Middle West Spirits new expansion makes it a top distiller in US
Could Columbus be home to both a beer hotel + distillery hotel in the future? | Rendering via Middle West Spirits
When it comes to distilleries, Middle West Spirits is about to put Columbus on the national top shelf after announcing expansion plans.
The local distillery will undergo a multi-year expansion project resulting in a new production plant on 14 acres of land at 1165 Alum Creek Dr. Not only does this make Middle West the largest distillery in Ohio, but it will also be a top 10 producer of grain-to-glass whiskey + spirits in the nation.
According to a release, this 75,000-sqft distillery will be capable of packaging and bottling products. It will stand as the company’s headquarters with office space, and developers are leaving room for hotel space in the future. It’s expected to bring 80 jobs over the next three years + hiring will begin immediately.
Mayor Andrew Ginther is hopeful this is a sign of more to come for the east side.
“Middle West is making an immense impact on the local community by creating jobs and revitalizing a key property on the east side of Columbus that hopefully brings further investment to that corridor,” Ginther stated in the release.
The announcement comes during their 15th year in the city, as Middle West opened in 2008 as Ohio’s first distillery. Through that time, it has gained popularity for high quality spirits such as OYO vodka. We’ll toast to that.
POLL
How often do you go on vacation?
A. Once a year B. 2-3 times a year C. 4-5 times a year D. 5+ times a year E. What’s a vacation?
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Bourbon Tasting |Tuesday, March 28 | 5-7 p.m. + 7-9 p.m. | Worthington Tavern, 671 N. High St., Worthington | $20 | Join one of two sessions and sip back rare or hard-to-find bottles of bourbon.
Movie Trivia Night | Tuesday, March 28 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Land-Grant Brewing Co., 424 W. Town St., Franklinton | Free | This cinema-themed trivia night is notorious for challenging questions.
Wednesday, March 29
And That’s Why We Drink: On The Rocks Tour| Wednesday, March 29 | 7 p.m. | Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St., Columbus | $13-$39 | Watch comedy podcasters Em Schulz and Christine Schiefer tape a live recording of their show.
Thursday, March 30
Into The Woods| Thursday, March 30-Sunday, April 16 | Times vary | Garden Theatre, 1187 N. High St., Short North | $45 | Local actors will re-imagine the work of Stephen Sondheim, a beloved musician on Broadway.
Brett Young | Thursday, March 30 | 6:30 p.m. | KEMBA Live!, 405 Neil Ave., Arena District | $40-$80 | Listen to this Billboard-topping country musician alongside guests Morgan Evans + Ashley Cooke.
Friday, March 31
Big Ten Men’s Gymnastics Championship | Friday, March 31 | 8 p.m. | Covelli Center, 2640 Fred Taylor Dr., Campus | $7-$8.50 | Watch competitors from across the conference in the first session of the championship tournament.
Valentina’s, a new Italian restaurant from Cameron Mitchell, will open at 4595 Bridge Park Ave. on Tuesday, May 30. This Dublin spot will feature a partially covered outdoor patio + aims to hire 110 people once opened. (NBC4)
Development
The flagship Penzone Salon and Spa in Dublin will be getting a makeover. The building, which is over three decades old, will soon be re-imagined as an event space for large formal and corporate gatherings. Once finished, it will boast 10,000+ sqft of space. (NBC4)
Biz
The DHL building at Rickenbacker Global Logistics Park was sold for $52 million to a Houston real estate firm. The 582,000-sqft building is a prime location for distribution as it is close to railways that can reach nearly half of the country in just one day. (Columbus Business First)
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium received its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Animals after losing it in 2021. This significant mark shows that a zoo’s facilities are at industry standards with a high focus on overall animal care.
Sports
The Ohio State women’s team was defeated last night, 84-74, after a dazzling run in the NCAA Tournament, but don’t let that get you down. The Buckeyes set many school records this year, including a perfect 17-0 start to the season + reaching the Elite Eight for the first time since 1993.
Plan Ahead
Columbus Humane is inviting the city to the fluffiest happy hour in town, Party with the Pets. The celebration is on Thursday, May 4 from 6-8 p.m. with Crooked Can brews, Agave & Rye tacos, and adoptable pets. Bring your party vibes, and possibly a carrier crate.
Health
Arm yourself with resources to be better prepared to take care of your mental health with the Mental Health Literacy Seminar. Stop by the Columbus Museum of Art on Friday, March 31 for a full day of panel discussions on mental health, healthcare options, and health literacy. Register here.
Edu
Sometimes, life gets in the way of achieving our dreams. In Greater Cincinnati, local colleges are working to increase graduation rates with support from Duke Energy. The Moon Shot for Equity programprovides assistance to underserved students experiencing significant challenges to degree completion. Learn more.*
Shop
The spring season is the perfect time to treat yourself. We’re eyeing this six-piece bonbon gift box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. What’s even sweeter? These chocolates are made fresh without preservatives.
Travel
Trying to talk someone into an April vacation? Just show them these hotel deals on Expedia. We love:The Islander Resort that’s on a private beach in the Florida Keys.
Plan Ahead
Fest time of the year
Fest with the best: 25 can’t-miss festivals in Columbus
Head to Taco Fest early to avoid the lines. | Photo via Taco Fest
Last month, we shared 25 festivals you needed to keep on your radar. Today, we’re back with an encore performance, along with an updated list.
I’ve been holding onto two gift cards to Phoenix Theaters on Kinnear Road for months + I’m excited to finally use them in April for the premiere of “Renfield.” It’s a new Nic Cage movie where he stars as a vampire — do I even need to say more?
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