Four String announces new production site

Four String Brewing Co. has found a new home.

The Columbus brewery says it’s building a new facility on the city’s west side, with plans to boost production by 300 percent and start distributing statewide. The 25,000-square-foot property is located at 660 N. Hague Ave.

“Four String has been available to craft beer lovers primarily in Columbus and with this expansion, we will be able to share our killer beer with people across Ohio,” founder Dan Cochran said in a prepared statement.

Four String, which makes brands such as Brass Knuckle Pale Ale and Big Star White IPA, had confirmed last fall that it was looking for a new site.

It’s the latest in a string — sorry I couldn’t resist — of Columbus breweries opening new, larger production sites. Columbus Brewing is getting ready to build a new brewery and tasting room. North High opened a separate production brewery. Barley’s Brewing has announced plans. And Sideswipe has said it wants to expand and relocate.

The new Four String location will include a 30-barrel brewhouse, canning line and sensory analysis laboratory. There also are plans to open a second taproom.

The brewery received financing assistance from the Columbus Business Development Fund and Gregg Battisti of J.P. Morgan Chase.

Larry Horwitz, a Columbus native who was a consultant for Four String when it opened, will serve as brewmaster. He has more than 20 years of brewing experience, including 12 years as a regional brewer for Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.

He is a certified beer judge who teaches courses on brewing, judging beers, and sensory analysis. He also serves on the Brewer’s Association Technical Committee and the Board of Governors for the Master Brewer’s Association of the Americas.

“I’m beyond excited to return to my hometown and work with Dan again,” Horwitz said in a prepared statement. “This expansion will do more than just grow capacity, it will provide us the tools to make some of the highest quality beer in Ohio.”

Four String said it expects to announce new brands soon.

As part of the announcement, Cochran also released a photo of himself and Horwitz signing their partnership agreement in Portland. Dogfish Head Craft Ales founder Sam Calagione served as a witness.

The current brewery, located on Sixth Avenue, isn’t going anywhere. Once the expansion is complete, the current site will focus exclusively on the brewery’s Solo Series, Four String’s small batch, seasonal and limited edition brews.