E-Malt.com News article: USA, OH: MadTree Brewing opens in Columbia Township

MadTree Brewing is coming to Columbia Township, and subsequently, the Cincinnati area as a whole, The Community Press & Recorder reported on August, 14.

The brewery began as a hobby for three friends, and is now looking to begin distributing its uniquely crafted beers on a large scale.

MadTree got its humble beginning around 2006, when Madisonville resident Brady Duncan and Oakley residents Jeff Hunt and Kenny McNutt began brewing beer. Those first batches weren’t quite the quality they were accustomed to, so they began researching and using “more intense” equipment, according to McNutt.

“We basically tried to learn everything you need, science-wise,” he said.

Duncan said once the idea of brewing beer on a larger scale was introduced, the three friends took eight months to continue perfecting their beers. He said that process included tweaking ingredients one at a time, and performing taste tests with the group’s social beer club.

McNutt said the group also worked on the business aspect of the brewery during those initial months, determining if opening the brewery would be economically viable and the size and scope of the operation that would lead to a successful launch.

Hunt said when those factors were determined, it was time to obtain a bank loan and begin raising capital.

“We basically solicited everybody we know and anyone who likes beer,” McNutt said.

MadTree will start with three “year round” beers – an amber, a dark brown and a IPA - before bringing new brews to the public.

Anyone interested in tasting MadTree should first look to their local drinking establishments. Duncan said they will first work with distributors to get their beers into local bars and soon after will start canning MadTree.

Hunt said MadTree will start brewing slowly, and then gradually ramp up. He said it’s important to get the system figured out first.

Duncan said the taste of MadTree beer can compete with the larger beer companies, and the local brewer is now trying to prove they can match the more popular brews on a larger scale.


15 August, 2012