Topic: Cincinnati Beer/Brewing News

[thomasbw]

Brad I agree, this location will get steady year-round business for lunch & dinner as well as a bump before and after each of 81 home games. Still, it sounds so huge that I'm worried about them staying in business. It will help the Moerlein brand immeasurably though, so even if the restaurant breaks even or loses money, it might still help the overall bottom line.  

Keep in mind the montgomery inn banquet center is no more, so this place fills that void as well. 

[BDRUF]

i wonder what the chances of getting Bengal's Line there instead of Dickman's?

[MoonlightOhio]

Casey, there are photos of the clientele on the website.  If I wanted to get my drink on with orange girls and noxious perfume, I'd go there, because that's EXACTLY what it markets itself as.  And that's not my imagination. 

There's no need for silly name calling (hipsteratti?  Really?).  You seem to be taking my comments about a bar personally, and I'm having a hard time understanding why.

[Jimmy_James]

I think this location is going to be a lot better than Hofbrauhaus(sp?).  The H's outdoor patio has a nice view of a parking lot, this one will have a view of a park. 

Actually, Hofbrauhaus (you spelled it correctly, btw) has a nice view of downtown past NOTL from the outer third of the biergarten. 

I'm very excited about Moerlein's future plans.

[Caseyc]

Casey, there are photos of the clientele on the website.  If I wanted to get my drink on with orange girls and noxious perfume, I'd go there, because that's EXACTLY what it markets itself as.  And that's not my imagination. 

There's no need for silly name calling (hipsteratti?  Really?).  You seem to be taking my comments about a bar personally, and I'm having a hard time understanding why.

Hipsteratti can be both a term of derision as well as a compliment.  Wear it proud! ...and you were just fittiing the bill with the judgmental and uninformed attitude based on your perusal of the website (haven't seen it but will need to check it out!). 

Look, I am no more interested in hanging out with noxious perfume and orange-hued females than you are....then again, I have never been there outside of happy hour.  But if your opinion of bars is based solely on websites than that's your prerogative.  It just seems a tad bit uninformed, to put it mildly.

I think we're a lot more in agreement than you suspect, but the desperate attempts to establish indie cred ring decidedly hollow in the absence of any personal interaction with the subject matter in question.

I don't take it personally at all....just like to spice it up.  Come on. I'll buy you a beer.

[thomasbw]

I think this location is going to be a lot better than Hofbrauhaus(sp?).  The H's outdoor patio has a nice view of a parking lot, this one will have a view of a park. 

Actually, Hofbrauhaus (you spelled it correctly, btw) has a nice view of downtown past NOTL from the outer third of the biergarten. 

I'm very excited about Moerlein's future plans.

I would like to see, during Riverfest a team from the Moerlien Beer Garden and a team from Hofbrauhaus each parade from their respective beer gardens to the midpoint of the Taylor Southgate Bridge where they engage in a tug of war contest.

[Jimmy_James]

Regarding the Righteous Room, I've only been there twice, but I've enjoyed myself both times and this isn't typically my kind of place.  Oh, and happy hour there is VERY different than a Saturday night, if my two experiences are indicative of the norm.

[Jimmy_James]

I think this location is going to be a lot better than Hofbrauhaus(sp?).  The H's outdoor patio has a nice view of a parking lot, this one will have a view of a park. 

Actually, Hofbrauhaus (you spelled it correctly, btw) has a nice view of downtown past NOTL from the outer third of the biergarten. 

I'm very excited about Moerlein's future plans.

I would like to see, during Riverfest a team from the Moerlien Beer Garden and a team from Hofbrauhaus each parade from their respective beer gardens to the midpoint of the Taylor Southgate Bridge where they engage in a tug of war contest.

LOL.  I love that idea!  Actually, I'd like to see beer gardens return to popularity in Cincinnati.  They're typically my favorite places to drink if I'm out for more than a few hours.

[MoonlightOhio]

Casey, there are photos of the clientele on the website.  If I wanted to get my drink on with orange girls and noxious perfume, I'd go there, because that's EXACTLY what it markets itself as.  And that's not my imagination. 

There's no need for silly name calling (hipsteratti?  Really?).  You seem to be taking my comments about a bar personally, and I'm having a hard time understanding why.

Hipsteratti can be both a term of derision as well as a compliment.  Wear it proud! ...and you were just fittiing the bill with the judgmental and uninformed attitude based on your perusal of the website (haven't seen it but will need to check it out!). 

Look, I am no more interested in hanging out with noxious perfume and orange-hued females than you are....then again, I have never been there outside of happy hour.  But if your opinion of bars is based solely on websites than that's your prerogative.  It just seems a tad bit uninformed, to put it mildly.

I think we're a lot more in agreement than you suspect, but the desperate attempts to establish indie cred ring decidedly hollow in the absence of any personal interaction with the subject matter in question.

I don't take it personally at all....just like to spice it up.  Come on. I'll buy you a beer.

What is about my posts that makes you think I'm trying to establish some sort of "cred"?  You're reading WAAAAAY too much into what I'm typing.  I like my bars to be little holes in the wall with poor lighting and a quiet clientele.  I like to be able to talk to whomever I'm with, instead of listening to some bullsh!t music that some 21 year old girl payed $1 on the touchscreen "jukebox."  I'm not saying that the Righteous Room fits the bill for that kind of establishment, but from the pics on the website, I can see that it's getting there.

But hey, if you're buyin', I'll be there. 

[Caseyc]

But hey, if you're buyin', I'll be there

next time...headed to grammer's later (with the hipsteratti!)

[MoonlightOhio]

I actually haven't been to Grammer's yet.  I know it's the current hipster hotspot, which is probably why I've been dragging my feet.  I can only handle so many ironic mustaches drinking PBR out of a can at one time.  The place looks gorgeous, though.

[Sherman Cahal]

Dear Jayson:

Thanks for your email and kind words. We really appreciate the support.

Please keep supporting our beer and possibly a dream can come true as outlined below.

Kindest regards,
Greg Hardman
President
Christian Moerlein Brewing Company

I remember hearing about this a few weeks ago.  I just wish they'd brew it here, though.  How cool would that be?

Holy crap. Thanks for asking Jayson, I credit you for bringing them down here

[UncleRando]

There is a decent potential that once The Banks and CRP are complete that Oktoberfest will be moved to the CRP and become a two-week long event.  It's already the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world outside of Munich, and this would make it even bigger.  Who will be the beer/brewing establishment with a permanent location right in the middle of it all - Christian Moerlein.

I like Hofbrauhaus and all, but it's location doesn't hold its own against the Moerlein Lager House, plus the Moerlein Lager House will be bigger inside and outside, brew more, have far superior views, and have more amenities/features.  One thing in Hofbrauhaus' favor though is they did land a nice tax break from Kentucky...so I guess they can hang their hat on that.

[JoeL]

^ Not to nitpick but the Toronto suburbs and Blumenau, Brazil both claim higher Oktoberfest attendance (over 700,000). So, at best Cincinnati is 4th largest.

But I agree that an Oktoberfest along the riverfront would be a great improvement. The biggest thing that Cincinnati is missing is the ability to shut down streets for longer than a weekend. It really needs to be a week long thing.

I also agree that this proposed Moerlein Lager House will have a superior location to Hofbrau - but everything else is just speculative at this point. We have no idea if they'll be able to run a decent restaurant. It's a rough business and not everyone can do it. (And frankly, it's not like Moerlein has the best brand equity in the world. It's not an awful beer, but it's not the greatest either. And I know a lot of people don't really care for it - especially compared to imports and superior craft brews). So who really knows what's going to happen until it happens. We shall see. 

[cincySAL]

Christian Moerlein labels are great, but Burger, Little Kings, and Hudepol (I think those are under the CM umbrella) is/was terrible.  They may serve a niche but that niche definitely isn't quality beer.

[Living in Gin]

Moerlein reunion first for family
By Cliff Radel, The Cincinnati Enquirer
September 5, 2009

Old Cincinnati Germans worshipped God, family and beer. And not always in that order.

All three elements of this home-brewed trinity headline today's first-ever family reunion of Christian Moerlein's descendents.

Relatives of the 19th-century Cincinnati beer baron begin the day pouring over a 12-foot family tree in the reception hall of Philippus United Church of Christ, an Over-the-Rhine landmark for 118 years.

Full article

[dmerkow]

As long as this doesn't repeat the mistakes made by Oldenburg Brewery at the beginning of the craft brew revolution. To see what happened head to the Montgomery Inn @ Buttermilk Pike. That was a really big micro-brewery once upon a time. This would seem to be a fantastic addition to the waterfront.

[Jimmy_James]

One thing in Hofbrauhaus' favor though is they did land a nice tax break from Kentucky...so I guess they can hang their hat on that.

That and the fact that they've been making money in a good (though not perfect) location for almost a decade...   Anyone remember what downtown was like ten years ago?  It's come a long way, and I don't blame Hofbrauhaus for opening in KY instead.  I've got to believe it was their second choice, as Hofbrauhaus Zinzinnati merch would have sold far better than Hofbrauhaus Newport.  And now it looks like we'll have a sweet new Moerlein beer garden where Hofbrau wanted to be originally, and we still have Hofbrau across the river.  Everybody wins.

[UncleRando]

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that we'll have two kick ass brewpubs like this, but they took the Newport location for the tax breaks that were offered.  That short-sightedness is going to hurt them long-term once this behemoth is built.

[Jimmy_James]

^True, but where were they going to build?  I'd always heard that they were interested in The Banks specifically, which wasn't anywhere close to breaking ground at the time.  Downtown was basically a ghost town after 5pm in the late 90s, so that wasn't an attractive option.  Other than pushing further inland into Ohio or waiting for a decade, I don't see how they had another option.  Was there another site which they stopped pursuing because Newport swooped in?

//Edit: Thank God they didn't end up in Mason!

[UncleRando]

Moerlein Lager House to anchor Central Riverfront Park
http://www.soapboxmedia.com/devnews/0908moerleinlagerhouse.aspx

As the massive Central Riverfront Park development moves forward there are sure to be more announcements made, but none may match up to the excitement generated about plans for the Moerlein Lager House that will anchor the first phase of the 45 acre riverfront park.

The new restaurant and beer garden will be built along Main Street near Great American Ball Park and will be up to 15,000 square feet with enough room for 500 inside and another 600 outside in the beer garden area.  The Moerlein Lager House will be three stories in height and feature a green roof, balconies and terraces with views of the new Central Riverfront Park, Ohio River, Roebling Suspension Bridge and Great American Ball Park.

"It is a continued collaboration between the Cincinnati Park Board and Christian Moerlein Brewing Company to enhance green and LEED certified initiatives as responsible business practices," says Christian Moerlein Brewing Company owner Greg Hardman, who also notes that the building will have geothermal capability.

Once complete, the Moerlein Lager House will employ 200 people and become Cincinnati's largest brewpub in terms of capacity and the annual production of 5,000 barrels of Christian Moerlein beer at the Lager House.  The Moerlein Lager House will be leasing the land from the Cincinnati Park Board and will be announcing project costs and additional details in coming weeks.

Hardman is also planning tours of the massive brewpub.  "We will have both self-guided and regularly scheduled tours that will be free and explain the brewing process and Cincinnati's grand brewing history of which Christian Moerlein is a significant part of," says Hardman.

Hardman believes that increased tourism along the riverfront can be a major economic driver for the region and Moerlein's role in Cincinnati history will play its part.

"Christian Moerlein has had a grand brewing history in the Over-the-Rhine Brewery District; he also used the riverfront as an important tool for trade to expand distribution and sell his beer to places like New Orleans, Panama, Puerto Rico and other parts of the world.  The direct connection from OTR to the riverfront is one that links our authentic heritage and we believe will help increase heritage tourism in Cincinnati just like it has been done in so many cities around the world."

Hardman goes on to discuss the importance of having a local brew readily available for those visiting from out-of-town for Reds and Bengals games, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the other host of festivals and events held nearby including the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the world outside of Munich.

Hardman believes that, "it's a proud moment in Cincinnati brewing history when you can recapture the direct connection between our grand brewing heritage and today's craft beer movement through Christian Moerlein."

[MoonlightOhio]

^ So, wait...How is that not posting the whole article?  The big red box at the top of the page tells me I'm not allowed to do that, so...

[Living in Gin]

Because it's his article.

[UncleRando]

^ So, wait...How is that not posting the whole article?  The big red box at the top of the page tells me I'm not allowed to do that, so...

Yeah, I'm a writer for Soapbox Cincinnati.  Our editorial staff has no issues with cross-posting articles in such a way.

[BDRUF]

Classic Hudy 14K to again quench thirsts

http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2009/09/07/daily14.html

[Fun7007]

Christian Moerlein labels are great, but Burger, Little Kings, and Hudepol (I think those are under the CM umbrella) is/was terrible.  They may serve a niche but that niche definitely isn't quality beer.

Can't imagine lumping them together like that!!   Schoenling Little Kings is expensive per ounce if you've noticed. It is sold in 29 states.  Greg was brilliant to bring it under his umbrella with the other original Cincinnati brands.  It is a cream ale that has won awards.

Burger/ Burger Lite clearly is a budget priced beer and gives a local option to the "Milwaukees Best" crowd. 

Hudy Delite is clearly one of the best light beers in the country. And we have it right here. Quality ingredients.  Not a bad 96 calorie brew.   

That leaves the controversial 14k that will debut tomorrow at 11am on Fountain Square.  You either love it or hate it. A very distinct brew. Not a craft beer.   It was the number one beer in Cincinnati for a few decades until it faded in the late 70's & 80's.    I personally love it and am excited about it's debut.

www.showyourhudy.com

[cincySAL]

I don't want to make it sound like I attest having those beers around.  I would just prefer those not to be served at the new restaurant.  I think the Lager House should stick mostly to the premium beers in his arsenal.

It has been a long time since I've had Little Kings so maybe my tastes were different then.  And for Hudy Delite, I just don't like light beer and haven't really tasted any light beers that are of good quality, especially for German beer standards.  I don't remember 14-K.  Does it more closely resemble a Budweiser?

[thomasbw]

I had the 14-K lots of grain flavor.  would be perfect to have one right after you get done mowing the lawn.

[Blue Line]

I don't want to make it sound like I attest having those beers around.  I would just prefer those not to be served at the new restaurant.  I think the Lager House should stick mostly to the premium beers in his arsenal.

Restaurants always offer budget beers.  How would the Lager House be any different?  The goal is to provide options for your whole customer base.  The Lager House--the way I see it--will be a celebration of Cincinnati beer culture.  Why should it or we ignore any of it selectively.  The fact that several former breweries' recipes are all under one roof, so to speak, (and will actually be brewed under one roof) ensures tremendous stability for each brand.

Even though I prefer certain classes of beer over others, I want the Lager House to be a destination for beer snobs and casual drinkers alike.  Why shut anyone out?  I'd rather someone who only drinks Miller Lite to visit the Lager House, switch to a local brew of slightly higher caliber, and support local business.

[Ram23]

Little Kings is one of my favorite beers, even though it's somewhat pricey.  I also think Burger beer, when you consider the fact that it comes out to $0.50 a can, is the best value taste you can get.  It'd be great if the Lager House offered these.  By your seventh or eighth beer you start to run out of money and not care about taste so much

[thomasbw]

Little Kings is one of my favorite beers, even though it's somewhat pricey.  I also think Burger beer, when you consider the fact that it comes out to $0.50 a can, is the best value taste you can get.  It'd be great if the Lager House offered these.  By your seventh or eighth beer you start to run out of money and not care about taste so much

I don't mind paying the extra 8.25 cents per can for Hudy

[cincySAL]

I don't want to make it sound like I attest having those beers around.  I would just prefer those not to be served at the new restaurant.  I think the Lager House should stick mostly to the premium beers in his arsenal.

Restaurants always offer budget beers.  How would the Lager House be any different?  The goal is to provide options for your whole customer base.  The Lager House--the way I see it--will be a celebration of Cincinnati beer culture.  Why should it or we ignore any of it selectively.  The fact that several former breweries' recipes are all under one roof, so to speak, (and will actually be brewed under one roof) ensures tremendous stability for each brand.

Even though I prefer certain classes of beer over others, I want the Lager House to be a destination for beer snobs and casual drinkers alike.  Why shut anyone out?  I'd rather someone who only drinks Miller Lite to visit the Lager House, switch to a local brew of slightly higher caliber, and support local business.

That isn't true.  The two breweries I can think of around here (Rockbottom and Hofbrauhaus) don't offer budget beers.  It is all premium quality beer.  That doesn't mean some beer isn't lighter, but it is still quality beer.  I wouldn't want a Brewery to sell beer that isn't of good quality.  Beer such as Hudy Delight and Burger may be good for selling in masses and as a cheap beer but I don't think they are best suited for a brewery.

[Fun7007]

I don't want to make it sound like I attest having those beers around.  I would just prefer those not to be served at the new restaurant.  I think the Lager House should stick mostly to the premium beers in his arsenal.

Restaurants always offer budget beers.  How would the Lager House be any different?  The goal is to provide options for your whole customer base.  The Lager House--the way I see it--will be a celebration of Cincinnati beer culture.  Why should it or we ignore any of it selectively.  The fact that several former breweries' recipes are all under one roof, so to speak, (and will actually be brewed under one roof) ensures tremendous stability for each brand.

Even though I prefer certain classes of beer over others, I want the Lager House to be a destination for beer snobs and casual drinkers alike.  Why shut anyone out?  I'd rather someone who only drinks Miller Lite to visit the Lager House, switch to a local brew of slightly higher caliber, and support local business.

That isn't true.  The two breweries I can think of around here (Rockbottom and Hofbrauhaus) don't offer budget beers.  It is all premium quality beer.  That doesn't mean some beer isn't lighter, but it is still quality beer.  I wouldn't want a Brewery to sell beer that isn't of good quality.  Beer such as Hudy Delight and Burger may be good for selling in masses and as a cheap beer but I don't think they are best suited for a brewery.

There you go again. I know you have an affinity for craft beers and think that they are the only thing that the population should drink.  But the fact remains that craft beers are ONLY 4.04% of WHAT AMERICANS DRINK. http://www.beertown.org/ba/media_2009/growthrelease2009.htm   We have to give a few choices at the Lager House for the majority of beer drinkers.   Little Kings is very much premium. Much costlier than Budweiser.  No, it is not a craft beer.   Hudy & Hudy delight are premium beers.  Burger & Burger Light are budget beers.   A LARGE part of the population will go to the Lager house !nd if they cannot get something like Budweiser or Miller Lite they are just not going to force down a strong craft beer.  We want them to buy a Cincinnati beer.     Stop over,  I will buy you a delicious 14k.   www.showyourhudy.com

       

[dmerkow]

Isn't the issue with something like Burger and Hudy was that it was being made in big batches as cheap beer, but that doesn't mean if they actually watch what they are doing and be careful that we couldn't have interesting beer that flowed from the bottom end of the market.

[Sherman Cahal]

Little Kings is one of my favorite beers, even though it's somewhat pricey.  I also think Burger beer, when you consider the fact that it comes out to $0.50 a can, is the best value taste you can get.  It'd be great if the Lager House offered these.  By your seventh or eighth beer you start to run out of money and not care about taste so much

I am now hooked on Little King's and Hudy, thanks to you and Ronny.