Learning the background of how a brewery comes together is always enjoyable. You learn about the blood, sweat and tears it takes to get a business off the ground. And then there are times you hear about all of that, and much more. Like how a bunch of friends got together for an all day brew day marathon and the idea for the brewery was born. Which is exactly the story behind Dented Keg who expects to open soon in Mars.

We recently visited the future home of this brewery and met with brothers Matt (owner) and Travis McCullough (brand ambassador). As we learned, the story behind Dented Keg is quite simple, but very unique. It all started when Matt and co-owner Corey Gibbons got together one day with friends to start brewing beer. With no real formal training they decided to jump right in and host a 23 hour brew day extravaganza. This marathon of a day took place back in April of 2016 and the results were 3 beers: a pale ale, raspberry wheat, and an IPA.

So how’d the name come about? That’s a part of the story as well. The crew jumped right into it with a 20 gallon set up. What do you do with all of that finished beer? You keg it of course. After a search for some used corny kegs and a quick purchase they showed up at their door. But as with almost anything used, some didn’t show up in the greatest of shape. As they told us “there were some dented kegs in the mix”. And hence the brewery was born.

Fast forward 3 years later and Dented Keg is scheduled to open their 10 barrel, 4,000 square foot brewery at 700 Adams Shoppes in Mars. The brewery will offer seating for 90 as well as a private area for 20. They’ll offer a variety of home made beers across 12 taps; what they call a 504 Pale Ale (in honor of Matt’s former home address), a Lager, IPA, the afore mentioned raspberry wheat and more. Unique to this location they will also offer home made ciders. That’s right, Dented Keg will hand craft both beer and cider. Rounding out the drinking experience will be PA wine and spirits as well as a barrel aging program and crowlers to go.

The liquid won’t be the only offering. The brewery plans to open a kitchen complete with an outdoor smoker. As we learned Matt also has a passion for smoked meats. He will bring that passion to the brewery to offer a robust menu for patrons. Their kitchen will offer, as they say, “high end bar food”.

We recently toured the inside of the future location. Construction is still ongoing, however Dented Keg was nice enough to offer us renderings of what guests will expect to see once inside. Take a virtual tour below: (pics courtesy Dented Keg):

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Travis and Matt are not the only brothers behind the brand. Their other brother Derek will be the head brewer who comes up with all of the hand crafted beer. Unique to this location, the brewery will use a smart brew system. Learn more of smart brew here.

Construction is underway, however the plan is to be open by the spring. Visit Dented Keg on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and their website to keep up to date as they get closer to their grand opening.