Nocterra Brewing Company is getting another shot at life, and its first order of business is making Powell a whole lot more festive.
Land-Grant Brewing Company announced Thursday that it has acquired the Nocterra brand and its Powell taproom, with plans to bring the brewery’s fan-favorite beers back to shelves and taps throughout Central Ohio. The Columbus-based brewery is also targeting a late November reopening for the Powell taproom, giving fans a chance to get reacquainted with the space.
The newly reopened Nocterra Powell will transform into an immersive Christmas pop-up for the season, featuring over-the-top decorations, specialty holiday cocktails served in themed take-home glassware, Christmas Ale, and rentable heated igloos in the beer garden.
Located less than 10 minutes from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the taproom could also make a convenient pit stop before or after a trip to Wildlights.
“Nocterra has built something incredibly special in Powell,” said Adam Benner, president and co-founder of Land-Grant Brewing Company. “They’ve created more than a lineup of great beers. They’ve created a community and a destination with an identity all its own.”
Land-Grant plans to brew Nocterra beers at its Franklinton production facility, bringing familiar favorites back to retailers, bars, and restaurants throughout Columbus and beyond.
But the holiday pop-up is just the beginning.
Land-Grant anticipates temporarily closing the Powell taproom in January 2027 for a more extensive renovation. The project will focus on expanding the usable taproom space, making better use of the existing footprint, and improving the overall guest experience.
The brewery also plans to bring elements of its popular Wintergarden experience to Powell, potentially introducing new seasonal activities and year-round gathering opportunities.
“We’ve learned a lot over the years about what makes a brewery more than just a place to grab a beer,” Benner said. “Through our twelve years in Franklinton, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful spaces, creative programming and unique experiences can bring people together. We’re excited to take what we’ve learned and apply it in Powell.”
The acquisition comes after a challenging stretch for the craft beer industry, which has seen breweries contend with rising operating costs, changing consumer habits, and increased competition.
Land-Grant also took time to recognize Nocterra founders Bryan Duncan, Lori Duncan, and Bruce Vivian, crediting them with building a brand and gathering place that has become an important part of Powell’s community.
“We have an incredible amount of respect for the entire Nocterra team and everything they’ve poured into building the brewery and taproom over the years,” said Walt Keys, creative director and co-founder of Land-Grant. “They’ve built a brand with a strong identity and a truly loyal community, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to carry that forward.”
Keys emphasized that Land-Grant isn’t interested in simply slapping its name on the space and calling it a day.
“We aren’t looking at this as replacing Nocterra,” he said. “We see it as continuing what they started.”
For Land-Grant, the acquisition adds another location to its hospitality portfolio. The brewery has also had a notable year on the beer scene, earning a bronze medal at the 2026 World Beer Cup for its Great Falls Scotch Ale and landing on USA TODAY’s 2026 list of the Best Bars in America.
For now, the immediate priority is getting Nocterra’s beer back out into the world and welcoming guests back to Powell. Specific reopening dates, beer availability, and details about the upcoming renovations are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
