Scott & Sandy

Founders & Managing Partners

Of course the story of Hoptown is built around love!

Scott’s beer-making journey began with the gift of a home-brew kit from Sandy while they were still dating.

Scott quickly moved beyond kits to “all-grain brewing” and into a dedicated brewhouse on their home property. Things really took off in 2018 though, when Sandy began serving what was then known as “Hootenanny”  beer, at her yoga studio. 

In no time at all, Hootenanny was showing up on tap at several bottle shops and taprooms around town. While the beer was growing in popularity, Scott was also donating Hootenanny beer to local charity events leading to an estimated $40K raised to help local non-profits. 

With public support for expansion, Hootenanny got a brand-lift and was updated to a more approachable and community-oriented name, a clear vision, and a group of supportive investors: Hoptown was born.

Kyle McLaughlin

Head Brewer

Kyle’s skill and passion for beer and the beer-making process is a huge asset to Hoptown. He cut his teeth on brewing and packaging at Twenty-Six Acres in Charlotte, followed by time spent at Sugar Creek Brewing and then as the former head brewer for Jekyll and Hyde in Belmont, NC.

Kyle is married to wife Brandi and they have one son, Clayton. They met at Florida Southern where Brandi was on the softball team and Kyle was a Lacrosse player. He has been coaching lacrosse for the past 12 years at the youth and high school levels.