Something is brewing again at Nocterra, the Columbus craft brewer that shut down in late August.
Nocterra Brewing Co. has posted a cryptic but promising update to its website hinting at a second act for its craft-brewing operation, its taproom in Powell, its taproom at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park in Columbus, or some combination of the three.
"Something's Brewing, Stay Tuned," it reads. It appears the update was posted sometime in October.
The Dispatch has reached out by email to Nocterra co-founder Bryan Duncan for any details on what's coming for the brewery. Nocterra stopped brewing and closed its two taprooms Aug. 31. An announcement at the time described the move as a temporary "pause."
"It's no secret that sectors of the hospitality industry
have been struggling, and we are not immune," read a statement issued Aug. 31 by Duncan and fellow owners Lori Duncan and Bruce Vivian.
"Nocterra's leadership is committed to finding a path forward," their statement continued. "We plan to regroup, reorganize and re-emerge as the best version of Nocterra to serve our customers and team members, focusing on our core: great beer and great people."
Although Nocterra has offered no hints, public records provide a few clues. The business applied Sept. 30 with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control to renew state permits to produce beer and sell beer to wholesale buyers, retail customers and people at the Powell taproom at 41 Depot St.
Division of Liquor Control records, though, show Nocterra hasn't filed to renew its permits for operations at 516 Maier Place, inside the Scioto Audubon park south of downtown Columbus. Those permits expired Oct. 1.
Follow Dispatch dining reporter Bob Vitale on Instagram at @dispatchdining. You can reach him directly at rvitale@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Nocterra Brewing hints at a comeback after August shutdown
