The beer is the result of a collaboration between the Century and Warped Wing Brewing Co. It will be sold in the brewery’s taproom nearby at 26 Wyandot St.
Kette's Kandies Spirited Treats, a Prohibition-era speakeasy-themed cocktail bar being constructed behind the Century, is set to open in late winter or early spring, Head told this news organization.
>> When will Century Bar's new 'speakeasy' open in downtown Dayton
The porter will be the only beer sold in the cocktail-driven, roaring ‘20s themed speakeasy and poured from a “barrel.”
The porter will only be available at other downtown area bars and restaurants.
WHY A RYE WHISKEY BARREL AGED PORTER?
Credit: Warped Wing
Credit: Warped Wing
Between 1909 and 1913, the Century’s site was the home of Kette & Sons whiskey company.
The rye whiskey company’s building was destroyed by fire during the Great Flood of 1913.
Seeing prohibition looming, the Kettes got out of the whiskey business and opened a candy store.
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Head said a whiskey barrel-aged beer was intentionally selected to honor the Kette family.
“It was a tip of the hat to a long-standing family in Dayton,” he said.
Porter is Head's favorite beer. He worked with Warped Wing's Brewmaster John Haggerty to develop the Kette's Pride.
“The beer is coal black in color with aromas of cocoa, vanilla and bourbon and notes of dark roasted malt, bourbon and hints of wood with tannins from the barrel,” Haggerty said of the 8 percent ABV brew.
>> RELATED: Warped Wing brewery gets national recognition
WHAT WILL KETTE’S BE LIKE?
Plans for the Kette's Kandies Spirited Treats have changed significantly since Head first announced the project in late 2015.
Instead of using "repurposed bar wood” as part of the decor, owners are going for a swanky cocktail bar with Kette’s.
The speakeasy will have seating for up to 80.
There will be cocktail tables, a granite bar with chandeliers hanging above, a red velvet seating area and a special section for Century’s so-called “bicentennial” members.
The beer will be poured from a “barrel.”
“We are going over the top,” he said, noting that while many downtown and Oregon District restaurants sell cocktails, few bars do.
“After 10 or 11 [p.m.], your cocktail options gets small,” he said.
Head described Kette’s as a place a where a man would want to wear a suit and a lady would want to wear a great dress.
The use of cell phones will be discouraged.
“We don’t want photographs taken,” he said. “We want it to be an experience.”
Guests will enter through a imitation candy shop that will double as a gift shop for Kette’s and the Century.
Posted by Kette's Kandies on Wednesday, November 1, 2017
T-shirts, books on bourbon and other merchandise will be sold.
When Kette’s is not open for business or being rented out for special events, the space will be use for cocktail classes, bourbon academy nights and other events.
>> Bourbon expert praises Dayton bar: it “should be in Kentucky”
As part of the project, the Century will also be improved.
Head said bartender stations will be added and the Century’s 1950s sign will be replaced with something that better reflects the business’ current goals .
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