Beer with the Brewer – Hop Hen Brewing

Dec 2, 2025

By Nisha Vashisht

We sat down for a beer with

MICHAEL ‘MIKE’ LEONARD
Hop Hen Brewing

BEER WITH THE BREWER

1. How was the brewery named?

I grows hops over his chicken pen at home. This led to the name.

2. What beers do you have at home in your fridge now?

Aussie Ale, Lilydale Lager, Breakfast Stout and Pale Ale by Hop Hen Brewing. Hargreave’s Hill ESB, Dainton’s Jungle Juice, Thirty Eight O Six’s Oatmeal Stout and Mountain Cultures NEIPA.

3. Best tip for visiting the brewery?

Grab a tasting paddle, the Uno cards and settle in.

4. Pineapple on pizza, YES or NO?

Hell No!! but we do it because the punters like it!

5. If you can only use one hop for the rest of your life, what is it?

Cascade – Classic all rounder!!

6. If you could collaborate with one other brewery, who would you choose?

Probably some random little brewery in the Netherlands or Belgium.

7. Some occasions call for the ‘perfect’ beer, what are you reaching for:

a beach beer? An icy cold Lager
an airport beer? Stouts/Porters etc Airports lounges are cold.
the end of the day beer? Any type of beer.
the ‘best beer with dinner’ beer? Depends on the meal. IPA’s are great with spicy or meaty dishes.
to kick back and watch sport with? Pale Ale’s

8. What’s the future of craft and how can Craft Cartel beer lovers get on board?

The future of craft beer is in the hands of the consumers. Actively seeking genuine craft beer created by independent brewers really supports the craft industry here in Australia. Put pressure on your local retailer to stock your indi favourites and throw your support to Craft Cartel’s Brewery Direct range of local craft brewers.

Cheers!