Mountain Culture: Brewing Passion, Crafting Stories, and Elevating Beer

Mountain Culture Brewing, founded by DJ and Harriet McCready, is not just about brewing exceptional beer; it's about creating a community and a culture centered around craft beer, innovation, and shared experiences. Since its inception in 2019, Mountain Culture Brewing has quickly become a staple in the Australian craft beer scene, offering locals and tourists in the Blue Mountains an opportunity to indulge in the highest-quality brews after a day of adventure.

A Passion for Craft Beer and a Leap of Faith

For DJ McCready, the journey to Mountain Culture Brewing started in the most humble of settings—his living room. It was there that DJ began experimenting with homebrewing in a friendly competition with his flatmate, an activity that soon became a life-defining passion. The obsession grew so intense that DJ started working at a local brewery, mopping floors to learn the trade and get as close to the head brewer as possible. This hard work paid off, and within a couple of years, DJ became the head brewer.

His pursuit of the perfect brew took him from his home state of North Carolina to Sydney, where he honed his skills as the founding head brewer of Modus Operandi. It was here that DJ met Harriet, his future wife and co-founder. Together, they dreamed of building a brewery that could offer locals and travelers alike not just a drink but an experience.

From Homebrew to Business

Harriet McCready, though completely new to brewing, brought her own set of unique skills to the table. With years of experience in editorial roles at major magazines like Dolly and Cosmopolitan, Harriet saw the potential for more than just great beer—she saw the opportunity to tell a story and build a brand that would resonate with people. While DJ focused on perfecting the beers, Harriet focused on developing the brand, utilizing her background in creative direction and storytelling to help Mountain Culture stand out in a crowded market.

The idea for a brewpub in the heart of the Blue Mountains was born—a place where both locals and visitors could enjoy freshly brewed beers after a day of hiking, climbing, or exploring the natural wonders of the area. However, as with any great idea, the journey didn’t go exactly as planned. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift, and the couple pivoted from a hospitality-based business to a more e-commerce-driven model, expanding their reach and establishing an even stronger connection with their community of craft beer lovers.

DJ McCready: A Brewer Who Never Stops Learning

DJ’s approach to brewing is one of constant growth and innovation. From his early days as a homebrewer in North Carolina to becoming the head brewer at Modus Operandi, DJ has always been committed to learning and refining his craft. For DJ, brewing beer is a continuous process of experimentation—he believes there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s tweaking a recipe, trying a new technique, or finding fresh ingredients.

“Brewing beer is not a static art,” DJ says. “Every batch is an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

This mindset has allowed DJ to create a diverse range of beers at Mountain Culture Brewing, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, each one crafted with precision and care. His passion for quality shines through in every beer, and it’s this dedication that sets Mountain Culture apart.

Harriet McCready: The Creative Force Behind the Brand

While DJ brews Mountain Culture the beer, Harriet builds the brand. Drawing from her extensive experience in the editorial world, Harriet brings a storytelling approach to everything Mountain Culture does. From developing the brewery’s website and e-commerce platform to crafting engaging content and marketing campaigns, Harriet’s creative direction is key to making Mountain Culture more than just a brewery—it’s a community.

“I may not have known anything about brewing when I started, but I knew that the story behind the beer is what connects people to it,” Harriet says. “Beer isn’t just something you drink—it’s something you experience, and we wanted to make sure our customers felt that experience, whether they were visiting the brewpub or ordering online.”

Harriet’s creative vision helped Mountain Culture build a loyal following, with fans who not only love the beer but also appreciate the brand’s authenticity and personal touch.

A Commitment to Community and Innovation

For DJ and Harriet, Mountain Culture is about more than just making great beer—it’s about creating a community. They’ve worked hard to build relationships with their local area, using local suppliers, employing local talent, and supporting local events. The couple has become deeply involved in the Blue Mountains community, from grassroots sports initiatives to partnerships with nearby businesses.

“We want to Mountain Culture be more than just a brewery,” DJ says. “We want to be part of the fabric of this community, and we want to share our love for craft beer with as many people as we can.”

Mountain Culture’s commitment to innovation is also reflected in its ability to adapt and grow. The shift to e-commerce allowed the McCreadys to reach a wider audience, while still maintaining a focus on quality and craftsmanship. Whether it’s through their flagship brews or limited-edition releases, Mountain Culture is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of craft beer.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Mountain Culture Brewing

As Mountain Culture continues to evolve, DJ and Harriet remain focused on their mission: to brew exceptional beers that bring people together. Their commitment to quality, creativity, and community is what has allowed them to grow and succeed, and they’re excited for the future.

“We’re not just in the business of brewing beer—we’re in the business of creating experiences,” says DJ. “We want every person who drinks one of our beers to feel like they’re part of something special.”

With plans to continue expanding their reach, Mountain Culture Brewing is poised to remain at the forefront of the Australian craft beer scene, crafting beers that inspire, connect, and delight.

Mountain Culture Brewing – Crafting the Future of Beer, One Brew at a Time.