Woodbuuuuuurn! The call of the beer-geek here in Cincy has been echoing throughout the pages of online groups ever since the very public falling apart of a once amazing piece of Cincinnati’s craft beer community. It was heartbreaking to see them fall from glory – and even folks might have said it was well deserved when they “temporarily” closed their doors several times, and then finally in the summer of 2020.

This brewery deserved more. We, the drinkers of Cincinnati beer, deserved much more than Woodburn had been able to give us… and destiny has stepped in to provide a chance for resurrection.

The Phoenix

When I think of Woodburn, I think to their logo, a lot. When the brewery was first opened back in 2016 their logo which prominently features the image of a phoenix spreading its wings meant something different. Back then, it was an homage to their space, to a building that had been built in the early 1900s, had held many different lives in that time, and was rising from the ashes of it’s former self as a new identity. You can say there were other meanings too – behind the resurrection of a neighborhood, of a city’s beer scene… lots of things. Now, though? It’s something else entirely.

The Phoenix, to me, very clearly and very strongly represents this brewery getting a second chance at life. Rising from the ashes of what was famously referred to as a dumpster fire (thanks, Nate, for that quick little social media post)

Stepping in to attempt this resurrection, is the city’s own March First.

The Plans

When I wrote about this acquisition, I hinted at some of the plans that they had for the space. They’re going to have a new lounge area and a full kitchen that will fill out what was an already amazing space. That renovation should be done within the next couple of months.

One thing that I didn’t tell you about (because I didn’t hear about it until now…) the brewery has also announced that along with the brewery, they have acquired the green space that is right behind the brewery. That? Well… dear outdoor-drinking beer nerd, means that they’re adding a sweet beer garden to the space. We’re talking shelters, an outdoor bar, a band stand for live music – it’s going to kick this fantastic taproom up several notches and make this an absolute killer place to grab a beer or a cocktail in the summer.

Cocktail… What Was That, Now?

Yeah… I mentioned cocktails. Part of the transition of Woodburn is an increased focus on a cocktail program. It only makes sense. March First is at the helm of Cincinnati Distilling Company, who is currently building out an incredible distillery over in Milford at the Milcroft.

To head up the new cocktail program, and to lead the new Woodburn in to a new era, the brewery hired on bartender, mixologist Giacomo Ciminello… this guy has done some great stuff around Cincinnati – and as soon as I get a chance to sit down with him over a cocktail or two — you’re gonna hear about it.

I’m thrilled to see this come to life. The ability to start to bring together the worlds of craft beer and craft cocktails in Cincinnati is an exciting thought. It opens up doors that I as an “equal opportunity drinker” have long been waiting to see open.

The Grand Opening

It all goes down on 4/29 when they will finally be open from 4-11pm. I fully recognize that there are a lot of mixed feelings in Cincinnati about Woodburn. Rightfully so. But this new life gives us the chance to start over in a lot of ways with Woodburn.

If you missed this space, even a little bit. Go.

If you missed the beer, even a little bit. Go. – that’s right, your favorites will be back – they’ll even have cans of ‘Solo’ available to-go for the grand opening.

If you just want to support a rebirth of something that could be amazing – GO.