brewing, 7766 Beechmont Ave. They had no idea their taproom was in conflict with the township’s zoning resolution until earlier this year when they went to apply for a building permit.

The permit was needed because the Graffs were ready to expand their business. In 2015 they decided that their small brewery system was not big enough to “cleanse the pallet” of their patrons, Graff said.

“At that point we went to forming a new company and having investors come in and help out with that transitional costs,” he said. They transitioned to a larger 155-gallon brewing system. They were also ready to make building improvements which required building permits.

When Graff learned about the zoning conflict, he said that he initiated with the township a text amendment which would clear the way for microbreweries, like his, and for small distilleries. About that same time, Mio’s Anderson Pizzeria and Tavern also expressed to township leadership its desire to open a microbrew.

The township, recognizing the popularity of microbreweries and small distilleries, agreed and moved the requests forward. After a hearing process that involved both Hamilton County and Anderson Township, the township’s zoning text was successfully changed.

Paradise Brewing is Anderson Township’s only brewery and it is the township’s first licensed brewery, Graff said. This is a significant accomplishment for a man whose brewing interest started with a home brewing kit given to him one birthday by his wife and son, Jack.

In 1997, at the urging of his brother, John, Graff also attended one of the local beer club events.

“I enjoyed that to the extent that I eventually joined their club and became a two-time president, now a three-time president,” he said. The club, the Cincinnati Malt Infusers, is what Graff describes as a “rag tag bunch of guys who like brewing beer at home.”

“From that point I was always brewing at home, even though I was working a full-time job, I just had fun with the hobby,” he said.

Graff worked at his father’s electronics busines. The senior Graff, the late Jack Graff, started his business in the 1960s in the same building where Paradise Brewing is now located. Early in 2006 Graff said due to the economy it was clear that the electronics portion of his life was ending.

He and his wife brainstormed for a new business idea about which they were knowledgeable and that had low out-of-pocket expenses for them. That’s when the decision was made to enter the world of homecrafted beers and wines.

For about $30,000 they put together their new business and started selling home beer and wine making equipment from their Beechmont shop. The business was pretty lucrative up through 2008, Graff said. The step up to the taproom was not that big of a leap, he said. Once securing the proper licensure, the brewing began.

With their license, the Graffs have the right to make 20 different beers in Ohio. They range from a very light Kolsch (a German light beer) on up to an imperial stout they call the Wrath of the Tsar.

Their most popular craft beer is their All American IPA. Currently they also have a Beer X line which is experimental and available only in their tasting room.

With the upsize of their equipment, the Graffs are branching out. They are expanding their taproom experience and making their craft beer available at more area establishments.

They anticipate having upwards of four craft beers available at this year’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival – July 15 through June 17. With a tight parking area, Paradise Brewing also has a parking agreement with IHM that gives taproom patrons additional parking options.

On Father’s Day, June 19, Paradise Brewing is sponsoring a race at Belterra Park Gaming. In July, they will be involved with beer dinner pairings there, Graff said. He’s hopeful of getting his craft beers in Belterra’s rotating tap.

The taproom is open to the public. Paradise Brewery does not serve food but offers snacks like pretzels. Patrons are encouraged to drop by with food to eat while sipping the craft beers. The taproom has a comfortable family den sort of feel with games available. The space also spills out into a beer garden.

Hours for the taproom are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday - that could expand as the brewing schedule increases. The homebrew shop is open 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Both are closed Sundays and Mondays.

11 June, 2016