Moerlein Returns to Cincinnati!

(The original Christian Moerlein Brewing Co.)

As this article states , "For a century and a half, the Christian Moerlein name has been synonymous with Cincinnati’s storied brewing tradition." Well it appears that the Christian Moerlein Brewing Company is finally solidifying its local presence in the form of the Moerlein Lager House - a restaurant/brewery that will be part of the Cincinnati Riverfront Park (adjacent to The Banks development). Needless to say, this is great news for so many reasons. The plans sound impressive, situated on the river next to the ballpark and with a mind towards reviving the local beer culture and heritage which the Queen City once thrived upon.

From the mouth of company President and CEO Greg Hardman himself:
“Our mission is to breathe new life and vigor into the grand brewing tradition that made Cincinnati one of the world’s greatest brewing meccas over a century ago. The Moerlein Lager House in Cincinnati Riverfront Park will become an economic driver that will significantly propel Cincinnati’s heritage tourism industry. Patrons will experience what is authentic and historically unique about this city and its compelling history with every visit to the Moerlein Lager House.” For more information, here's another article for your perusal.

I love it. Spring 2011 cannot come soon enough.

'Tis the season!

Break out the lederhosen and prepare your largest bier stein - Oktoberfest season is upon us! This weekend, the Germania society kicks off Cincinnati's "oldest and most authentic" Oktoberfest.

Initiated in Munich in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, we in the Ohio Valley picked up on the tradition relatively recently in comparison, as this year marks the Germania's Society's 39th annual Oktoberfest. Festivities include feats of strength, such as log-sawing competitions and a tug-o-war, a "Magic show by Denny," along with music and, naturally, the tapping and drinking of kegs of beer. This year's Burgermeister is Channel 19 Weatherman, Steve Horstmeyer.

Free shuttles leave from Pleasant Run Middle School and Elementary, as well as Vinoklet Winery. Get ready for a good time, as the Germania Society guarantees that "FUN WILL BE HAD BY ALL." After spending a bit of time with various Germania Society members, including President Walt Pegram, at the Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest keg tapping Wednesday night, I'd be inclined to believe the disclaimer.

Brew-Ha-Ha

It's a long established fact that alcohol makes things funnier. So what more obvious yet genius idea could there be than an event that merges comedians and beer? Cincinnati just happens to one - a FREE beer and laughing festival - this very weekend called Brew-Ha-Ha! 50 comedians, 80 beers, all found at Sawyer Point this Friday and Saturday. The selection is copious, and featured local brews include different varieties of the following: Moerlein, Little Kings, Mt. Carmel & BarrelHouse.

http://www.cincybrewhaha.com

Completely randomly, I originally found out about Brew-Ha-Ha on an airplane last week, as it was featured in whatever Delta's in-flight magazine is called as one of their "To-do" festivals of the month. As Brew-Ha-Ha's website states, "Cincinnati has a proud brewing history and this event pays tribute to it." Alright then. Make me laugh! Which is really not that difficult, as I'm easily amused.

On beer wench duty this Sunday

I'll be pouring beer this Sunday from 11-2 at the Findlay Market biergarten! Come on down and see me, y'all.

Sneak Peak!

So here it is! A little teaser of things to come.... Above you're viewing a snippet of the cover image for "Cincinnati's Brewing History," to be published with Arcadia late winter/early spring! Anyone have ideas as to what exactly this very interested man is looking at? Send a comment!

Exploring the Hudepohl Brewery

"The great glories so many people are proud of - palaces, factories, and monuments, the emblems with which we identify - are nothing more than relics of an extinguished civilization."

While brewing in Cincinnati is hardly an "extinguished civilization" these days, when I came across this quote (which actually refers to post-civil war Barcelona), I was immediately reminded of a recent expedition to the old Hudepohl Brewery. Looming over the 6th St. Viaduct, it would indeed be easy to mistake this massive, decaying shell for a bombed-out victim of war. This behemoth, however, has fallen victim to the far more silent killer that is neglect.



Apparently there were/are big plans for the remaining structure(s) at some point along the way. Gordon Bombay of Queen City Discovery, who invited me to tag along on this recent exploration, let me know that the current owner aimed to turn the former brewery into a multi-use condominium complex. The potential for a highway to cut right through this land, however, has apparently put this plan on hold for now.


After viewing the state of this building first-hand, having seeing it only from the elevated vantage point of an expressway until this point, I can't help but be pessimistic. For me, this experience was an incredibly sad one. A building that once represented a vital cultural and industrial lifeline, literally reduced to rubble. For historians, preservationists, beer enthusiasts, and lovers of Cincinnati and its cultural legacy, the state of this historic building is a poignant sight. Large portions of the Hudepohl brewery complex still stand, but I wonder for how much longer.

Hold the phone

Apparently this is happening too.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090528/BIZ01/905290328/Burger+Beer+relaunching+today