At Bullhide Brewery, we're proud to have Mike McDonald leading our brewing operations. Though he's spent enough time in Maryland to be considered a true Baltimorean, Mike is a New Jersey native whose journey to becoming our brewer is as rich and complex as the beers he crafts.

A Love Story That Started in the Alps

Mike's passion for beer began while he was still studying history at the University of Rhode Island. While sitting in a Biergarten in Mittenwald, surrounded by the Alps, he ordered a beer for his father and himself. That first sip changed everything. "I was simply blown away," Mike recalls.

Returning home, he headed straight to the library with a simple thought: "There are like four ingredients in beer, how hard could it be?" In those pre-internet days, Mike dove into books and created his first homebrew, beginning a journey of discovery and dedication that would span decades.

The Art of the Perfect Pour

After years of perfecting his craft, Mike has evolved from basic ingredients to more sophisticated elements like minerals. While he enjoys working with malt over hops, his use of minerals serves a very specific purpose: appearance. For Mike, one of the most important aspects of a beer is how it looks in the glass. These minerals help retain the perfect head throughout the entire glass and create that satisfying line—known as lacing—left on the glass with every sip.

A Family Legacy in Every Glass

When asked about the beer he's most proud of creating, Mike doesn't hesitate: his "Spooner" stout, named after his grandfather. This dry Irish stout has stood the test of time, remaining a classic decades after its creation. It's a testament to Mike's commitment to traditional styles and his ability to honor both family and craft in a single brew.

Inspiration from Old World Traditions

Mike draws inspiration from breweries like Human Robot, whose interpretation of old world beers reminds him of the countries he's visited and the beers he's sampled along his journey. As a purist, Mike understands the value of remaining true to traditional styles while bringing his own expertise to every batch.

The Brewer's Favorites

True to form, when asked about his favorite beer, Mike's answer was characteristically perfect: "The one in my hand." When pressed for specifics, he clarified with a smile: "Exactly that—whichever one I am drinking at the time."

As for food pairings, Mike's favorites are Italian and Asian cuisine, particularly Korean BBQ. But in true brewer fashion, he admits that any beer can make a perfect pairing. Though he does note that in Italy, Pilsners work best for their simplistic approach.

If Mike could brew one style forever, he'd choose Kolsch—a style he brewed exclusively during his college days when he built his own brewing system. Though since Kolschs are futile, he'd likely alternate with a Helles Lager or a stark beer (those dark, rich brews that warm the soul).

From College Student to Brewer

Mike's professional journey into the brewing industry began in an unexpected place: behind the wheel of a truck. He traveled from Rhode Island to Montreal every two weeks, delivering malt to Boston area breweries. This gave him an insider's view of the industry and the connections that would shape his career.

His brewing career officially began at Union Station in Providence, Rhode Island, followed by Emerald Isle Brew Works, where they produced exclusively cask-conditioned beers. He then apprenticed under the former Narragansett Brew Master at Hope Brewing, learning from one of the industry's most respected figures.

From there, Mike moved to New Hampshire to join Old Nutfield Brewing Company, a startup brewery that was only two and a half years old. His journey then shifted south to help open White Marsh Brewing Company, operating as Red Brick Station. Shortly after, he moved to Baltimore and founded Key Brewing, which remains in operation today.

A Dedication to Excellence

Mike's love for beer is evident. His dedication to traditional styles, attention to detail, and deep respect for the craft ensure that every beer we pour meets his exacting standards. We're honored to have him as part of the Bullhide family, and we invite you to taste the difference that decades of passion and expertise can make.

Stop by Bullhide Brewery and experience Mike's artistry for yourself. And if you're lucky, you might even get the chance to talk beer with the man himself—a conversation that's as satisfying as the perfect pint.