Mack Brewing Company, started by Dave McMullin Jr., is currently crowdfunding to open in West Philadelphia.

Dave is aiming to become one of the first black-owned breweries in Philadelphia. He is raising money to both contract brew, as well as build a brewery in the location he grew up, West Philadelphia. Check out his gofundme link below!

We recently spoke with Dave to learn more about his operation. Read our conversation below.

BIPA: What are your goals with Mack Brewing?

Dave: My goal is to bring more people of color into the beer scene. I don’t want to have a massive brewery, but eventually, I want to open a series of small breweries in other locations with a local feel.

BIPA: Why do you want to open in West Philadelphia?

Dave: I want to be in the area I grew up in. I want more people, and more kids of color, to see how I built this and the different ways to be successful. I want to grow this business and help bring a spotlight to my part of Philly.

BIPA: Are you currently brewing beer?

Dave: We are not licensed yet, and still looking into contract brewing. We need to make sure it makes sense for the brand and how we move forward.

BIPA: Are you currently looking for a location?

Dave: Yes, there are a few buildings we are looking at. Our goal is to have one by 2022. We want to get a 5-7bbl system, and also serve food through a restaurant. So the location will need to accommodate all of this. 

BIPA: How did you become initially interested in craft beer?

Dave: I started really getting into craft beer with cigars. I was having a bunch of beers in the south in the heat too. I first had Brooklyn ale and then some Victory Summer Love, and also used to go to Noddingheads. I ended up being the only one of my friends interested in craft beer.

I then started home brewing in the south. I created Mack IPA, which is 10% ABV by the way, as the first recipe ever, and I am still making it. I have another beer called “Lastadamohicans” which is a 14% ABV DIPA with lemongrass and honey. I am excited to also start getting into high ABV barleywines as well.

BIPA: What styles of beers will you focus on?

Dave: I am really open to every style. I love IPAs but would like to make ales and bump the levels of high gravity up into double digits. Lambics interest me, but I don’t see myself getting into sours just yet. Belgians would be fun to make as well.

BIPA: How can people support you right now?

Dave: If they are able to contribute to my GoFundMe that would be amazing. Other than that, my goal is to put a spin on beer merch. I want to make quality beer merch that is limited. So be on the lookout for merchandise drops!

Keep up with Dave and Mack Brewing on their journey to build a brewery. Make sure you visit Mack Brewing’s website, donate to their GoFundMe, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.