Articles by Ben Hopkins
Ben Hopkins is a journalist who has swapped writing about footy and emergency services for something a little more his speed (and his taste).
Ben loves the Brisbane Lions and the Phoenix Suns, which may explain his hopeful attitude and terrific ability to deal with disappointment.
The beer(s) or moment(s) that turned me on to good beer:
Moving to Ballarat from Melbourne at 21 for work had a massive impact on the beer I enjoyed. I lived directly behind one of Ballarat's best craft beer pubs, The Mallow, and while my go-to was often Melbourne Bitter off the tap, getting to try all of the crazy new beers on rotation each week was always something I looked forward to and really opened my eyes to how different beers could be.
You've got three beers to turn someone else on to good beer; what are they and why?
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Dollar Bill Brewing Learning To Breathe Barrel Aged Golden Sour - The amazing folks at Dollar Bill opened my eyes to sour beer and I’ve never looked back. My personal favourite is Learning To Breathe, which is a great sour for people who are wanting to dabble in the market.
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Blackman’s Brewery Mervyn Pale Ale - I get down to the coast a fair bit and when I’m there with mates a trip to Blackman’s is always on the cards. They have such a great range of beers, but to help someone ease into drinking good beer, Mervyn is your man.
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Balter Brewing XPA - Accessible, award-winning and bloody delicious. What more do you want me to say?
The last beer you enjoyed (at time of writing):
Mountain Culture Daily Dose Passionfruit Gose over a lovely home cooked pasta dish at a friend's home. Great company, great beer.
Three things that represent you:
- My partner Elle
- Violent Soho
- Only just being able to dunk a basketball
Who Brews Freshie Beers?
Much noise has been made about the craft beer hub that is Sydney's inner west, but the Northern Beaches are home to a growing number of local brewers too. We caught up with the founder of the newest: Freshwater Brewing.
Who Brews Lake Mac Beers?
It started out as a money-saving hobby, became a rather more expensive one, and ultimately turned into part of the craft beer culture on the NSW coast between Sydney and Newcastle. We got in touch to find out who brews Lake Mac beers.
Penguin Takes Flight On The Island State
Scott Seymour was one of the key players in the rise of craft beer in Bendigo. When he moved to Tasmania with wife Tara, he was planning a new career in health and aged care, but it turns out beer and brewing weren't done with him...
In League With Local Brewers
Partnerships between craft beer and sport aren't exactly new in Australia, but the growing number of connections between local beer and league across New South Wales is impressive.
Brew & A: Matt Cuthbert
He's brewed for many Australian brewing companies across three states, and has been at Revel since the Brisbane operation launched. Here, Matt Cuthbert traces his brewing career from high school to head brewer.
No Gluten. All Gold
One of the most eye-catching moments at the 2021 AIBAs was O'Brien Beer's six golds in the Specialty category. We chatted to the founder of the GF beer pioneers as they come to the end of an equity crowdfunding campaign.
Who Brews South Yeast Beers?
South Yeast Brewing is a family affair that's also one of the latest breweries to call the New South Wales south coast home. As part of our long-running Who Brews series, we caught up with the twins behind the operation.
Who Brews Smart Brothers Beers?
The Smart Brothers were born in England, but started brewing after moving to Australia. We chatted to them about their small batch operation on the Mornington Peninsula where they look to blend both their homes in one.
Who Brews Precinct Beers?
The Gold Coast's transformation into one of the country's most exciting craft beer hotspots has been little short of remarkable. We got in touch with the team at one of the region's freshest, Precinct Brewing in Miami.
The Collaborators: Good Ale Forever
Eden Brewery have always supported good causes since launching in 2017. These days, that work includes Good Ale, a pale ale launched in partnership with Forever Projects that sends funds to help families in need in Tanzania.
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Akasha X Archie Rose Barrel Aged Boilermaker Night
OK, taste buds, buckle in – this could get wild. For one night only, Five Dock's finest…
