07/17/2026
Maybe I’m missing brewing beer for the masses just a little, but I don’t miss everything that came with owning and operating a brewery.
Brewing was always the art. Running the business was the hard part.
There are so many layers to that statement, and anyone who’s been in the craft beer industry knows exactly what I mean. Looking back, I truly believe we stepped away at the right time. We walked away with a few bruises and our dignity, but we also walked away with a lot to be grateful for.
It’s been a little over a year since BrickTree Brewing Co. closed its doors. That’s still bittersweet for me and I hardly admit it. More than anything, I miss the incredible staff who became family and the customers who supported us every step of the way. You all made BrickTree what it was. 100%.
What I don’t miss are the endless responsibilities and pressures that came with keeping a brewery alive in an increasingly difficult industry. Stepping away has given me something I didn’t realize I was missing—time. Time for family, for other passions, and for appreciating the parts of life that had taken a back seat for years.
That said… I still love making beer.
There was nothing quite like standing on the brew deck, crafting 310 gallons at a time, knowing people would soon be sharing a pint with friends and making memories over something we created. Some days meant brewing two or even three batches—12 to 14+ hours on my feet—but I loved the creative process.
These days, homebrewing has become something different. It’s pure creativity again. The fun part. 😁🍺
I can experiment without worrying whether a recipe has to sell enough pints to pay the bills. If something doesn’t turn out the way I imagined, the only thing I’ve lost is a little time and a few ingredients. That freedom has brought back a part of brewing beer I hadn’t realized I’d missed.
Don’t get me wrong. I couldn’t be prouder of what we produced at BrickTree. We made some incredible beers, and those recipes will always be part of the legacy.
Lately, I’ve been getting the itch to fire up the kettle again. More so than ever. My homebrew system can produce up to 30 gallons, not quite the 310-gallon brewhouse at BrickTree, but it’s more than enough to scratch the creative itch and fill my brew area with the smell of fresh wort once again. IYKYK.
So tell me… what was your favorite BrickTree beer, and why?
You just might inspire the next brew.
With all the feels,
John - former co-owner of BrickTree Brewing Co.
