Mac & Jack's Brewery

For connoisseurs of authentic craft beer, Mac & Jack's Brewing Company is a must-visit when in Redmond. This legendary establishment in Washington State, USA, grew from a humble hobby shared by two friends into one of the most respected private breweries in the region.

Mac & Jack's Brewing Company is more than just a production facility; it is a living history of the 1990s craft revolution. The brewery is famous for its flagship African Amber, as well as other unique brews like Blackcat Porter and Serengeti Wheat. Visitors are drawn not only by the quality of the drinks but also by the authentic, unpretentious atmosphere of the tasting room, located in a converted former repair shop.

The establishment has preserved its rugged aesthetic and independent spirit, making it particularly attractive to tourists wanting to see the behind-the-scenes of beer production. It is a place where the focus is on product quality rather than external flash, a commitment reflected in its consistently high ratings and the loyalty of local residents.

For those planning a visit, here are the current contact details for Mac & Jack's Brewing Company. It is recommended to check the availability of seats in the tasting room in advance, especially on weekends.

Visiting Mac & Jack's is primarily an opportunity to immerse yourself in the brewing culture of the Pacific Northwest. The main activity here is tasting freshly brewed beer. In the cozy tasting room or the outdoor beer garden, you can order a flight of popular varieties, including the famous African Amber—an unfiltered amber ale that has become the brewery's signature.

In addition to tasting classics like Serengeti Wheat or Blackcat Porter, visitors can try experimental and seasonal brews available exclusively on-site. This gives guests a unique chance to evaluate new products before they hit wider distribution. The friendly and casual environment is perfect for long conversations and relaxing with friends.

For those who want to learn more about the company's inner workings, informative tours are available. Enthusiastic guides explain every stage of production—from ingredient selection to the finer points of bottling. This is a great way to hear the story of a garage startup's transformation into a successful enterprise firsthand and to appreciate the professionalism of the team behind every bottle of beer.

The brewery is located at 17825 NE 65th St, Redmond, within the Overlake area business park. Since it is situated in an industrial zone and its facade is quite unassuming compared to neighboring buildings, it is best to use a GPS navigator. From downtown Seattle, the most convenient route is by car via I-405 North, then WA-520 East, which takes about 20–30 minutes without traffic.

If you prefer public transport, you can use King County Metro buses that serve the Overlake area. However, you will have to walk from the bus stop, which is not always convenient in this part of town due to the lack of continuous sidewalks. For tourists, the most optimal and safest option is using a taxi or rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), especially if you plan on participating in a tasting.

Visitor parking is available on the brewery grounds. When planning a trip from other cities in the region, it is recommended to avoid morning and evening rush hours, as traffic on I-405 can be very heavy.

The story of Mac & Jack's Brewing Company began in 1993 in a typical garage. The founders, Mac Rankin and Jack Schropp, met through a shared hobby—restoring vintage wooden boats. They brought their love for craftsmanship and quality materials to their new venture: brewing. In those early days, they had to build their own equipment from old dairy tanks and brew beer at night so the noise wouldn't disturb the neighbors.

The path to official status was challenging: obtaining a liquor license took considerable time, and the project only launched thanks to local community support. In 1997, production moved from the garage to an industrial area in Redmond, taking over a building that was once a transmission repair shop. This is where their biggest hit, African Amber, was perfected, eventually becoming a true legend among ale lovers in the USA.

By 2010, the company was ranked among the top 40 craft breweries in the country by sales volume. Even after being acquired by Ackley Brands in 2023, the brewery has maintained its traditions and independent spirit. Despite some production facilities moving to other cities due to local zoning changes, the Redmond tasting room remains the iconic location where the history of one of the Pacific Northwest's most famous brands began.

To comfortably enjoy the atmosphere and sample several beers in the tasting room, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. This is the ideal amount of time for a tasting flight and a brief introduction to the brewery's lineup.

If you plan to join an informative guided tour, talk to the staff about the technical brewing process, or linger longer in the beer garden during good weather, you should set aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. The brewery is popular, so wait times may increase slightly on weekends.

The tasting room and beer garden at Mac & Jack's Brewing Company in Redmond are open to guests daily. You can stop by from Monday to Sunday, with a stable schedule: from 13:00 to 20:00.

Despite the regular schedule, visitors are encouraged to check the official website or social media before visiting, as hours may change during holidays.

A visit to the brewery can be combined with exploring other interesting spots in the area. Checking out Redmond's surroundings will introduce you to local art and natural corners of Washington state, all just a few minutes' drive away.

Below are attractions located near Mac & Jack's Brewing Company: