Hacienda Beer Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Brewing |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Danny McMahon, Ben McMahon, and three other employees from Door County Brewing |
| Headquarters | Bailey's Harbor , United States |
Area served | Wisconsin |
Key people | Angie and Joe Sorge (owners as of 2022), Ashley Turner (former executive chef) |
| Products | Beer (IPAs, pale ales, sour varieties), roasted coffee, hard seltzer |
Number of employees | 5+ (initial founders and employees) |
Hacienda Beer Company is a microbrewery based in Wisconsin, established in 2018 as an offshoot of Door County Brewing Company. Hacienda produces its beer through a contract brewing arrangement with 3 Sheeps Brewing located in Sheboygan and operates a shared taproom alongside Door County Brewing in Bailey's Harbor.
History
Hacienda emerged from the family-operated Door County Brewing Company, which John and Angie McMahon founded in 2012 with the goal of bringing their sons Danny and Ben back to Door County, Wisconsin. In 2017, Danny and Ben, together with three other employees from Door County Brewing, established Hacienda to specialize in innovative and unconventional beer styles featuring "bolder flavors." According to Hacienda’s general manager, the brand was created to craft popular varieties such as East Coast hazy IPAs and milkshake IPAs, offering a contrast to Door County’s more classic selections.
The official launch of Hacienda took place in February 2018 following the acquisition of equipment for a new 15-barrel brewing system and taproom located in Baileys Harbor.
In November 2018, Hacienda entered into a lease agreement with Milwaukee developer Josh Jeffers to open a taproom on the Upper East Side of Milwaukee. This made Hacienda the first brewery in Wisconsin to operate a remote taproom separate from its brewing facility under state regulations. Beers served at this site were brewed at Door County Brewing’s 15-barrel system. The Milwaukee location opened its doors in June 2019, playing a role in revitalizing the neighborhood and attracting a clientele largely composed of young professionals. Later that same year, Hacienda diversified into roasted coffee sales and refreshed its food offerings.
Post-pandemic
By 2021, the McMahon family had divested from both Door County Brewing and Hacienda. In 2022, Angie and Joe Sorge of Sidework Hospitality assumed control of Hacienda’s operations and initiated a brand "re-introduction" campaign designed to appeal to casual visitors. Enhancements included a new exterior sign highlighting the taproom’s kitchen, an updated menu led by executive chef Ashley Turner, and the introduction of hard seltzer options. In 2023, Hacienda earned recognition at the Wisconsin IPA Fest with its hazy IPA named Back to the Flow.
At the beginning of 2024, all Hacienda brewing and packaging activities transitioned to contract production by Sheboygan-based 3 Sheeps Brewing. Midyear developments included a collaboration between Hacienda’s Milwaukee taproom and 3 Sheeps that resulted in the launch of "Triple Taproom & Kitchen," a venue divided by a wall featuring Hacienda and Door County Brewing on one side and 3 Sheeps on the other. During this period, chef Ashley Turner departed. Although business improved during this collaboration, it was not sufficient for long-term viability. Consequently, Hacienda closed its Milwaukee taproom in August 2025 while maintaining the shared Bailey's Harbor taproom with Door County Brewing.
Milwaukee taproom details
Hacienda’s Milwaukee taproom, seating 125 guests, was situated within a building dating back to 1913 at 2018 E. North Ave. The interior design was crafted by Milwaukee firm 360 Degrees, blending casual charm with playful and refined touches.
The décor featured dominant hues of blue, green, and orange complemented by exposed cream city brick walls and prominent hanging orb lights. Seating along Prospect Ave. incorporated Madras fabric, while the restrooms were marked by a neon sign displaying "flush vibes."
Originally constructed as separate structures from the 1910s and 1920s that were later combined internally, this space had previously housed diverse businesses including hardware and appliance stores, a bank, shoe retailer, florist, as well as multiple bars.
Beer
Hacienda focuses on producing vibrant IPAs, pale ales, and sour varieties. Upon its debut, the brewery offered approximately a dozen different brews, including:
- Everything Eventually, a New England-style pale ale that quickly became a top seller
- Does Anyone Work Around Here?, an unfiltered lager
- There is No Other Way, a farmhouse ale aged in gin barrels