Hoppin’ Frog Brewery is located south of downtown Akron, Ohio in an unlikely building that looks more like a self-storage center than a brewery. Inside the non-descript building is a 10-barrel system that adds to the dubious nature of Hoppin’ Frog. This seemingly small brewery boasts a mighty output, distributing to 19 states and 15 countries.
While it’s rather large distribution is impressive given the limited output capabilities of a 10-barrel system, Hoppin’ Frog’s trophy case is even more impressive. According to owner and brewmaster Fred Karm, “The thought behind this [brewing system] is that this is the very same system that I won 16 medals with before I opened Hoppin’ Frog. And these were from the two largest and most prestigious contests we can enter—the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. This brewing system is awesome! Our thought behind this was proven correct, because we have won six new medals for Hoppin’ Frog Brewery at those two same contests since we opened in 2006.”
Accolades for Hoppin’Frog
Hoppin’ Frog has also amassed several recognitions from sites like Rate Beer and Thrillist. In 2015, Rate Beer named Hoppin’ Frog the best brewery in Ohio (for the third year in a row), and D.O.R.I.S. the Destroyer Double Oatmeal Imperial Stout was named the number one beer in Ohio. The brewery was also listed as the 17th best brewery in the world by Rate Beer in 2013, the last year the web site published the list. Thrillist continually lists the brewery as one of the best in Ohio.
The awards follow Karm’s philosophy for brewing beer. “Our brewing philosophy is different than most. We don’t expect our customers to drink our beer all the time. Instead, we make what I call special occasion beer. We make the beer that my friends and family would save in the refrigerator for something or someone special.”
This helps explain the higher price tag that often accompanies Hoppin’ Frog’s beers. However, Karm says the price tag doesn’t deter customers. “People can’t afford Cadillacs and large houses as much as they used to. So instead, high-end craft beers like Hoppin’ Frog offer an affordable luxury to give our customers a little something special and ultimately make their life more enjoyable. Cheers to that! And as I like to say: Cheers to great beers!”
Hoppin’ Frog’s beers tend to be heavy in both flavor and ABV. Their year-round lineup includes a dopplebock, oatmeal imperial stout, and a wee heavy scotch ale. Hoppin’ Frog even brews its lighter summer seasonals with a heavy hand. The Wild Frog Wheat Ale is brewed to six percent ABV and their Turbo Shandy Citrus Ale comes in at six percent ABV (look for the tequila barrel-aged version).
Hoppin’ Frog Tasting Room
The tasting room opened 2013, and like the brewery, it features a small but mighty kitchen. The conventional kitchen produces anywhere from 10-12 offerings, all of which are held to the same high standard as Hoppin’ Frog’s beers. The chef uses only the best and freshest ingredients on his menu, which rotates seasonally.
Of course, there is plenty of Hoppin’ Frog beers to sample in the tasting room. The 24 taps pour beers from both Hoppin’ Frog and a featured guest brewery. The brewery’s extensive bottle menu lists some of Hoppin’ Frog’s rarer beers for consumption in the tasting room or at home on a special occasion.
Bryan Richards is a craft beer, food and travel writer. He’s followed his taste buds across five continents, 20 countries, and 71 cities. When he’s not traversing the globe, he enjoys the craft beer scene in his hometown of Charlotte, N.C., and experimenting in the kitchen with his wife. He’s also the author of The Wandering Gourmand, a culinary and craft beer travel blog.
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