Ohio Brewery News

Friday Six Pack with Jamie Sipps, HiHO Brewing Co.

Every Friday, we ask an Ohio craft brewery owner or employee to answer six questions about their path to the brewing industry, what sets their brewery apart and their thoughts on craft beer in Ohio.

Today we’ll chat with Jamie Sipps, sustainability officer, community coordinator and lab technician at HiHO Brewing Co. in Cuyahoga Falls

 

What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?

My family was interested in craft beer and I had experience working as a server prior to becoming a part time bartender at HiHO in 2017.

 

How did you get into brewery sustainability, and why do you think it’s important for small breweries to practice environmental stewardship?

I got into brewery sustainability since I have a B.S. in Environmental Science and used my degree to work professionally for about three years when I got a job bartending at HiHO part time as a supplemental income. When I came on to work at HiHO full time at the end of 2017, I used this knowledge with the support owners Ali and Jon Hovan to further their existing sustainability goals as a brewery taproom. I got involved with the Ohio Craft Brewers Association Sustainability Subcommittee and Brewers Association sustainability tracking tool to further implement and educate other folks who are in the industry and are looking to become more sustainable focused in small and big ways. I think it’s important to practice environmental stewardship in all kinds of businesses to have long standing success. Small breweries can strive towards sustainable business practices and a Triple Bottom Line of profitability by also valuing the planet and people. I am currently working towards my M.B.A. with a focus in Sustainable Business to further my knowledge on this subject!

 

Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?

I think customers enjoy our Bossy Lady IPA the most although the Gorges Blonde Ale is probably our best seller!

 

What should a craft beer fan expect when visiting your brewery for the first time?

Variety! We almost always have about 10-15 beers on draft. Our brewer, Jon, likes to explore traditional styles but also enjoys experimenting with new styles.

 

Besides your own, what Ohio craft breweries impress you the most and why?

I lived in Cleveland for many years while attending Cleveland State so I love to visit the city and Noble Beast Brewing Co. always has some really interesting beer and food options every time we go. I like the smaller, more intimate taproom size and the variety of beer styles on their draft list. I particularly like their seasonal Sweet Potato Saison! I love visiting Wooly Pig Farm Brewery with friends and saying “hi” to fellow OCBA Sustainability Subcommittee member Kevin Ely and his family when we get a chance to make it down there.  We like to camp down at Salt Fork State Park which is nearby and stops at Wooly Pig are always planned during these camping trips. The classic lager styles and the unique outdoor seating where you can sit by a bonfire, hangout in a little hut, and go see the Wooly pigs is an added bit of fun!

 

Where do you think craft beer is headed? What do you think craft beer will look like five years from now?

Its hard to say where the industry is headed, but I love seeing how different yeasts can affect brewing outcomes and I hope we see some cool new yeast strains and beer styles come out of it five years from now!