Fabled Brew Works’ newest ale was conceived, as some of the best ideas are, while sharing a beer.
Fabled Brew Works, based in Erlanger, introduced a new beer, “A Walk in the Woods,” in mid-June through a distinctive collaboration with the City of Erlanger. Brewery founder Kent Wessels and Erlanger Economic Development Director Mark Collier conceptualized the idea last fall while sharing a beer, Wessels told LINK nky.
The partnership underscores the potential of public-private initiatives, Mayor Jessica Fette said in a statement released in June.
“To truly realize that potential, it will take a strong public-private partnership–and I’m incredibly grateful that Fabled Brew Works is stepping up in such a creative and meaningful way,” said the news release. “Their passion for Erlanger and commitment to being outstanding community partners is clear.”
In the future, Erlanger hopes to use outdoor recreation as a boon for tourism in the city and region. The only issue? Erlanger is a residential and industrial hub, strategically located along major railroads and nestled between Interstates 75 and 275.
City officials believe the Eons Park megaproject is the answer to changing that perception. Last October, Erlanger unveiled plans for a 1,000-acre adventure park in the urban woodlands of the city. The initiative aims to establish Erlanger as Northern Kentucky’s leading outdoor recreation destination.
Eons Park will be constructed in phases over several years. Some of its most prominent features include 20 miles worth of mountain bike trails, elevated canopy trails with scenic overlooks, a nature playground, wooden bridges and a hidden coffee shop.
The grand vision also came with a hefty price tag. In total, the Eons Park project is expected to cost approximately $40 million, according to previous reporting. Much of the project’s financing will come from city funding, grant awards and private investment. However, the city also considered a different way to raise money–one that would turn heads.
“We were talking about all the things the city has planned for the park, what it would take to make it all come together, and how to promote it and I think it was Mark who just said “What about an Eons beer?” Then we just sort of took off from there,” Wessels said.
“A Walk in the Woods” is a Kolsch-style ale crafted by Fabled Brew Works. The branding of this beer serves a dual purpose: it evokes the outdoor spirit of Eons Park while simultaneously alluding to Fabled Brew Works’ “Middle Earth”-inspired branding. Creating a Kolsch also connects the beer with Greater Cincinnati’s German heritage.
Wessels told LINK nky that he wanted something that was easy to drink, but also branded around Eons Park.
“That meant we needed something that was approachable so a lot of people can enjoy drinking it and also branded around the park itself,” Wessels said. “We wanted to make sure we created something that wasn’t already trademarked elsewhere, so this could be a long-term partnership that benefits the park for years to come.”
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of either a draft or a can will go toward the construction of the park.. The beer will be sold at Fabled Brew Works’ taproom, located at 331 Kenton Lands Road, as well as at other establishments throughout Kenton County.
Wessels is a Northern Kentucky native, something he took into account when making the decision to collaborate with Erlanger. He said he believes Eons Park will be a net positive for the community, helping drive tourism and growth.
“I think having a space like this will help bring people to the area and experience all the great things Northern Kentucky has to offer,” he said. “Any time you can add this much access to nature, it can only be seen as an asset to a community.”
