by Pennsylvania’s craft beer scene has lost a true legend. Matt Allyn, a respected founder and key figure in the state’s brewing community, passed away recently. His legacy spanned over three decades, influencing many brewers and beer lovers alike.
Allyn’s career was closely tied to the development of craft beer in Pennsylvania. He was one of the founding members of VooDoo Brewing Co. in Meadville, a brewery that became well-known for its contributions to the craft beer movement in the western part of the state. In a tribute shared by VooDoo Brewing, they called Allyn a visionary. His impact on the community is still felt today, as his pioneering spirit lives on in every pint brewed.
Beyond VooDoo, Allyn’s influence extended to numerous other breweries. He was also the president of Allyn Brewing Group, a consulting company dedicated to helping craft breweries succeed, which he founded in 1996. His work included brewing or consulting for several well-known breweries, including Erie Brewing, Blue Canoe, and Sprague Farms.
Allyn’s brewing journey began in the 1990s at Naisbitts Brewery in Utah. After that, he moved to Michigan, where he served as the brewmaster at Jackson Brewing Company in Jackson. Over the years, Allyn became known for his expertise in crafting high-quality beers and his dedication to the craft.
According to Breweries in PA, a publication that celebrates Pennsylvania’s craft beer culture, Allyn was regarded as a “pillar within the industry.” Their tribute read, “There’s a good chance you’ve enjoyed a beer that Matt Allyn was instrumental in bringing to life.” His approach to beer making was described as deeply passionate, yet refreshingly humble.
Allyn’s career took him to Iceland, where he learned the art of brewing beer while serving in the Air Force. In a 2021 interview, Allyn shared one of the most important lessons he had learned throughout his career: “Be super clean and listen to people that know more than you or someone with an educated different view on the process.”
In 2016, Allyn stepped away from VooDoo Brewing and sold his shares to his partners. Even after his departure, his influence continued to guide the brewery and the broader craft beer community.
The Pennsylvania craft beer world mourns the loss of a true innovator. Allyn’s legacy will continue to inspire brewers for generations to come.
