Model A Brewing Co., located at 1175 Stonecrest Boulevard in Tega Cay, South Carolina, has become a beloved establishment in the local community. Since opening its doors, the brewery has built a reputation for outstanding craft beer, excellent food, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Founded by five friends, four of whom are long-time Tega Cay residents, the brewery’s mission is to create a vibrant gathering place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy high-quality beer and engaging community events.
A Team Built for Success
The leadership team at Model A Brewing brings a wealth of experience to the business. Jeremy, the brewery’s President, has spent 26 years in the food and beverage industry and is a proud Tega Cay resident. Brad, the Head of Brewing Operations, has lived in Tega Cay for a decade and has a deep passion for brewing science and fermentation. Tony is a long time Tega Cay resident and has over 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Tony coordinates all the entertainment at the brewery. Brian has a background in outside sales and has also started and exited a successful Vodka company. He was integral to all things marketing, sales, and social media. Jerod, the Head Brewer, boasts nearly two decades of brewing experience, transitioning from a homebrewer to crafting award-winning beers for Model A Brewing.
A Legacy of Award-Winning Beers
Model A Brewing has quickly earned accolades for its exceptional brews, consistently making waves at prestigious beer competitions. One of their most celebrated beers is the Springs Farm Strawberry Kolsch, an annual limited-production release brewed with locally grown strawberries from the Anne Springs Close Greenway. The beer won a Gold Medal in the American Style Berry Beer – Strawberry category at the 2021 U.S. Open Beer Championship and a Silver Medal at the 2024 Best of South Carolina Beer Awards.
At the 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship, Model A Brewing took home multiple medals:
- Bronze – Springs Farm Strawberry Kolsch (Fruit Beer – Strawberry)
- Bronze – Finley’s Alt (German Altbier)
- Bronze – Just Bockause (Traditional German-Style Bock)
- Top 10 Beer Names – Not My Gumdrop Buttons
The brewery also made an impression at the Best of South Carolina Beer Awards, where their Tega Twang Kiwi Sour won a Gold Medal. The beer was born from an accidental kettle malfunction that Head Brewer Jerod Jones turned into a creative triumph.
“We turned disaster into deliciousness,” Jones said. “By souring the wort with yogurt, we ended up with a beer bursting with tangy kiwi flavor and a smooth, satisfying finish.”
Celebrating Four Years of Brewing Excellence
On December 7, 2024, Model A Brewing celebrated its fourth anniversary with a community event featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and the release of a special anniversary brew. The event included performances by Nashville recording artist Warrick McZeke and local favorite Darren Deese, demonstrating the brewery’s commitment to fostering community engagement.
Dominating Beer Competitions
Model A Brewing has consistently performed well in national and regional beer competitions. At the 2023 Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance Awards, they placed third in the Best in Show category for their Absofugginlutely (IPA/Pale) entry. The brewery also won two medals at the 2023 U.S. Open Beer Championship:
- Silver – Vest Weather (Marzen/Oktoberfest)
- Bronze – Finley’s Alt (Altbier Category)
In previous years, they earned the following accolades:
2022 U.S. Open Beer Championships
- Gold – Springs Farm Strawberry Kolsch (American Style Berry Beer – Strawberry)
- Silver – Speakeasy (International Style Pilsner)
2021 U.S. Open Beer Championships
- Bronze – Springs Farm Strawberry Kolsch (American Style Berry Beer)
2021 Great American Beer Festival
- Bronze – Magic Carpet Rye’d (Rye Beers)
Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance Awards
- 2023: Best in Show (3rd Place) – Absofugginlutely
- 2023: 1st Place – Absofugginlutely (IPA/Pale)
- 2023: 1st Place – Finley’s Alt (MALT – Amber/Brown/Golden)
- 2022: Best in Show (1st Place) – Prohibition ESB
- 2022: 1st Place – Prohibition ESB (Pale/Blond)
- 2022: 2nd Place – Magic Carpet Rye’d Roggenbier (Malt/Dark)
2023 South Carolina Brewers Cup
- 2nd Place – Cold Day in Helles (Pale Lager)
- 3rd Place – Vest Weather (Marzen)
- 3rd Place – Sappy Camper (Specialty Beer)
A Bright Future Ahead
With a growing list of accolades, an ever-expanding beer lineup, and a strong commitment to the Tega Cay community, Model A Brewing continues to solidify its reputation as a top-tier craft brewery. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, stopping by Model A Brewing to taste their award-winning creations is a must. Their innovative brewing techniques and dedication to quality ensure that every pint poured is a testament to their craft.
As co-owner Brad O’Connor puts it, “We wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of our community. Thank you for choosing Model A and sharing our passion for great beer. We can’t wait to raise a toast to you with some exciting new brews coming soon!”
Visit Model A Brewing Co.
📍 Address: 1175 Stonecrest Boulevard, Tega Cay, SC
🍺 Website: Model A Brewing
📅 Hours: Check their website or social media for current hours and upcoming events.
Stop by, grab a pint, and experience what makes Model A Brewing a true Tega Cay treasure!
