01.09.2024

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Today’s Forecast

50º | Windy and rainy | 100% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:53 a.m. | Sunset 5:24 p.m.

Go big or go home

Middle West Spirits completed its 75,000-sqft expansion

Will you plan to tour the new distillery? | Photo by @middlewestspirits

Middle West Spirits completed its 75,000-sqft distillery expansion, becoming one of the largest independent distillers in North America. We’re here to brew up the details on the 1221 Alum Creek Dr. space.

💸 Expansion impact

The expansion will allow the independent distillery to triple its employment this year. Additionally, it will oversee 25,000 acres of local grain farmland. Through the reuse of land and structures, this project has also boosted the economy on the east side.

🥃 Local products and partnerships

Middle West produces 15 of its own products, ranging from whiskey and bourbon to vodka and gin.

The distillery also partners with local businesses and companies to ensure the highest quality products. With future hopes of partnering with local farmers for non-GMO grains and past partnerships with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for Middle West Whiskey & Pecans ice cream — collaboration is at the distillery’s core.

“Now that our expansion is complete, we are excited to continue these partnerships and help more fellow distillers by assisting with all aspects of whiskey-making while we continue growing and innovating our own brands,” said Head Distiller and CEO Ryan Lang in a press release.

🏯 Seeing the new space

The expanded distillery is operating but not yet open to the public. According to Middle West on Instagram, tours will be provided “soon” as the remainder of the property is still being worked on.

We’ll share exciting updates on future tours as soon as the information becomes available.

Events

Tuesday, Jan. 9

Winter Wine and Cheese Pairing | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | Savor Pint, 4440 Indianola Ave., Columbus | $20-$30 | Sample a flight of five wines and pair them with cheeses.
Starry Night Dublin Bridge Painting Class | Tuesday, Jan. 9 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Terra Gallery, 6631 Dale Dr., Dublin | $40 | Paint the local landmark with all supplies and instructions provided.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

Lights & Flights | Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 5-8 p.m. | Penn & Beech Candle Co., 646 High St., Worthington | $35 | Pour your own custom-scented candle and sip pours from House Wine while it dries.

Thursday, Jan. 11

Clothes Swap | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Clothes Swap, 4575 Madison St., Groveport | $12 | Shop, swap, and sell clothes at this in-person exchange.
Ohio State Women’s Basketball vs. Rutgers | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 6 p.m. | Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Campus | $10-$15 | The Buckeyes face the Scarlet Knights, who are ranked at the bottom of the Big Ten.
Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District | $60-$80 | Laugh the night away with the Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian.

100+ more events

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Real Estate

Opendoor ranked Hilliard as the No. 10 hottest hidden gem zip code between $400,000 and $600,000. The real estate website cited affordability, desirability, and availability for its rankings, and explained its “hidden gems” are areas with smaller populations than cities but access to major metros.

Travel

Breeze Airways will provide 35% off roundtrip flights from Columbus with the discount code “GETFRESH” from now through Friday, Jan. 12. Flights can be booked out through Wednesday, May 22 using the Breeze App or website. (The Columbus Dispatch)

Coming Soon

Tin Roof, a popular Nashville-based bar, will open an 8,000-sqft entertainment venue at 989 N. High St. in the Short North. The company will invest $1.5 million to remodel the former Flower Child, according to city documents.(Columbus Business First)

Edu

Ted Carter is serving as president of The Ohio State University as the spring semester commences. Check out his video message introducing himself to fellow Buckeyes.

Try This

The Columbus Zoo is hosting “Hearts Go Wild,” a Valentine’s Day-themed event at the Africa Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 10. Guests 21+ can enjoy cocktail hour, a dinner buffet, and live music while meeting Zoo animals. Tickets are $100 per person.

Asked

What is your favorite Chinese restaurant in Columbus? Bonus points if you share your go-to order. We’re working on an upcoming story, so send your favorites our way.

Fun Fact

Did you know 35,000 of you welcome us into your inbox every morning? We’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself so we can continue to write about things you find interesting. One lucky CBUS survey participant will win $500. Take the survey.

Eat

🍝 Help a guy out

What should Guy Fieri name his first Italian restaurant in Columbus?

The restaurateur continuously pays homage to his hometown. | Photo by @guyfieri

Guy Fieri is bringing his first Italian restaurant to Columbus, but there’s one problem: The eatery is still nameless.

So, we turned to our readers to help choose the best name for the restaurant at Scioto Downs. Here’s what you came up with:

“I would suggest the name “Trattoria Colombo” to honor both his Italian and Columbus roots,” said Reader Tony L.

“My favorites would be: Trifecta, Front-Runner, Blinkers,” suggested Reader Nancy F.

“Città del sapore = “Flavor Town” in Italian!” said Reader Shannon S.

“Guy’s restaurant has to be called CIAO! at the Downs, as in Chow Down,” shared reader Nancy H.

We’re not sure if Guy will spy these suggestions, but they all sound great to us. Do any of these jump out to you as front-runners? Let us know.

The Buy

The Buy 1.09.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A ring light you can clip right on your laptop or monitor — great for virtual meetings, live streaming, and video calls with family.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Hanna

From the editor

If you want to take advantage of the Breeze Airways discount but you’re nervous about flying with the discounted airline — I’m here to ease your nerves. I flew Breeze to Charleston (hi CHStoday) and had a great experience. Check out all the Breeze destinations.

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