E-Malt.com News article: USA, OH: Opening of new Nelsonville brewery is a bit behind schedule

Although the goal was to be operating by the Nelsonville Music Festival at the end of May, opening of a brewery in the city is a bit behind schedule, The Athens Messenger reported on March 22.

“We’re slowing but surely getting there,” said Jason Warren, a brewer and one of the partners in the project.

Three Columbus-area residents — including Warren, who is originally from Albany — plan to open Multiple Brewing Co. at 82 W. Washington St.

One of the delays was going through the zoning board process, Warren said.

It was previously reported that the Nelsonville Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously granted a conditional use permit for the brewery. Under city code, businesses designated as a bar or lounge must seek a conditional use permit to operate in a downtown business zone. The brewery will have a tasting room for its own products, but won’t really be a bar. At the time, Nelsonville Code Enforcement Director Steve Pierson said there wasn’t another category that specifically fit the business’ use.

Warren said the project was also delayed by the need to replace a floor.

Equipment has been installed, but as of March 19 the business partners were still waiting for delivery a walk-in cooler and kettle hood.

Warren said the brewery must still undergo state inspection. They also need to get their federal brewing license, a process expected to take a minimum of 100 days.

He said the goal now is to be operating in June, but by the Parade of the Hills in August at the latest.

It will be considered a nano brewery because of the small batches of beer that will be produced. Warren said they plan to have one employee working in the tasting room, and one or two sales people and to eventually hire another brewer.

He said the flagship beer will be a double India pale ale (IPA), which will be higher in alcohol and hops, plus an amber ale, a stout and a session IPA that will be lower in alcohol and hops. There also will be seasonal beers, he said.

Warren’s partners in the Multiple Brewing Co. are Jack Patterson of Upper Arlington and Brooklyn Simmons of Worthington.


25 March, 2015