Craft beer panel discussion a big hit

More than 150 people turned out on a beautiful night for the Soapbox Speaker Series discussion of craft beer as community development March 11 at UC's Niehoff Urban Studio on Short Vine. See photos from the event here.

Sean Rhiney of Xavier University (and former Soapbox managing editor) moderated the panel discussion among Nine Giant's Michael Albarella, Rhinegeist's Bryant Goulding and Wiedemann's Doug Newberry. Each brewer graciously brought samples for taste-testing before and after the discussion.

Thanks to the Niehoff Urban Studio for hosting; to Michael, Bryant and Doug for participating; and to everyone who joined us. The Soapbox Speaker Series will continue May 13 with "The Next Great Neighborhood" at the Niehoff Urban Studio; we'll post details soon.

Meanwhile, even more developments in the local craft beer scene have popped up since our March 11 event:

• Another neighborhood craft brewer has announced its arrival, with Darkness Brewing looking to open on Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue by the fall.

• Braxton Brewing in Covington announced an official opening day, March 27.

• Rhinegeist unveiled plans to triple production, enter the Columbus market and expand its Over-the-Rhine facility near Findlay Market.

• The City of Cincinnati tried to implement new surcharges on local breweries from the Metropolitan Sewer District, only to backtrack the next day after complaints.