March First Manufacturing Acquires FigLeaf Brewing Co.
- Sep 19, 2019
- 3 min read
CINCINNATI - Sycamore Twp based March First Manufacturing, LLC parent company of March First Brewing and Sycamore Distilling (Sycamore Whiskeys, Voltage Vodkas, Cooper Island Rums) today announces its acquisition of Middletown, Ohio-based FigLeaf Brewing Company. FigLeaf Brewing, located at 3387 Cincinnati-Dayton Road will be celebrating its 3rd anniversary on October 12th and is known for its popular Basmati Cream Ale and Blackberry Fizz offerings. FigLeaf currently distributes throughout eighteen counties in Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley as well as six counties in Northern Kentucky.
"We are thrilled to welcome the FigLeaf team, brand and product mix into our family. FigLeaf's lineup is very complimentary to the other March First brands and has a wonderful and loyal following extending well into Monroe, Middletown, Trenton, Greater Miami Valley and metropolitan Dayton markets." company spokesperson Josh Engel said.
Founders Brian Yavorsky and Andy Allgeyer will continue their original mission to grow and expand the FigLeaf brand, taproom, distribution footprint and product lines. "We are very excited about our future and feel like we are on a team that can help us accelerate the plans we have been developing for years. Not only are we keeping the current staff in place we are hiring bar, kitchen and cellar operations folks to support our next phase." said Brian Yavorsky, FigLeaf’s GM.
"We love what the FigLeaf team has accomplished with their world class production facility, their fantastic selection of beers, fruit wines and other innovative products. Joining forces with the FigLeaf team will make us smarter, better and stronger. These are outstanding operators that care deeply about their craft, their families and their community. Countless hours of labor, tremendous financial investment along with the love and passion of everyone involved were poured into FigLeaf shaping it into something truly amazing. We couldn’t be more honored to be a part of the future of FigLeaf Brewing." said Mark Stuhlreyer, President of March First Manufacturing. “We move ahead mindful of the contributions of so many and in sincere appreciation, we will build on what they have achieved.”
Detailed plans for the upcoming expansion of the FigLeaf taproom is available online at www.figleafbrewing.com. The taproom will remain open under its current operating hours throughout the expansion phase. Additionally, FigLeaf will announce an expanded food and beverage menu in the taproom in the next few days and expects that menu to go into effect this month.
About March First Brewing and Distilling
March First Brewing is Cincinnati’s only brewery, cidery and distillery. Founded on March 1, 2016 and based in Sycamore Township, Ohio, our name pays homage to the great state of Ohio, founded March 1, 1803. We specialize in “drinkable" craft beer, cider, and spirits, and proudly brew, distill, and bottle in Cincinnati, Ohio. We admittedly do not follow popular trends or industry norms, and it is precisely this that makes us delightfully unpredictable. March First Brewing products are currently available in seven counties in Southwest Ohio including most Kroger locations and six counties in Northern Kentucky. Sycamore Distilling products are available throughout Ohio, Kentucky and select markets in Illinois.
About FigLeaf Brewing Company
At FigLeaf, we have an unbridled passion for brewing, and want to share our passion with you. Our independent craft brewery houses custom brewing equipment, utilizing some less common techniques and processes in service of unique flavors. We're inspired by the wide diversity of brewing traditions and styles and will strive to satisfy craft beer enthusiasts of every variety. FigLeaf currently distributes throughout eighteen counties in Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley as well as six counties in Northern Kentucky.
I love learning about local breweries like March First and FigLeaf—there’s something special about craft drinks made with passion and care. Reading about their unique processes reminds me a bit of Crossy Road, an arcade game where you guide characters across roads and rivers. Both require attention, timing, and a little bit of strategy to succeed
A noteworthy point is how FigLeaf Brewing maintains its "independent craft" orientation despite being part of a larger system, which could create a very interesting hybrid model for the craft beer market. This type of development is similar to the upgrade in Subway Surfers, expanding while retaining the core gameplay style to avoid losing its essence.
Interesting move—this acquisition sounds like a smart way for March First to expand its reach while bringing in a brand with a loyal local following. On a lighter note, when I’m winding down after reading business news like this, I usually switch to something fun like Rocket Goal it’s simple but surprisingly addictive. Definitely a nice way to relax for a few minutes.
Space Waves stands out because of its balance between simplicity and difficulty. Anyone can play it, but only skilled players can truly master it.
During a tense Block Blast moment, I slightly shifted my position to sit more comfortably. The better posture helped me think clearly.