Meet the 2024 Hops for Heroes Breweries
April 12, 2024
Breweries from across the Nation are signing up to brew their support for our 2024 Hops for Heroes™ campaign. We are so excited to see a great mix of returning, new, and Veteran Owned breweries this year! Soldiers’ Angels Hops for Heroes™ is an annual campaign that rallies the support of breweries and homebrewers of all sizes to brew a custom recipe, Homefront IPA™, or other Homefront beer and donate the net proceeds to Soldiers’ Angels to support U.S. Service Members, Veterans, and their families.
Here’s a look at our roster so far. If you’re a brewery interested in joining, learn more and register here.
1700 Brewing: Newport News, Virginia
This Veteran-owned brewery in Newport News, Virginia, is in its third year of participating in the Hops for Heroes program. Fun fact: the name 1700 stands for the Military time for 5PM (aka “time to drink”). The name came from one of the owner, who is an Air Force Veteran, retired Master Sargent. Watch our Vlog, “A Tribute to Our Heroes” with owner Kevin Mead here.
Alamo Brewing Company: San Antonio, Texas
Alamo Brewing is a four-time Hops for Heroes brewery that is basically in our backyard. Since they are so close to our HQ, we look forward to their release each year so our entire staff can take part in the release.
Alexandria Brewing Company: Alexandria, Kentucky
This Veteran-owned brewery in Alexandria, Kentucky is new to Hops for Heroes. CEO and Head Brewer Andy Reynolds started out making hard cider in 2007 while he was deployed in Iraq serving as a Combat Engineer in the United States Army. He was introduced to beer when he was able to spend some time in the Bavarian region of Germany as a Soldier in 2005. After he got home, a friend of his introduced him to home brewing. Andy was hooked on the process of brewing, which often helped soothe the troubled mind he brought back from Iraq.
After reading every book he could get his hands on related to brewing, Andy applied to Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL. There, he received a degree in Advanced Brewing Theory, priming him with the know-how to get Alexandria Brewing Company up and running.
Billsburg Brewery: Williamsburg, Virginia
Another new brewery this year! Billsburg Brewery is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, making this our third Virginia-based brewery this year. They are located in the heart of Jamestown, where much of our American history (and brewing history) began. Fun fact: they are mere miles from America’s original brewery, D.G. Yuengling and Son.
Bugnutty Brewing Company: Cocoa, Florida
Bugnutty is Veteran-owned and new to the Hops for Heroes family. This brewery is owned and operated by two guys with a combined 50+ years of brewing experience who are absolutely “Bugnutty” about brewering great beer. Located in the heart of Cocoa Village, Florida, their building was originally a 1932 Buick dealership!
Center of the Universe Brewing Company: Ashland, Virginia
Coming back for the 10th year in a row, Center of the Universe Brewing Company is one of the Founding Hops for Heroes breweries. This brewery, started by two brothers, started the Hops for Heroes initiative before they even had a brewery. The debut of Homefront IPA actually happened at T-Mobile Park during a Seattle Mariners game that co-founder Chris Ray was pitching in. Watch our Vlog interview with Center of the Universe and Hops for Heroes Co-Founder Chris Ray here to learn more about the history behind the campaign.
Down Range Brewery: Canutillo, Texas
Down Range Brewery is small, Veteran-owned brewery in Canutillo, Texas. They are another first-year Hops for Heroes brewery that we are excited to welcome to the team.
Friendship Brewing Company: Wentzville, Missouri
This is the Friendship Brewering Co’s second year brewing Homefront and we are so grateful to have them back. The Midwest brewery is located in Wentzville, Missouri, and will release its Homefront version on July 4th this year.
Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Eatery: Leesburg, Florida
This Leesburg, Florida brewery is back for its second year! We experienced firsthand their love and support for all those who serve – from Military to law enforcement and firefighters. In fact, right outside their brewery, they have a Fire & Police Memorial dedicated to September 11th, 2001 and to all firefighters and law enforcement who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. There is a place to sit down, reflect, and maybe say a little prayer for their families.
Karbach Brewing Company: Houston, Texas
We’re not going to lie, we were pretty psyched when Karbach came on board last year! They are a staple in the Texas craft beer world and beyond and we are so excited to have them come back in 2024. Located in Houston, Texas Karbach is a big believer in support community efforts.
West Side Brewing: Cincinnati, Ohio
Last but not least, West Side Brewing is based in Cincinnati, Ohio and is another new brewery we are excited to welcome to the family.
