USA, OH: Old Capitol Brewing to become one of the first breweries in downtown Chillicothe

What started as a pair of friends brewing beer in a garage a few Saturdays a month has turned into what will become one of the first breweries in downtown Chillicothe, the Chillicothe Gazette reported on September 27.

Chillicothe natives Seth Blewitt and Justin Park became friends in early middle school over their bond of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. When Blewitt returned to town in 2017, he and Park once again connected — this time, over beer. Although it started as a shared hobby, the two later partnered to open a new business called Old Capitol Brewing.

"Once I started brewing beers, it wasn't long before I invited him over to see the process. Before we knew it, we were both really getting into recipe developments," Blewitt said. "After about five or so brews, we were sitting on the couch in my basement after a brew day when I turned to him and asked if he wanted to do it for real."

Blewitt first entered the world of at home brewing when he was in college. His friend had purchased a brewing kit and Blewitt was instantly hooked. Sometime later, Blewitt picked it up again while living in New Hampshire.

In 2016, Blewitt began considering the idea of moving back to Chillicothe. At the time, he had watched Mayor Luke Feeney speak at the Democratic National Convention and felt inspired by the potential of the city. And when his mother announced her retirement, Blewitt felt the pull was too strong and he returned.

The following year, he acquired the propane burner needed to make beer and started brewing. He reconnected with Park and invited him over to see the process. A few times a month, the pair would meet on a Saturday. Then once a month turned into every weekend.

From the success and good times had from brewing at home, Blewitt and Park committed to opening a downtown brewery. Inspired by a t-shirt worn by Blewitt's father and after doing some research into the rich history of beer in Chillicothe, the group decided on the name Old Capitol Brewing.

Although Blewitt had tossed the idea of opening a brewery around for years, it wasn't until his partnership with Park and other investors that it came to be. Hoping to share their passion project with the community, the group secured a space at 79 N. Paint Street last November.

Yet just as demolition was getting started, the coronavirus outbreak hit in March. The following month construction started without too many delays. At present, they are still working on finishing up some of the final details before moving into remodeling and decorating. The interior style is traditional, with a modern twist, and will feature ample bar and table seating as well as a standing rail and cozier lounge areas.

Once able, Blewitt and Park plan to start brewing in the new equipment purchased for the brewery. However, there are a lot of dependencies involves as to when they can open such as inspections and the time it takes the beer to be ready — which can take six to eight weeks. They expect to, hopefully, be open for business by mid-November.

"We aren't too concerned with COVID or the curfew [on alcohol sales] as we're working on developing other avenues of business," Blewitt said. "We're hoping to offer growlers and crowlers plus our regular tap menu."

Customers at Old Capitol Brewing will be able to choose between five in-house beer options and at least one domestic choice. But Blewitt is hopeful that a lighter beer they've created that's similar to Bud Light will ease the transition for some into the world of craft beer. In the future, the group hopes to provide up to 10 beer offerings plus domestic and hard seltzer choices.

The business partners also obtained a liquor license although that won't be the main focus. Additionally, they're developing a menu featuring new ideas and unique takes on bar food.

And just as Old Capitol Brewing prepares to open, just a few blocks away, Fifty West Brewing Company is doing the same thing. Despite going up against a larger business, Blewitt and Park affirm that they're happy to see Chillicothe getting the opportunity to participate in something they themselves love — brewing a really good beer.

"There's that old saying that a rising tide is good for all and we believe that to be true. It's good to have people going downtown, it creates a healthy ecosystem," Park said.

Blewitt added, "We were both born and raised here. We love this place and we're happy to see it get a new lease."

28 September, 2020