OUR STORY
Orange Hat Brewing Company started in the way many breweries do… with two amateur home-brewers out in the garage, talking smack over a boiling pot of wort. One, Rodney, a craft beer enthusiast that traveled the country exploring the evolution of the beer industry. The other, Brian, a home-brewing fanatic that was fascinated by the art and science behind craft beer. After a six-pack or two, an idea was born. This idea soon flourished into Orange Hat Brewery, Hardin Valley's first microbrewery!
We’re often asked how Orange Hat got its name. When Rodney was first home brewing, he called his beer “Orange Blossom Homebrew.” Being that Brian’s last name is Hatmaker, Rodney and Brian put Orange and Hat together, creating what we now call Orange Hat Brewing Company.
After several months of planning, nearly a year of construction, bumps, bruises, blood, sweat, and tears, Brian and Rodney dusted off their jeans, put down the paint brushes, and opened the doors to Orange Hat in the spring of 2020.
Get to know our amazing owners and brewers below!
Co-owner
RODNEY RAMIN
Rodney Ramin was born and raised in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Being that La Crosse was a German town nestled along the Mississippi River, Rodney grew up with the rich history of German-influenced festivals and dive bars.
Wisconsin winters are very cold with not a lot to do to stay warm. As a result, Rodney spent a lot of his childhood at the neighborhood watering hole, playing pool and arcade games with his brother. The culture in Wisconsin is a little different: neighborhood bars are a gathering place for friends and family. They’re sort of an extension of your living room - a place where friends and families come together to laugh, cry, and solve worldly issues (and of course root on 'da Packers while cussing out the Bears). At Orange Hat Brewing Co., we try to embody this atmosphere.
In 2010, Rodney traveled south in order to find better weather and raise a family.
Once he finished PTA school, Rodney landed a job in Tennessee. After a few moves and the addition of son Stryker and daughter Alyvia, they settled into their home in Hardin Valley.
Rodney continues to share his love for bringing people together with a welcoming atmosphere and quality beer!
Co-owner
BRIAN HATMAKER
Brian was raised in Clinton, TN, just a few miles away from OHB. Clinton has the quintessential small-town feel where everybody knows your name and friends, family, and neighbors spend time together and help each other out.
Brian inherited his outstanding athletic abilities and strong work ethic from his dad and his genuine love of caring for others and warm smile from his mom.
He went on to play baseball at the collegiate level, married his high school sweetheart, Mary, and is now raising two amazing boys, Stone and Luke. He’s remained in Clinton and carries a strong drive and love of community with him.
He has been in the healthcare industry for twenty years now and loves meeting and helping people.
Brian enjoys making people happy and drinking great beer. Orange Hat Brewing Company has allowed him to combine those two into a welcoming space for all to live life to the fullest.
Head Brewer
BRANDON SMITH
Brandon was born and raised in Kansas where he developed his knowledge and passion for brewing. This growing interest led him to continue in the industry during his next chapter of life in Colorado.
He spent a number of years in the high country, fine tuning his craft through passion, commitment, and creativity.
Today you will find Brandon sipping on one of his many lagers or planning out a new recipe as the seasons change.
Whether you’re drinking his beer or kombucha, there is no doubt you can taste the detail and thought that went into every drop he’s brewed!
Assistant Brewer
NICK MORAN
Nick was born into a large family and grew up here in the south. It wasn't until drinking age that sibling rivalry died down, and brothers became best friends. Sitting around the pool, drinking a beer with family and friends is what inspires him.
If he isn't at the brewery working or drinking (same thing, right?), then you'll likely find him at home experimenting in the kitchen. He loves to try out new recipes with the help of his two messy sous chefs (his kids).
Nick is proud to join Orange Hat and brings experience from over 9 years of brewing and a few awards as well. He is here to brew more of the classic OH beers you know and love, as well as push the limit and introduce a fun variety to the tap list.
Nick's goal is to make beer for everyone to enjoy. Something that brings people together. So bring your friends, raise a glass, have fun, and drink some beer!
