Mad Anthony Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the United States. It was founded in 1998 by Blaine Stuckey, Todd Grantham, and Jeff Neels, who were all passionate about brewing beer. The company’s name comes from General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, who was a hero in the American Revolutionary War and played a significant role in the founding of Fort Wayne.
The original location of Mad Anthony Brewing Company was a small 60-seat brewpub, which quickly became a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The brewery’s success led to the opening of a second location in Fort Wayne in 2002, which has since become a staple of the downtown area.
Mad Anthony focused on brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers. The founders wanted to create unique and flavorful beers that would stand out from the mass-produced beers that dominated the market at the time. They started by brewing a few classic styles like pale ale, brown ale, and porter, but quickly expanded their lineup to include more adventurous and experimental beers.
One of the things that set Mad Anthony Brewing Company apart from other breweries was their commitment to using local and regional ingredients whenever possible. They worked with local farmers to source fresh hops and grains, and even used honey from local beekeepers in some of their beers. This not only helped support the local economy but also gave their beers a distinct regional flavor.
Over the years, Mad Anthony Brewing Company has grown into one of the largest and most respected craft breweries in Indiana. They now operate two brewpubs in Fort Wayne, as well as a production brewery that distributes their beers throughout the state and beyond. They offer a wide range of beers, from classic styles like pale ale and porter to more experimental brews like pumpkin ale and barrel-aged stouts.
Formerly the Hoosier Basketball camp, their Angola Lakeview Ale House sits just above Bledsoe’s Beach on the beautiful banks of the Lake James just north of the bridge at 4 Corners. The restaurant/pub offers several dining choices. The 120 seat dining room is divided into two distinct areas which include a non-smoking dining room for all ages, a bar area for those 21 and older highlighted by a 20 tap beer dispenser system.
When the weather permits, customers can take advantage of the beautiful outdoor patio and beer garden. The area features a 65 seat enclosed dinner patio, a cocktail patio featuring a fire top table that seats up to ten guests and a large terraced grassy area with five large picnic tables all of which offer guests a stunning view of the lake and an area for families and friends to enjoy pints of beer, cocktails and dinner.
In addition to their beer, Mad Anthony Brewing Company is also known for their food. Their brewpubs serve up a variety of pub fare, from burgers and wings to more upscale dishes like steaks and seafood. They also offer a popular Sunday brunch menu, featuring dishes like eggs benedict and Belgian waffles.
One of the things that has helped Mad Anthony Brewing Company succeed is their commitment to their community. They are active in local charities and community events, and have even brewed special beers to raise money for various causes. They also offer a program called “Brewed IN the Fort,” which highlights local businesses and organizations and gives them a platform to promote themselves to a wider audience.
In recent years, Mad Anthony Brewing Company has faced some challenges. Like many craft breweries, they have had to compete with the growing number of breweries and the rise of big beer companies. They have also had to adapt to changing consumer tastes, as more and more people have started drinking lighter beers like IPAs and sours.
Despite these challenges, Mad Anthony Brewing Company remains a beloved fixture in the Fort Wayne community and a respected member of the craft brewing industry. They continue to innovate and experiment with new beers and flavors, while staying true to their commitment to quality and community. As craft beer continues to grow in popularity, it’s clear that Mad Anthony Brewing Company will remain a major player in the industry for years to come.
UPDATE: In May 2022 Mad Anthony Brewing Co. announced that it is closing its Angola location as the company struggles with “staffing and the current climate of the industry.” In a message posted on its website, the owners say the decision to permanently close Mad Anthony’s Angola Lakeview Ale House and Reception Hall was not an easy one as it enjoyed having served guests in the area for 10 years.
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