Erie-Meadville, PA — The craft beer community is mourning the loss of one of its most passionate and experienced pioneers, Matthew Allyn, President of Allyn Brewing Group and former Brewmaster of Voodoo Brewing Company. Allyn, who dedicated more than 30 years to shaping the U.S. craft beer industry, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of innovation, mentorship, and advocacy.
Allyn was a trailblazer whose passion for craft beer was matched only by his commitment to helping others succeed in the rapidly growing industry. Since founding Allyn Brewing Group in 1996, Allyn served as a cornerstone consultant to countless breweries across the country, offering hands-on guidance in equipment selection, site consulting, training, installation, and restaurant layout design. His company became a lifeline for many new brewers navigating the challenges of launching and sustaining a successful brewery operation.
A Life Devoted to Craft Beer
With over three decades of experience in the craft beer industry, Allyn’s impact was both deep and far-reaching. “My objective is to try and be there to help this very fast-growing industry with my 31 years of knowledge,” he once wrote in his personal summary. “To reach plane as a new brewery, you will need every hand and help to stay in the running. Cheers.”
This mindset defined his work at Voodoo Brewing Company, where he served as Founder Emeritus and Brewmaster from 2006 to 2016. Under his leadership, Voodoo became one of Pennsylvania’s most innovative and recognized craft breweries. In a landmark decision, Allyn sold his founding stake in the brewery through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), enabling employees to become stakeholders in the business. “Giving the employees the opportunity that was never afforded to me,” he said at the time—a move that reflected his belief in fairness, empowerment, and sustainability in business.
Continued Contributions
Even after decades of work, Allyn continued contributing to the craft beer and beverage sectors. Most recently, he served as a Sales Specialist at SEKA Chemicals, LLC, starting in October 2024. In this role, he remained engaged in the technical side of brewing, assisting with chemical solutions and support for brewers and beverage companies.
Allyn’s vast knowledge, friendly demeanor, and tireless advocacy for industry excellence earned him respect from peers, collaborators, and newcomers alike. Whether he was working with startup breweries or mentoring new brewers, his ability to provide strategic insight and hands-on support made him a highly sought-after figure in the brewing world.
Educational Background and Personal Philosophy
Matthew Allyn was a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences between 1992 and 1994. His broad academic foundation supported a career that balanced science, creativity, and business savvy.
In all aspects of his work, Allyn was known for his integrity, work ethic, and collaborative spirit. His belief in the power of community and shared success was woven into every project he touched.
Remembering Matthew Allyn
The death of Matthew Allyn is a tremendous loss for the craft beer community—not only in Pennsylvania but across the United States. He was more than a brewmaster or a consultant; he was a mentor, visionary, and champion of small brewers everywhere. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by those who had the privilege to work alongside him.
He is survived by his family, friends, and the countless brewers whose dreams he helped bring to life.
As the craft beer industry continues to grow, Matthew Allyn’s influence will remain evident in the successful breweries he supported, the professionals he mentored, and the values he instilled. His legacy is a reminder that behind every great beer is a community—and few contributed more to that community than he did.