Story by Dave Shaw Photos by Heidi Oliver Design by Liann Trahey
A
tumultuous end to original owner Matthew Barbee’s management of Lancaster-area Rockmill Brewery shrouded the sprawling, picturesque estate in mystery, causing even die-hard fans to question what was happening at one of the crown jewels of the greater Columbus beer scene. After the closure of Rockmill's Brewery District Expansion (Bandit Pizza & Pairings, formerly Rockmill Tavern), Barbee announced that the main Rockmill Brewing property in Lancaster was also for sale. Enter German Village-area real estate developer Austin Caulk, who fell in love with Rockmill around that time, so much so that he proposed to then-girlfriend Taylor Scribner on the property. This led to a conversation with Barbee, the first of many dominoes to fall, eventually leading to fresh ownership and a fresh start under Caulk and Scribner.Throughout a process that
included purchasing the site’s adjacent residence (once Barbee’s home, now home to Caulk & Scribner), securing surrounding land parcels, winning a foreclosure auction and securing the rights to the Rockmill Brewing brand, equipment, and beer recipes, the on-property taproom never closed. Caulk, Scribner & partner investors took full operation of the site on August 1, 2024, capping the achievement with Rockmill Fest that September, a weekend-long beer & music festival, now an annual event. “Clearly, (Barbee) built an amazing brand focused on the experience and great beer and we just want to continue to expound upon that and improve upon it,” Caulk said. “There's really nothing like this in Ohio, let alone, arguably, the Midwest.“
After a rocky period and a later ownership change, the beloved Rockmill Brewery is better than ever
↑ Enjoy an ice cold beer on Rockmill Brewing's extensive land
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JUNE 2025
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