E-Malt.com News article: USA, OH: Christian Moerlein Brewing Company opens craft brewery in Cincinnati

Over-the-Rhine may soon smell like a brewery and for good reason. Christian Moerlein Brewing Company returned to its roots by opening a craft beer operation in an old 19th century brewery building, local12.com reported on November, 21.

At the time of prohibition, Christian Moerlein was the largest brewery in Ohio, and the ninth largest in the United States. The brand disappeared between 1920 and 1933 and didn't resurface until Hudephol re-introduced the name in 1981.

A few million dollars of new stainless fermenting and bottling equipment will put 20 new brewery workers on the job next year. They'll brew about 15,000 barrels in 2013, just a few blocks from where Christian himself rolled out the barrels 160 years ago.

Greg Hardman, President and CEO, said: "It was important to bring these beers back to Over-the-Rhine for one, main fundamental reason. This is the heart of the brewery district where the brewery culture started in Cincinnati and we're proud to bring back Christian Moerlein back to its home."

The brewmasters hope to start brewing Moerlein lagers and ales by the end of the year. The Over-the-Rhine facility will brew a variety of beers, depending on what's needed to meet the demand from bars and stores.

The new brewery will join the Cincinnati Brewery Heritage Trail that is set to start tours next fall.


28 November, 2012