Breweries

Raise a Glass to Madison’s Brewing Past — and Present

Madison, Indiana has deep brewing roots. As one of the first brewing cities west of the Alleghenies, local breweries thrived from 1818 until the onset of Prohibition in 1918. Many of these early establishments were operated by German immigrants who brought Old World recipes to the Ohio River Valley. Today, the Greiner Brewery — Indiana’s oldest standing brewery building and the original site of Madison’s first brewery — still stands just east of downtown, a reminder of the city’s rich brewing history, and now serves as Hen & Ben Event Venue.

After a 100-year hiatus, the taps are flowing again. In 2018, Mad Paddle Brewstillery reignited Madison’s beer scene, launching their microbrewery in a restored 19th-century feed store. Now a top-rated destination, Mad Paddle features a 25-tap Self Pour Wall, a full food menu, and live music or special events nearly every night. Their future plans include producing their own spirits on site, adding a spirited twist to Madison’s brewing revival.

Not long after, New Madison Brewing Co. joined the scene, paying homage to Madison’s historic Madison Brewing Co. With 12 taps of 100% Madison-made craft beer, this hilltop microbrewery and taproom offers free tours and a community-focused vibe that makes every pint feel local.

And there’s more on the horizon — another brewery is brewing in downtown Madison, promising to add new flavor to the city’s already vibrant craft beer community.

The 100-year drought is officially over. Come enjoy a beer and cheers to Madison!