Creating a special, travel-inspired brew

In 2019 CVG announced the upcoming opening of a Moerlein Lager House location within the airport. This was a huge success for the airport, as it signified a local concessions offering which was something that travelers repeatedly asked for on surveys and questionnaires. People wanted Cincinnati beer - and we were going to give it to them.

I saw an opportunity for the airport to take it one step further. Why not create a CVG brew? Moerlein was open to the idea of creating a small batch of something special for us and after a lot of brainstorming we unveiled: Jet CVG.

A dark beer (black, like jet fuel), but smoky and easy-drinking. A Schwarzbier, to be exact. Something to enjoy before your flight and a taste of Cincinnati’s robust history of beer-making from one of its oldest breweries.

I designed Jet CVG’s logo, tap handles, keg aprons, pints - all promotional materials associated with its rollout. All we needed was an official keg-tapping and a big celebration. First, we tapped a keg at the airport’s restaurant location with internal board members and stakeholders. Then, another keg was tapped downtown at the Moerlein brewery itself, for all our employees to celebrate.

Jet CVG was available on-tap at all Moerlein locations for about a year. We were told by travelers it paired well with a shot of Kentucky bourbon cream - the perfect regional sidecar!

Video of Moerlein’s brewmaster describing the flavor profile.