Cincy Chic: What is Cincy By the Pint?
Merrell Wood, Founder of Cincy by the Pint: Cincy by the Pint started out as simply a local craft beer resource for Cincinnati’s rapidly growing brewery community, but has evolved over time into a really special community of fans bigger than I ever imagined. Originally I wanted to cover new breweries/beer releases, reviews, and general news and information, however, I quickly learned something. Most people, even many here in Cincinnati, would find it hard to believe the Queen City has over 60 breweries in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area alone! I firmly believe we rival any other cities that are commonly labeled as the big craft destinations nationwide, such as Asheville, North Carolina. Our niche eventually became more than just a blog, rather a place to celebrate our rich brewing history, incredible community of breweries and beer enthusiasts, but ultimately scream from the rooftops that Cincinnati is a prime destination that goes far beyond beer. We tell the story of our incredible community through the eyes and tastebuds of our writers.
Cincy Chic: What’s the inspiration behind it?
Wood: Exhausted by trying to keep my head above water keeping up with the ever-expanding Cincinnati brewery world, Cincy by the Pint was launched without a single clear vision. Myself and my wife, Tara, always enjoyed exploring as many breweries and local hot spots as possible, it was here during the dark days of the COVID-19 lockdown where the idea was eventually formulated. The main goal was to have as much information in one place as possible, while still serving as a creative outlet to put my own sarcastic, creative spin on the coverage. While the world feels more tense than ever to so many, it was important to create a fun way of following along with the madness. Brewery culture doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither does Cincy by the Pint.
Cincy Chic: Who’s behind it?
Wood: Cincy by the Pint started out as, and still is, a side project and hobby for myself, my wife, and a small group of craft enthusiasts friends. While I’m the owner and lead writer, there are several other various writers for the site that contribute reviews and other content periodically. This sometimes includes other Cincinnati bloggers, influencers, website owners, and a rotating cast of other special guests. Collaborating with others to see Cincinnati through their eyes often gives me a whole new perspective on topics I thought I was an expert on.
Cincy Chic: What all do you cover in your craft beer blog?
Wood: I try to cover it all, but it’s a ton of work with so much happening and so few of us! The trick is to focus on what kind of information I would want to know, and I think that makes it so genuine. The two most popular routine segments are the Weekend Roundup which is a summary of brewery news, announcements, and beer releases served up with a lighthearted approach. More the Onion, less New York Times. Secondly and maybe even more popular now, is the Cincinnati Craft Beer Power Rankings. Data from the beer community app Untappd is analyzed and then ‘the top beers in Cincinnati’ are ranked and broken down with commentary. Aside from that, I try my best to cover all the grand openings, beer releases and reviews, brewery events, festivals, interviews, and various other local happenings. It’s a lot!
Cincy Chic: What makes Cincy By the Pint unique?
Wood: I think we really connect with everyone and we do it in a fun, approachable way. We make content for the small percentage of Cincinnati craft nerds (being called a craft nerd is a badge of honor to us), to ordinary everyday people simply looking for something fun to do. Our passion for Cincinnati boils down to our love for our city and the amazing community at large. From our loyal followers that read our articles and interact with our content, to meeting the people behind our local brands and telling their story; it’s the best non-paying job I’ve ever had. Not to mention the appreciation of what we’re doing by the local brewing community and beyond makes the hard work worth it.
Cincy Chic: Is there anything new on the horizon?
Wood: Funny you should ask, I’m working with some other local Cincinnati personalities and bloggers on something I hope will be really big. Like game changing big for the Cincinnati beer community at large. Keep your eyes out for a big announcement hopefully sooner than later.
Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more and follow along?
Wood: Of course the website, www.cincybythepint.com, has everything in one place from local brewery events to our articles, reviews, and up to date content. However if you really want to stay up to date on Cincinnati beer and brewery information as soon as it’s announced, I highly recommend you also follow us on Instagram and Facebook! I often post things that don’t make it on the website right away.
