There hasn’t been a lot of news out of Cincy Brewing Company since they opened their doors in August last year. I should specify – there’s been plenty of rumors floating around (the beer community loves those…) and some news that they haven’t really “publicized” – but the discussion has been quiet from folks like me.

It’s time to get caught up.

Also… keep in mind with all of this – I did reach out to the brewery via email to see if they would comment to help straighten some of it all out, and never heard back from them.

Who’s Brewing?

Shortly after opening their doors Cincy Brewing Company and their head brewer parted ways which left them a little high and dry with anyone who has commercial brewing experience. With one of their employees also being a student in Cincinnati State’s Brewing Science program they weren’t left completely up shit creek… but certainly not in the position that a new brewery wants to be in (in my opinion).

Getting new beers on tap has been a little slow going, which in turn means that people haven’t been quick to head back out after their initial trips to the brewery (again… not ideal for a new spot).

So? Here’s where the rumors start. I’ve heard from several of you that Jason Surniak (you might remember him as the head brewer/owner at Queen City Brewery) is there, taking over brewing duties… and while I think that this would be fun and would love to see him brewing again here in Cincinnati in some capacity – it’s not true. Well… there is some truth in it. Jason has been hanging out at Cincy Brewing Co. helping them out in this getting started phase, but only in a consulting role – he’s not taking over anything.

Contract Brewing

The next step for Cincy Brewing while they get their ducks in a row – they’ve turned to Randy Schiltz and Wooden Cask to help them get some more beers on tap. The first of these contract brews is headed onto taps now, called ‘4 Locks’, a stout with cocoa and coffee added to it.

This process isn’t as simple as you’d think that it would be – I imagine it’s difficult for a brewery (especially a new brewery) to lean into having some help making their beer, but to make sure that the recipes are going to be ones that you’re able to replicate once brewing moves back 100% in house.

As we get into Spring, and the beer business gets hectic – I’m going to be talking a bit more about these folks. I think they’re good people, and there’s a lot about Cincy Brewing Company that could make it a really great part of Cincinnati’s beer community! For now? Get out there and support them, try their new stuff and chat with them!