Brewery Specializes In Grain-To-Glass

Brewery Specializes In Grain-To-Glass Hopkins Farm in Havre de Grace, Md., grows, brews and serves beer on a multigenerational family farm. “The farm has been in the family for almost 100 years, starting as a dairy in 1926,” says founder and owner Aaron Hopkins. “It’s also produced canning tomatoes and grain crops like barley, corn, wheat and soybeans.” Dairy farms are a dying breed. Hopkins felt called to help his family’s farm prosper in a new way. “After studying agri-business at the University of Delaware, I grew inspired to start a farm brewery someday.” Hopkins Farm Brewery opened to the public in 2020 and is family-owned. The farm grows barley used to brew a variety of craft beers, all of which are served on site. The brewery aims to use local ingredients and support local businesses whenever possible. Typically, there are 16 beers on tap, with “Field of Dreams,” a light lager brewed from the farm’s corn, as a mainstay. “It’s rewarding to truly see the grain-to-glass aspect,” Hopkins says. “From growing and harvesting the barley on the farm, malting the barley, and using the barley in our beer, we’re supporting other local farms and small businesses throughout the process.” Guests can enjoy sunsets from the patio, while the brewery’s interior showcases reclaimed barn wood and stones from the property. The farm also offers pavilion tents and event space.  “We have a direct connection to the consumers since we brew the beer on site in the brewhouse, which is next to the taproom,” Hopkins says. “It’s rewarding to have that connection with the consumers, meet new people, get their feedback, and feel the close-knit sense of community.” Like all farming ventures, the brewery faces challenges. “Farming and the brewery are both very weather-dependent,” Hopkins says. “We have a taproom, but we’re primarily an outdoor-focused venue. Another challenge is keeping up with consumer preferences and trends in the beer industry while trying to remain flexible.” Nevertheless, the brewery is gaining recognition. It earned a gold medal at the 2024 World Beer Cup for “Level Common,” a beer named after the farm’s address and brewed from barley and corn grown on the property. “Over the next five years, we’re looking for steady growth and improvements while remaining true to our roots as a real farm brewery,” Hopkins says. “It would be great to utilize even more farm-grown ingredients in our beer.” Hopkins emphasizes that a farm brewery business presents both challenges and opportunities. “Take the time to really understand the industry. Don’t be afraid to ask others in the industry for advice.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Hopkins Farm Brewery, 3833 Rider Ln., Havre de Grace, Md. 21078 (ph 410-914-5727; www.hopkinsfarmbrewery.com).

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