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?
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
Hatching More Batches
Batch Brewing Co is hoping to open a series of taprooms around New South Wales as a stepping stone to further expansion interstate. And it's hoping to achieve this through equity crowdfunding.
"This Girl Can Brew"
For International Women's Day 2021, we chatted to five women making waves in the local beer industry.
Tell 'Em Benny Sent Ya
How does joining an award-winning comedy writer attempting to channel Anthony Bourdain on a tour of breweries (and beaches, big things, and kebab shops) sound? We caught up with the man behind new web series Benny Sent Ya.
The Big Issue: The Future Of Beer Fests II
Six months ago, we asked what beer festivals might look like in the new COVID-altered landscape. As events start to make their comeback, we revisited the topic to see what else has been learned and what might lie ahead.
Who Brews Green Gully Beers?
The discovery of a beer he'd helped his dad bottle way back in 1976 sparked Luke Smith's love for brewing. These days, he's the man behind Phillip Island's Green Gully Brewing, producing beers from a farm shed around another job.
Everybody! Beerstreet's Back, Alright!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a trio of opera singers with more than 20 years of experience came together to create a beer review show? Of course not. But, if you had, you're in luck...
A Book About Beer Geeks. For Beer Geeks. By A Beer Geek
SA beer writer Matt King has just released his first book. The Chronicles of Nelson Smart: Beer Connoisseur/Geek is a novel based loosely on Matt's experiences in the Aussie craft beer world over the past decade and is out now.
Who Brews At Snapper Point?
Why do you brew? "I love drinking beer." We got in touch with the man behind tiny SA brewing company Snapper Point to find out why he decided to make the move from homebrewing to pro brewing.
Who Brews The Hard Road Way?
Hard Road Brewing might have been a new name when they opened just before COVID-19 forced their brewpub doors to close. But the Bayswater team is far from new to beer, bringing together two existing Victorian operations.
Who Brews Moana Beers?
Two decades after first trying homebrewing, Mark Roberts decided to take the plunge and release beers commercially. Today, he's focused on his MPA, dedicated to the coastal lifestyle of his hometown of Moana.
Featured Events
Brew for a Day Course at Aunty Jacks
Reckon that anyone can be a brewer? Maybe they can. Specifically, maybe you can if you get yourself …
Coming Events
June 17, 2022,
Into the Barrel 2022 at Carwyn Cellars
June 30, 2022,
Dark Mass III at 3 Ravens
July 1, 2022,
Canada Day Party at Bad Shepherd
July 2, 2022,
Brew for a Day Course at Aunty Jacks
July 8, 2022,
Deep In The Weeds Festival 2022 at Sailors Grave
July 8, 2022,
Blackhearts x Mabu Mabu x Stomping Ground Wattleseed Stout Launch
