The pandemic has taken its toll on the brewing industry, and we’ll likely continue to see the effects far into the future.
One local brewery that has been a mainstay announced a pretty massive transition, as Cincinnati Beverage Co. announced it had fired its founder and laid off its brewing staff. The company will continue to package beer under the Christian Moerlein, Little Kings, Hudepohl, and Burger brands, but it will be brewed by contract under a local brewery.
Founder Greg Hardman sold to new owners Jay and Jodi Woffington and Michael Graham last year, and the brewery closed its taproom on Moore Street in Over-the-Rhine in June. The Moerlein Lager House at The Banks is operated as a franchise with different owners.
It’ll be interesting to see the transition of the brands in a hyper-competitive market without the backing of a taproom to help spur excitement and sales. The group has said they intend to focus on Little Kings, which has apparently increase in sales by 75% this year.
We continue to see a shift in the Cincinnati craft beer scene, as Rock Bottom Brewery and 3 Points Urban Brewery closed this year, while multiple breweries have opened and others have opened new locations in 2020.