E-Malt.com News article: USA, OH: Millersburg Brewing Co. opened in downtown Millersburg

William Baker and Duane Yoder, two businessmen who own the Bags Sports Pubs in Millersburg and Sugarcreek, have transformed a former antiques store and grocery store into the Millersburg Brewing Co. in downtown Millersburg, ohio.com reported on April, 30.

The 3,000-square-foot space opened to the public on May, 1.

There were six beers available on opening day: a blonde, amber, porter, vanilla porter, India pale ale and stout.

"Classic beers made with today’s taste," Baker said.

Millersburg Brewing is part of a wave of new breweries in Ohio opening not in major cities or suburbs, but in smaller communities or even rural areas of the state. Bidwell, Flatrock, Heath, Findlay and Bryan all have seen or will see breweries open.

There are now more than 70 breweries operating in the state.

Baker and Yoder are determined to provide a taste of craft beer for not only locals but the visitors who flock to Ohio’s Amish country each year.

"We thought this would be kind of a cool thing for Millersburg," Baker said. "We have a lot of tourism that comes through here. Let’s try to make a destination-oriented place instead of a drive-by place."

Baker and Yoder estimated that they invested "north of a half a million dollars" in the project, which includes plenty of reclaimed items such as former wooden beams now serving as beer sampling boards.

The tap handles were hand-crafted by the Amish and feature slate, allowing the names of the beers to be written on them in chalk. Baker plans to put a bell on the tap handles so they ring every time a beer is served.

The beers themselves were named with local history and landmarks in mind.

The blonde is called Lot 21 — homage to the first lot settled in Millerburg. The vanilla porter is Panther Hollow, a deep valley that legend has is haunted. And the amber is Honey Run Sun, a stream that meanders by.

There are giant, paned windows in the back that allow visitors to peer down and watch brewer Marty Lindon at work.

Lindon said the brewery will help fill a need in the area because it’s difficult to find craft beer.

His initial goal, he said, is to sway fans of national brands to Millersburg beers before venturing into any unusual styles. Beer drinkers can expect a Belgian-style wit and wheat beer next on tap, he said.

08 May, 2013