Covington brewery sets Kickstarter record

That was fast: Braxton Brewing Co. reached its $30,000 Kickstarter goal just 35 hours after the campaign's Tuesday launch.

What's more, Braxton, coming soon to Seventh Street in Covington, broke the single-day funding record for a brewery on Kickstarter and was featured on the site's home page as one of its most popular projects.

"We are beyond honored that so many people believe in our vision," said Jake Rouse, who is opening the brewery with his brother, Evan; their father, Greg; and renowned brewmaster Richard Dube, formerly of Christian Moerlein.

"Now, we have a huge opportunity to become the most funded brewery on Kickstarter ever," he said.

To hit that record, Braxton would have to raise $65,535 -- a little less than double the $33,905 from 291 backers it had as of 4 p.m. Thursday. The campaign, dubbed "Braxton Builders," runs for 27 more days.

Funding will be used toward technology for the brewery's taproom, which the founders are calling the "taproom of the future."

Donors essentially become members of the brewery and will be invited to an annual meeting where they can give feedback about the brewery's future. They also will have the first chance to purchase seasonals, get VIP access to events and be eligible to buy Builders-only merchandise. Other rewards, which vary by pledge level, range from T-shirts to a commemorative Rookwood stein to "brewer for a day" and other experiences. Visit the brewery's Kickstarter page for details.