New ‘Devil Wind’ brewery in the works in Xenia

Xenia — a region Shawnee Indians are said to have called, most prophetically, the “land of the devil wind” — may soon be home to a brand new brewery called “Devil Wind Brewing.”

There is no immediate indication the new brewery has obtained necessary licensing yet, but when it does, it will become the second brewery to operate in Xenia during this century. The Miami Trail Brewery opened in Xenia in the late 1990s and shut down by 2002, and was, during its time, the only craft brewery in the Dayton area.

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The newest Xenia brewery’s owners weren’t immediately available for comment, but according to the Devil Wind Brewing web site, devilwindbrewing.com — which is still under construction now but which was functioning early Wednesday evening — the new brewery is coming to 130 S. Detroit St. in downtown Xenia.

Here’s what Devil Wind Brewing’s founders said about their new brewery on their web site:

“Devil Wind Brewing is the outcome of four friends and a combined 80 years of craft beer experiences.

“The purpose of Devil Wind is simple: to brew the most outstanding local beer for Dayton-area consumers and visitors to the greater Miami Valley area. As part of the effort to make Xenia, Ohio a destination point, the company’s goal is to be a critical partner in this effort with a top-shelf product and an excellent reputation. The Dayton area beer family is dedicated and loyal. Devil Wind is certain to have a positive impact on the city of Xenia and the Greater Dayton area.

“The company will stand out by focusing on beer styles that are not being produced in the Dayton area. These will consist of European ales and lagers, specifically German lagers, as well as innovative and newer American styles of beers. Devil Wind hopes to introduce all beer drinkers to styles that they might not be familiar with, as well as provide their favorites. The brewers have worked in breweries and brewery supply stores, providing experience to the craft. With the experience they have acquired in previous jobs, the brewers at Devil Wind will create consistent and quality beers.

“The craft beer market in the Dayton area has exploded within the past three years. The Dayton area has the most breweries per capita in Ohio. As of October, 2016, there are 14 craft breweries in the Greater Dayton area, including Middletown and Springfield. There are no craft breweries currently in Xenia. The latest craze in craft beer are sour-style beers. Devil Wind plans to take advantage of this rise in sour beers by producing different styles of sours throughout the year, including goses and berliner weisses.”

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And under the tab of “our beers,” here’s what Devil Wind’s founders had to say:

“Our core lineup of beers consists of a wide variety of traditional and new styles that not only will appeal to the everyday beer drinker, but to the craft beer lover as well.

THE LINEUP

ESB – Made with the well-known East Kent Golding and Fuggle hops, this mild English ale is perfectly balanced with a complex grain bill and a touch of malty sweetness that ensures that this is a beer that newcomers and seasoned beer lovers will both enjoy…Inspired by the numerous stations along the London Underground, there’s something new to discover in every sip, and every stop!

LAGER – Made with the finest American-sourced barley and hops, this cold fermented lager is crisp, refreshing, and thirst-quenching. In addition to using the finest American ingredients, this beer is brewed with a multi-step mash to impart a rich, malty character. This is beer brewed the actual hard way.

OATMEAL STOUT – We’ve taken this classic European style and given it an American twist. Brewed with 6 different varieties of malted barley, this beer is rich, chocolatey, and creamy, all complemented by a nice roasted malt and slightly bitter finish.

NEIPA – Our take on a new style to come out of the Northeastern US. Taking advantage of some more modern hopping techniques, we’ve managed to make this beer explode with aroma and flavor.This beer is unapologetically American and won’t hesitate to slap you in the face with loads of citrus, passionfruit, and guava..oh yeah, and freedom.

GOSE – Incredibly crisp and slightly tart, you’ll be sure to also find notes of fresh coriander and sea salt in our take of this classic European ale. Be sure to check back periodically throughout the year as we also have variants with watermelon, apricot, and cranberry!”

We’ll be monitoring the progress of Devil Wind Brewing in the months to come as the Miami Valley’s local brewery scene continues to expand and, from all appearances, thrive.

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