At Mountain Culture, the pursuit of brewing the perfect beer isn’t just a job – it’s a lifelong obsession. DJ and Harriet McCready’s journey to establishing the first brewpub in the Blue Mountains wasn’t without its challenges, but it has always been fueled by one simple question: How can we brew a beer even better than the last?
From Homebrewer to Brewpub Innovators
The Mountain Culture story began in 2019, when DJ McCready, a North Carolina native, and his wife, Harriet, set out to make the Blue Mountains a haven for beer lovers, offering locals and tourists alike a place to enjoy high-quality brews after a day of outdoor adventure. The goal was simple – to brew exceptional beer and make a lasting impact on the craft beer scene.
But like many great ideas, the path to success wasn’t as straightforward as they’d imagined. The couple had no idea that their journey would soon involve more pivots and pivots, ultimately leading them to build something far more impactful than they originally envisioned.
DJ McCready: The Brewer Who Never Stopped Learning
DJ’s brewing journey didn’t start with a grand plan. It began in the humble setting of his living room in North Carolina, where a friendly competition with a flatmate to brew the best homebrew led him into the world of craft beer. This “heated” competition quickly evolved, and DJ found himself mopping floors at a local brewery, looking for every opportunity to learn from the experts.
Within two years, DJ worked his way up to become the head brewer at the very same brewery, while also claiming the title of best home brewer (at least, according to his own version of the story). His thirst for knowledge drove him to even greater heights, and DJ’s journey took him to renowned US brewery Oskar Blues. Here, he gained invaluable experience, learning the intricacies of brewing at a world-class level.
The next chapter of his journey brought him to Australia, where he became the founding head brewer of Modus Operandi in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It was during this time that DJ met Harriet, his future wife and co-founder of Mountain Culture. It was their combined passion for great beer and a shared vision that laid the foundation for what would become Mountain Culture.
Harriet McCready: The Creative Visionary Behind the Brand
Harriet McCready’s path to the brewing industry wasn’t through hops or barley, but rather through a successful career in women’s magazines. As the former deputy editor of Dolly and Cosmopolitan magazines, Harriet had little knowledge of brewing. In fact, she admits that she knew “nothing” about the craft beer scene. But there was one thing she did know for sure: DJ’s beer was, hands down, the best beer she’d ever tasted.
With a hunch that her husband’s brewing talent deserved a bigger platform, Harriet joined DJ in the business, believing she could handle the creative and business side while DJ brewed his heart out. Little did she know, running a brewery was far more complicated than long lunches and creative freedom. The couple soon faced the harsh reality of shifting from a hospitality venue to a retail and e-commerce business. But Harriet’s expertise in creative direction, storytelling, and building a brand through her editorial background turned out to Mountain Culture be the perfect toolset for pivoting the business in a new direction.
Crafting Beer and Building a Brand
As Mountain Culture navigated the complexities of launching a successful brewery, the couple’s adaptability and resilience were key. They weren’t just brewing beer—they were crafting a brand and a story that resonated with people. Harriet’s deep understanding of how to connect with audiences through storytelling and creative direction allowed Mountain Culture to stand out in a competitive market.
From establishing an iconic brand voice to creating compelling e-commerce experiences, Mountain Culture has gone from strength to strength, all while staying true to their roots of brewing world-class beer.
A Focus on Innovation and Quality
While Harriet brought her creative vision to life, DJ continued to focus on the craft of brewing. At Mountain Culture, the process of making great beer never stops evolving. Every batch is an opportunity to experiment, refine, and innovate, ensuring that each beer is better than the last. DJ’s commitment to quality has seen Mountain Culture win accolades for their brews, but for DJ, the real win is in the ongoing pursuit of perfection.
“Brewing beer is a craft,” DJ says. “But it’s also a constant journey. Every batch we brew, we learn something new, and every day is a chance to make it better. That’s what drives us.”
The Community Connection
One of the defining elements of Mountain Culture’s success is the connection they’ve built with their community. Whether it’s through their brewpub in the heart of the Blue Mountains or their retail and e-commerce business, the couple has created a culture of inclusivity and celebration around their beers.
Mountain Culture is not just about brewing exceptional beer, but also about sharing that passion with the people who matter most—their community of beer lovers, adventurers, and families. The brewpub itself is a destination, a place where the local community and tourists alike can come together to enjoy fresh, quality beer while sharing stories of their day’s adventures in the Blue Mountains.
Looking Ahead: A Future Fueled by Passion
As Mountain Culture continues to grow and evolve, DJ and Harriet remain committed to the values that have always guided their journey—innovation, quality, and a deep love for brewing. From humble beginnings to now being a cornerstone of the Blue Mountains beer scene, Mountain Culture’s future is bright.
“We’ve only just scratched the surface,” says DJ. “The future of Mountain Culture is all about pushing the boundaries of what we can create and sharing our love for beer with more people.”
As Mountain Culture looks to expand its reach and explore new opportunities, one thing remains certain: they Mountain Culture will always keep asking that same question—How can we brew a beer even better than the last?
Mountain Culture Brewing – Where Passion, Craft, and Community Come Together.