MadTree Beer Named 'No. 1 IPA Worldwide'

A Cincinnati brewery is getting some global attention after it took home the title of “No. 1 IPA on the planet” from the prestigious World Beer Competition.

The World Beer Competition is put on by the Tasting Alliance, the same organization behind the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The competition began in late 2023 and winners were recently announced, with MadTree’s seasonal spruce tip brew, Holly Days, beating out beers from all over the world to be named the best IPA.

"This isn't just a win for MadTree; it's a win for Cincinnati and the entire Midwest brewing scene," Kenny McNutt, MadTree co-founder, said in a press release. “This award is also a testament to the passion, creativity, and skill of our brewers."

MadTree says much of its success is owed to a dynamic duo reshaping its future. It recently promoted Brittany Frey to head brewer, making her just one of a few female head brewers in Ohio. Frey is an honors graduate from Cincinnati State’s brewing science program and MadTree says she’s championing diversity in brewing through initiatives like International Women's Day celebrations and Pink Boots Society collaborations. She was also earlier this year recognized in “Modern Brewsters,” a portrait series of female craft brewers in Ohio by Kaitlin Owens.

The other half of this duo, Ryan Blevins has been with MadTree since the beginning and is now the brewery’s brewing operations director. MadTree says his expertise drives its production and innovation, and he’s keeping it at the forefront of craft brewing.

"We're not just making beer; we're crafting experiences and challenging perceptions," Frey said in the release. "At MadTree, we're proving that we can create beers that stand toe-to-toe with the best in the world."

You’ll have to wait until October to try the award-winning Holly Days, but MadTree says its year-round IPA, Seeing Colors, is currently the fastest-growing IPA in Greater Cincinnati.

See the other medalists in the World Beer Competition here .

MadTree Brewing taproom, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley; MadTree’s Alcove, 1410 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: madtree.com .