Breweries

History of Brewing in Madison, IN

As one of the first brewing cities west of the Alleghenies, Madison’s four breweries crafted great beer from 1818-1918. At that time, the majority of the breweries were operated by Germans who brought their recipes from Europe. The brewing industry was very prosperous in Madison until Prohibition. As a matter of fact, Madison has the oldest standing brewery building in Indiana, the Greiner Brewery, just east of downtown. The Greiner building was also the site of Madison’s first brewery.

2018 marked the 100th Anniversary and the return of this popular craft to Madison. Mad Paddle opened their microbrewery near the end of 2018. Mad Paddle, located in a former feed store, has big plans and hopes to eventually become a “brewstillery,” with additional spirits produced on site.

New Madison Brewing Co. selected their establishment’s name out of deference to Madison’s last large brewery, Madison Brewing Co. Come for a visit, experience Madison’s newest must see additions and sample great craft beer from not one, but two great breweries. The 100 year drought is over!