Owner plans May opening for New Albany’s newest brewpub

Richard Otey, 54, got a Mr. Beer brand home brewing kit as a gift from his wifeKimberly Otey about 15 years ago.

He didn’t necessarily love the beer he made in it, but he admits it was the start of something special. Before long, Otey decided to build a small brewing operation at his house.

“No disrespect to Mr. Beer, but we can do better than this,” he thought at the time.

He has since been reading about brewing, listening to podcasts on the topic and further honing his interest in it.

“I’ve always been a frustrated artist, but I never had a medium,” Otey said.

With brewing, he finally found an outlet.

“Beer is my art,” he said.

Now Otey hopes to turn that passion into a business with the opening of Donum Dei Brewery LLC, at 3211 Grant Line Road in New Albany.

Donum Dei means “Gift from God” in Latin, he said. Otey believes religion and alcohol can peacefully coexist.

Until recently, he was an electrical engineer working for the health care division of global electronics giant Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV.

In that role, he serviced Philips brand ultrasound machines in the area. But changes at the company would have forced him to relocate. He wasn’t interested in doing that, so he used the circumstance as an opportunity to further pursue his brewing interest.

He and his wife will open the business together, financing it 100 percent themselves. So far, they have invested more than $100,000 in the operation, which is located in 1,800 square feet of space in a strip center off Grant Line Road.

Plumbing has been installed, and they soon will build walls. He hopes to open by Kentucky Derby weekend.

Otey likes the location because of its proximity to The New Albanian Brewing Co.’s Pizzeria & Public House — formerly known as Rich O’s Public House — which offers a large selection of craft beer. Opening nearby creates a sort of craft beer destination in New Albany, he said. It’s also near the Indiana University Southeast campus.

The brewpub will offer beer and fare, with seating for 48, including outdoor space.

It will have eight taps and start out offering Belgian, English and Scotch ales both by the glass and by the growler.