Island Hoppin' Brewery
Starting with just a few carboys in our garage, we Nate Schons, Becca Gray, and Jim Parker, launched the idea for the very 1st Brewhaus on Orcas Island in Washington State’s San Juan Islands. Opening at 33 Hope Lane in 2012, Island Hoppin’ quickly became a staple for locals and tourists alike. Without losing touch with that original passion we upgraded to over 100bbl fermentation capacity. To this day, you can catch us hoisting grains in the back and passing it by mug to the customers in front.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
