Construction underway at Brink Brewing, opening planned for November

If you’ve driven past 5905 Hamilton Ave. in College Hill over the past few weeks, you’ve seen a few changes to the building’s façade. But big changes are happening inside the building to make way for Brink Brewing.

The building has been gutted, and strides are being taken to preserve the historic feel of its interior, including the tin tiled ceiling and brick walls. Part of the rear wall was demolished to make room for a door to the outdoor patio and beer garden. A large garage door will open onto Hamilton Avenue, which will be open during nice weather.

CEO John McGarry wants Brink to be a gathering place for the community. That’s a cornerstone of the brewery’s design, even down to the seating. A large community table will the main focal point of the taproom, and a community photo wall will invite customers to bring in their own photos.

Head brewer Kelly Montgomery and assistant brewer Mark Landers are planning to keep Brink’s 12 taps ever-rotating. Many of the brewery’s options will include old ales, stouts and barleywines, but there will be lighter options as well, such as blonde ales, cream ales and IPAs.

McGarry and his wife Sarah, who is Brink’s marketing director, are from Colorado, and they have a vision for Brink.

“Colorado is a huge beer state, and we get to try a lot of the newer stuff that’s coming onboard for beer. We can then bring those ideas to Cincinnati, and be a leader in the beer community.”

Although Brink won’t have a kitchen, you can grab a bit at nearby restaurants like Red Rose Jems Pizzeria or Marty’s Hops and Vines, and then head to the brewery for a pint or two.

Brink hopes to open in November. Keep tabs on the brewery’s Facebook page for up-to-date information.