In a move signaling the end of an era for a local craft beer favorite, Taft’s Brewing Company is shutting down its Brewpourium taproom following its acquisition by Cincinnati Beverage. The taproom’s final day of operation will be December 29. The consolidation into Cincinnati Beverage's portfolio marks a conclusion to Taft's Brewing’s physical presence and a promise of continuity for its beers within a trusted Cincinnati name.
As reported by WLWT, Taft's will join a recognizable roster of beer brands, including Hudepohl, Little Kings, and Christian Moerlein, under the Cincinnati Beverage umbrella. “We truly love Taft’s," the leadership team from Taft’s Brewing Co stated. " It has been an incredible labor of love for over a decade. We know how important this brand has become to craft beer drinkers in Cincinnati and we take that very seriously. We’re beyond thrilled to keep Taft’s beers alive via Cincinnati Beverage and ensure these brews continue to be available throughout the city.”
Similarly, Elliott Culter, the COO of Cincinnati Beverage, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition in a statement obtained by WLWT, “We are thrilled to bring Taft’s Brewing Co into our portfolio of iconic Cincinnati beer brands. Taft’s has been a staple of the Ohio craft beer scene for almost a decade, and we couldn’t be more excited to grow that legacy.”
The closure of the Brewpourium follows the shutdown of other Taft locations, including Taft’s Ale House in Over-the-Rhine in late 2023 and a Columbus Brewpourium earlier that year. Taft's Brewing Company was first founded in 2015, with the Ale House set in the historic former St. Paul's German Evangelical Church, signifying a revival of the craft beer culture in the Cincinnati area. The trend of consolidation in the beer industry is reflected in Taft’s transition, as described by Local12.
Current employees at the Brewpourium have been given notice and offered severance packages, as well as the possibility of employment through Impact Beverage, as outlined in detail by WCPO. Taft expressed gratitude for the support of their patrons and the community as a whole. "Taft's wants to graciously thank their longstanding fans, friends, the city of Cincinnati and all who shared in the enjoyment of good beer together with them," reads the release from Taft's Brewing Company.
