At Mountain Culture, the pursuit of brewing perfection never stops. Since 2019, DJ and Harriet McCready have dedicated themselves to crafting exceptional beers that tell a story, ignite creativity, and bring people together in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
The Beginning: A Dream and a Challenge
The story of Mountain Culture began with a shared dream, but like most great adventures, the path quickly took unexpected turns. DJ, originally from North Carolina, was a self-taught brewer who fell in love with the craft of beer-making after a friendly rivalry with a flatmate evolved into a deep passion. What started as a homebrewing competition turned into a career fueled by a thirst for knowledge.
After gaining experience at several breweries—including Oskar Blues, one of the most respected names in the U.S. craft beer scene—DJ eventually made his way to Australia. There, he became the founding head brewer at Modus Operandi in Sydney, where he honed his skills and built a reputation for creating outstanding beers.
But it wasn’t just about brewing for DJ—it was about finding a way to bring that same passion and craft to a place where people could truly enjoy it. In 2019, he and Harriet set out to open Mountain Culture in the Blue Mountains, a brewpub that would provide locals and tourists alike with high-quality beer to enjoy after exploring the scenic beauty of the area.
However, as with many entrepreneurial ventures, the couple quickly realized that running a business isn’t always as smooth as it seems. In the face of unexpected challenges, they adapted and pivoted, ultimately turning the brewery into a thriving e-commerce and retail business that continues to grow.
DJ McCready: A Brewer’s Relentless Pursuit of Quality
DJ’s journey into brewing wasn’t a straightforward one. It began with a simple competition in a living room but quickly escalated into a full-blown obsession. He spent countless hours learning from seasoned brewers, eventually working his way up from mopping floors to becoming the head brewer at his first brewery.
“Brewing is all about learning,” DJ explains. “You’re never done experimenting, refining, or improving. That’s the beauty of it.”
After working at renowned craft breweries like Oskar Blues and Modus Operandi, DJ was ready to strike out on his own. His vision for Mountain Culture was to brew beers that reflected his dedication to quality, precision, and constant improvement.
For DJ, it’s about more than just making good beer—it’s about crafting experiences. Every beer brewed at Mountain Culture is a reflection of that ethos: to innovate, to improve, and to keep striving for excellence.
Harriet McCready: The Creative Visionary Who Built the Brand
While DJ brought the brewing expertise, Harriet used her background in the magazine industry to build the Mountain Culture brand. A former deputy editor of Dolly and Cosmopolitan magazines, Harriet had no brewing experience but quickly realized that a successful brewery needed more than just great beer—it needed a story.
“I knew DJ made the best beer I’d ever tasted,” Harriet says. “But I also knew there had to be more to it than that. We needed to share the story behind the beer and connect with our audience in a meaningful way.”
Drawing on her creative direction and branding skills, Harriet played a crucial role in shaping Mountain Culture’s image. From crafting compelling narratives to designing an e-commerce platform that reflected their values, Harriet’s work helped turn Mountain Culture into a brand that people not only loved for its beer but also for its story and vision.
Brewing Innovation and Craftsmanship
At Mountain Culture, brewing is an art form. DJ and his team are constantly experimenting, Mountain Culture perfecting, and innovating Mountain Culture to ensure that every batch they brew is better than the last. Whether it’s a bold new IPA or a classic lager, the focus is always on creating beers that surprise and delight, while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
But the innovation doesn’t stop in the brewing process—it extends to how Mountain Culture operates. The decision to pivot from a traditional brewpub to an e-commerce-driven business was a turning point, but it allowed the McCreadys to reach a wider audience and continue to grow in ways they hadn’t imagined.
“The brewing process is one part of the equation,” DJ says. “But how we deliver our beers to people, how we connect with them—that’s equally important.”
A Commitment to Community
At the heart of Mountain Culture is the belief that brewing isn’t just about the product; it’s about the people. The McCreadys have worked tirelessly to build a community around their brewery, not just as a business but as a place where people can come together, share stories, and celebrate the joy of good beer.
Mountain Culture has deep roots in the local community, supporting local events, collaborating with regional businesses, and creating a welcoming space for beer lovers to gather. Through both their physical presence and e-commerce platform, Mountain Culture has become more than just a brewery—it’s a hub for like-minded individuals who share a passion for great beer and good company.
The Future: Continuously Evolving, Always Innovating
As Mountain Culture continues to grow, DJ and Harriet remain focused on the core values that have guided their success: innovation, craftsmanship, and community. The future of Mountain Culture is about more than just brewing better beer; it’s about expanding the reach of their story, connecting with more people, and continuing to evolve as a brand.
“We’ve come a long way, but we’re not stopping here,” DJ says. “Every day is an opportunity to learn, improve, and innovate. And we’re excited about where the journey will take us next.”
Whether it’s through a new beer release, a creative marketing campaign, or expanding their reach beyond the Blue Mountains, Mountain Culture will always strive to brew better beer, connect with more people, and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of craft beer.
Mountain Culture Brewing – Where Craft, Passion, and Community Meet.