Fretboard is more than ready to breathe some new life into the former Quarter Barrel space in Hamilton, and speaking as a semi-local to that part of town, I can say that people are excited to see another brewery move into that space – and that people are thrilled to see it be Fretboard that is doing it. While this might be one of the worst kept secrets in Cincinnati beer – I’m still happy to finally be able to talk about it, and give my thoughts on what it means for Fretboard, and maybe more importantly what it means for Hamilton and Cincinnati in general.
The brewery is hoping (pending license approvals) to be up and running in the next month or two… so it’s time to start getting pumped, Cincy!
Fretboard
I love what Fretboard has done in Blue Ash. They’ve nailed the idea that they came at this whole thing with, creating a space that is lively, big, and is perfect for live music. However… and don’t take this as a slam towards them, I don’t always want that experience. Sometimes I want a smaller space. I want to sit outside under the stars with a couple of friends and have a conversation over a few pints of beer. I want a quiet dinner with my wife where we can have a great beer. This new space enables Fretboard to take a look at who they are from a different perspective and to put a new spin on the brand, while providing that different experience that I (and you) might want sometimes.
They’re partnering up with Looking Glass hospitality, who will own the actual lease on the space, to create ‘Fretboard Brewing & Public House’ which will have food, rooftop dining, and a quieter indoor eating experience than you currently think of when you think of Fretboard. They’re looking to provide what they’re calling ‘upscale pub food with a twist’. The made from scratch menu will compliment the 14 taps of Fretboard beer that will be made in house as well as coming up from their Blue Ash brewery.
Fretboard is clearly putting a lot of thought not just in how they are growing their brand within the bigger market, speaking of distribution and getting tap handles and shelf space around town, but also in other directions as well. Seeing them put some attention into creating and refining taproom space and giving us other places to come and enjoy who they are, not just ‘have a beer’ is something that makes me pretty excited.
For Hamilton, For Cincinnati
We’ve been watching our local breweries as they grow, try to figure out what expansion means. From big production spaces, to second locations and new cities everyone is trying to figure out how they build upon the foundation that they’ve layed down, without watering down who they are. Watching a brewery like Fretboard turn their attention to a part of town that still needs it is awesome.
Hamilton is at a major turning point for me. They’ve got some big things going on that are certainly draws on their own, from Municipal Brew Works to the upcoming Spooky Nook Sports Complex, if you live up in this area to see these things happening is a shining light on what the future could hold. The idea that Fretboard also sees that, and is willing to invest their growth on a new neighborhood? It’s really, really fun to watch.
Cincinnati is spread out, that’s what makes it so difficult to build our beer tourism, and also what makes it so fun. The more chances that we have to get these “pockets of beer” around – the closer we become to being a town that is always in the conversation of best beer towns in the country. The ability of breweries like Fretboard and Municipal Brew Works and beer bars like Casual Pint or North Second in Hamilton to create a destination that turns heads and gets people to move around to new areas a little bit is what helps Greater Cincinnati become something… well… greater.
As official representative of both Butler County and of Cincinnati’s craft beer community (self appointed… but it’s official) I am not only giddy in excitement, but optimistic that they’re going to do an amazing job in doing their part in helping Hamilton grow into something spectacular. Welcome to Hamilton, Fretboard!