All About MadTree Brewing Company
Written By: The Gnarly Gnome
Photography By: The Gnarly Gnome
When MadTree opened its doors back in 2013, things were a little different in Cincinnati. Cincinnati beer was a thing – but the taproom? It certainly was not. It was midway through planning their production-only brewery that the laws were changed here in Cincy, and MadTree had to rethink things.
Their first taproom was an old warehouse (it used to belong to a pest control service). It wasn’t fancy, to say the least. Old doors made up tables, the brewhouse was right next to where you were sitting… it was loud sometimes, hot sometimes… it was a taproom that existed just out of pure necessity.
But one thing that set these guys apart almost immediately – they understood their customers. They knew what folks wanted, how they wanted it, and by golly – they gave it to them.
Their business exploded. They were the first craft brewery in Ohio to put their beer in cans, and as they hit store shelves, the city embraced them wholeheartedly.
Things were going so well for MadTree that by the time 2018 rolled around, they were in desperate need of new production space. They were working their old 15bbl brewhouse to the bone around the clock, and to keep going, they were going to have to get bigger.
Enter “MadTree 2.0,” a massive production space and taproom in Oakley that kicked things up a few notches for them. They built a big facility that takes a lot of the aspects from the original taproom and brings them back… just better. It’s a hard balance to manage, and they’ve knocked it out of the park!
In 2022, the brewery opened up its third space, the MadTree Alcove in OTR, which is as much a restaurant as it is a taproom. It might even be more restaurant than taproom, and that’s by design. As they’ve kept growing, MadTree has figured out ways to keep their current customers happy and to find ways to bring in other folks, as well. With its unique personality, the Alcove is a perfect example of that growth.
In early 2024, they opened up their next space. This new taproom and restaurant is dubbed ‘Parks and Rec’ – due to its location in Blue Ash’s ‘Summit Park’. With their beer being situated right next to walking trails, green space, and several playgrounds and outdoor playscapes, this outdoor-focused space brings their brand even more to life and opens the door to a very different experience than any of their other spaces do.
If you have to sum up MadTree in a quick paragraph, it’s about finding a sweet spot between passion for beer, for community, and for the environment. The brewery is founded and run on the idea that caring about the people and places around you can fuel everything else you do as a business. They’re members of 1% for the planet, BCorp Certified, they take days off of work to plant trees around the city… it’s not just talk, they walk the walk.
MadTree’s Locations
The Complete MadTree Timeline
- January 2013 – MadTree opens for business.
- March 28, 2013 – The brewery creates history by being the first craft brewery in Ohio to put their beer into cans when they packaged Psychopathy. (You can see tasting notes for their packaged releases here)
- 4/13/13 – The MadTree taproom opens for business.
- August 2013 – The first in a series of quick expansions, when the brewery brings their fermenting space from 90bbls to 210bbls, they also install a centrifuge.
- November 2013 – 2 more 60bbl fermenters bring their capacity to 330bbls
- April 2014 – In addition to the now obligatory new fermenter, the brewery installs a grain silo and wraps it with its iconic Psychopathy wrap. They also expand distribution into Columbus.
- June 2014 – More fermenters are added, and the canning line gets some upgrades.
- December 2014 – The brewery purchases the 17,000 square foot warehouse next door to house the overflow from their fast expansion.
- February 2015 – MadTree builds a Catch-A-Fire pizza location inside their taproom, solving the food puzzle for their fans.
- May 28, 2015 – First Bottle Release when they release Barrel-Aged Axis Mundi – the Trunk Series Begins.
- January 2016 – MadTree 2.0 is officially announced to the public. The expansion will give them a “forever home” as they quickly outgrow their original space. (You can read the post from the announcement)
- April 3, 2016 – MadTree releases its first sour beers with ‘Funk Day.’
- February 11, 2017 – MadTree 2.0 opens for business
- January 2018 – The Brewery expands its distribution into Nashville, Tennessee.
- December 2018 – MadTree introduces its first-ever cider, called 42 Mile Cider.
- February 2019 – The brewery unveils its new branding
- May 2021 – They announce plans for their third location – called ‘The Alcove.’
- January 2022 – MadTree changes its distribution partners in Ohio, signing with a new network, including Stagnaro distribution.
- March 7, 2022 – ‘The Alcove‘ opens its doors in OTR
- 2023 – The brewery announces plans for the next MadTree Space, dubbed ‘Parks and Rec.’
- October, 2023 – MadTree becomes BCorp Certified, the first brewery in Ohio. Their Alcove location also achieved LEED Gold Certification.
- February 2024 – MadTree Parks and Rec opens for business in Blue Ash, Ohio.
Drinking Raven’s Riff At MadTree Brewing
Fonio? What In The World Is This, Now? What Are You Up To, MadTree?
MadTree’s Sequoia’s Gift To Get The Day Right
MadTree’s Seeing Colors Getting A New Family Member?
Cincinnati Showcased Via Untappd Community Awards
Volume 9, Episode 23 – MadTree Has A Soul And Wants You To Help it Grow
Volume 9, Episode 18 – MadTree Steps Up And Brings Their Food Program In House
MadTree’s New Location Might Be The Most MadTree Thing Ever
MadTree Throws ‘One Good Party’ To Showcase Non-Profits
MadTree Introduces ‘Dolly’ – A New Part Of Their Sway Line Of Vodka Sodas
MadTree’s Tenth Anniversary, And How They’ve Grown
