Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Hopkins.
Hi Aaron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our family bought the farm 100 years ago. David Hopkins has been farming the land for the last 40 years, eventually opening Hopkins Produce featuring the areas best sweet corn, tomatoes and assortment of fruits and vegetables. In 2016 David’s son Aaron began malting barley for beer production on the farm, while starting a career in Brewing. Fast forward to 2020, Dan and Katie Hopkins, along with family Mitch Hopkins, Alice Puckett, David and Aaron Hopkins opened Hopkins Farm Brewery. We have focused on creating Farm to Table beers and supporting our local community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening during the beginning of Covid presented many challenges including material pricing/delays and weekly changes to how we were allowed to operate. However being located on open Farm land proved to be a blessing where people could gather to enjoy a pint of beer in an open and safe environment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Head Brewer at Hopkins Farm Brewery and have previously had the privilege of working with some great people at Duclaw Brewing Co. and Independent Brewing Co. before we opened in 2020. My main focus is managing the production at the brewery, from recipe development, brewing, scheduling and tank management. I am most proud of how we have been able to malt and utilize barley, wheat and corn from the farm into each of our beers as well as partner with other local farms and businesses to incorporate as many local ingredients as possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has certainly helped me in a positive way in life and business, mostly in meeting people at the right time leading me in directions I never would have imagined. The owner of Dogfish Head Brewery happened to speak at a book release at University of Delaware when I attended which completely changed my career path into the brewing industry. A happenstance conversation turning into a connection with DuClaw Brewing that got my foot in the door in the industry and turned out to be an amazing work and life experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hopkinsfarmbrewery.com
- Instagram: hopkinsfarmbrewery
- Facebook: Hopkins Farm Brewery
