The Brewers Association, the non- profit trade organization that represents America’s small, independent breweries, just recently released its annual ranking of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Breweries in the United States based on beer volume. A large number of U.S. states were represented in the 2018 rankings, with 27 of them claiming at least one brewery on the list. The Bay State, otherwise known as Massachusetts, is home to three of the fastest growing breweries and highest ranking among them is Hopsters Brewing, ranked number 14 by the Brewer’s Association.
Hopsters is different from the average brewery. This urban/suburban establishment boasts one unique quality that sets it apart from the competition and has likely contributed to its popularity and rapid growth. You see, Hopsters is a community brewery where guests can actually brew their own beer on site. And I don’t mean submit a recipe and have someone at the brewery do the honors. No, at Hopsters, you select a style of beer and become actively involved in the brewing process. With Hopsters award- winning brewers offering guidance, you dedicate about two hours to the boiling, lautering, conditioning, etc. A few weeks later, you and your brewery party return to Hopsters to bottle your beer. You can even customize your own beer labels for an added personal touch. And if you get hungry, don’t worry, Hopsters has you covered with a menu consisting of a multitude of fresh, farm- to- table food options.
Hopsters original location in Newton, Massachusetts was opened in 2013 and it was the only location for the majority of the young brewery’s existence. Just over a year ago, the decision was made to open a second location in Seaport, very close to central, downtown Boston. This added location certainly helped fuel Hopsters rapid growth, as Founder and CEO Lee Cooper explains.
“We are pleasantly surprised with this recognition, we we’re in the top 50 in 2017 and to be ranked 14th in 2018 validates our decision to open in Boston’s Seaport at the beginning of 2018,” said Cooper. “We quadrupled the size of our brewery in 2018 and it’s a testament to our amazingly dedicated staff and leadership” Cooper added.
Hopsters Brewing certainly has a unique business model and it has proven hugely popular with locals. Parties up to four individuals can reserve a kettle and brew a batch of approximately 7.5 gallons of beer, then bottle and take home to drink and share. We at Great Beer Now can only imagine the possibilities. I could see how brewing a batch at Hopsters could easily become a popular way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other important occasions. Why just drink your beer when you can brew your own? It brings the party to a new and exciting level. Oh, and if you don’t feel like brewing beer, don’t forget that Hopsters is a full- fledged brewpub, serving food and beer to all, including those who would rather observe than brew.
With its new location near downtown Boston, Hopsters Brewing is quite close to Logan International Airport and it would make a great pre- flight or post- flight excursion. I hope to pay a visit the next time I’m in the area. I won’t have time to brew, of course, and I envy the local residents who do. But there will be more than sufficient time to stop by for a craft beer or two and a fresh, delicious entrée.
Rapid business growth can be challenging, but the folks at Hopsters Brewing seem to be managing things well, with an observant eye on quality and customer service. Hopsters plans to open two more locations this year and if things go as planned, there will be 16 Hopsters Brewing locations by the end of 2022. It’s an extremely cool business concept and we at Great Beer Now congratulate Hopsters for its #14 place Brewer’s Association ranking and wish them all the best in the coming years.
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