After less than two years in business, Rebel Mettle Brewery has officially closed.
The brewery had high hopes, as they originally planned to renovate the Clyffside Brewery in Over-the-Rhine before deciding on a space that needed less work. The settled on a former parking garage in the Central Business District, right off of the Historic West Fourth rejuvenation that is currently taking place.
After opening in September 2020, it was difficult for them to gain their footing as many people who formerly worked downtown were no longer in office buildings.
Owned by veterans, the brewery was rooted in military, music, and motorcycles. They began distributing and packaging their beer almost as soon as they opened.
Unlike many breweries around town, they decided to focus on lagers, including an imperial schwarzbier (Volume), and India pale lager (Mettle Mayhem), and a session lager (Stubentiger). Rebel Mettle Brewery also featured some styles you rarely see, like a smoky rauchbier named Smoky Stardust.
I visited Rebel Mettle just after they opened in 2020 and quickly became a fan.
The taproom felt a little like walking into an underground lagering tunnel, featuring lots of concrete and a large centerpiece bar. The second floor also featured pinball and video games.