All About Queen City Brewery
The story of Queen City Brewery started with their Kickstarter, which got some folks here in town all riled up. The brewery was accused of not knowing what they were doing, and just opening a brewery on a whim. They were told that their idea would never work and that they’d never be able to open their doors. The group of four friends proved everyone wrong though when they opened their doors in late 2016 in Blue Ash.
They were accused of “learning as they went” which I don’t think they’d argue with, instead, they tried to use it as their advantage, creating a unique brewery that felt like something your neighbors or friends would open. It was a great addition to Blue Ash, and the first of what quickly became three breweries.
At the end of summer, 2019 the brewery made the announcement on their social media that they would be closing down in a month or two, depending on how long their beer lasted. It gave their close friends and fans a last little bit to enjoy “their place” before the doors closed for good.
What Was Queen City Like?
The Queen City taproom was low key, and DIY. The 3bbl nano brewery was designed to not be pretentious, but instead to be comfortable, and a place that people want to hang out and have a beer in after work.
They had a medium-sized taproom that was filled with handmade furniture and low lighting to create an atmosphere that sets the stage for quiet evenings with good friends.
We have collectively decided to close down our operations. And will be officially closed at the end of September, or sooner…depends on how long the beer we have left lasts us.
It’s with a heavy heart that we make this announcement. We embarked on this adventure because we are truly passionate about making great beer, and we wanted to share our passion with the community.
Unfortunately a lot has changed in the industry over the past few years, and people were either wanting more than we could afford to provide, or had an expectation of who they wanted us to be.
We’ve advertised ourselves in a way that lends itself to reality. Our slogan, which can be found on our website and FB page states that we are not about glitz, glam, or glitter. We are about solid beer, people and the community. Not fads or trends.
Over the course of almost three years, we partnered with several individuals and groups to raise money for community fundraisers. We did this, not for the marketing, but because we truly care about the Greater Cincinnati Community.
In order for a small business like ours to succeed, we relied on the local community to support us, just as we supported the local community. For whatever reason, we were never fully embraced.
Regardless of the reasons why we are closing, we’d like to thank those that came in as strangers and in the long run, became great friends. You all know who you are, and Thank You. We think of all of you as our extended QCB Family.
Social Media Statement From QCB
The Complete Queen City Brewery Timeline
- February 8, 2014 – The first test batch, a scotch ale. This was the first time the team got together to brew as a group.
- 2014 – The brewery launches their now infamous Kickstarter campain, which ultimately didn’t reach funding.
- December, 2015 – Queen City Brewery of Cincinnati finds their space in Blue Ash.
- December 30, 2016 – The Grand Opening, the brewery manages to squeak in as the last brewery opened in 2016 here in Cincinnati. The year was a record year for the city!
- September 4, 2019 – Queen City Brewing Company closes for good.