CINCINNATI – A new brewpub will be built on the former site of Taft’s Ale House in Over-the-Rhine later this year.
According to a press release from 3CDC, the Mellotone Beer Project is coming to the church that has been converted into a brewery.
The new brewery is being spearheaded by Dennis Kramer-Wine, former cultural director of Rhinegeist Brewery, and Alexandra Nowell, founding brewmaster of Los Angeles-based Three Weavers. The pair signed the lease for the 12,345-square-foot space, with a grand opening scheduled for November.
“We decided to go down this path together over two years ago and carefully evaluated many locations to realize our vision for Mellotone,” Kramer-Wine said in the press release. “When we learned that 1429 Race Street was available, we got on the phone with 3CDC the very next day and we are thrilled with the partnership, the location and the fantastic space we found.”
“Both personally and professionally, (Kramer-Wine and I) were a great fit – we complemented each other very well,” Nowell said in the press release. “When we realized the Race Street space was an option for Mellotone, we knew it was meant to be.”
Mellotone will offer “fresh and straightforward beers” and feature a kitchen led by Brendan Martin, formerly of the Boca Restaurant Group, 3CDC said.
The lower space of the three-story converted historic church will be called Undertone “with a mid-century modern feel, complete with a small stage for live music,” 3CDC said in its press release. This space formerly housed a betting shop.
Taft’s closed at the end of 2023 after using the space for more than eight years. Taft’s said in a press release that the pandemic, a decline in tourism and an increase in material costs contributed to the closure. Their Brewporiums in Cincinnati and Columbus will remain open.
3CDC said more details about the new brewpub will be announced later this year.
