Tap Handle #514: Hoppin' Frog

August 31, 2015

Tap Handle #514: Hoppin' Frog

Tap size: just over 9.25"
Rarity: Rare
Mounting: standard 3/8" ferrule on 5/16" anchor bolt

This is a tap design that has been used for multiple applications, namely a Rogue version that does not have a label on the handle and another Rogue version that features a white frog, and a Hoppin' Frog version with a decal on the front. What sets this tap apart are the raised, sculpted letters on the base featuring the name of the brewery. The tap is used for all varieties of Hoppin' Frog beer and is not variety-specific (I will be profiling their Bodacious Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout). Once again, on the back of the tap (on the shaft, just under the frog), we have the appearance of the "s" with a larger "C" around it like we have seen on other taps like Peckerhead and Drop Kick, followed by an '11, indicating it was first made in 2011. It is hard to see and I was unable to photograph it. This tap is still used by the brewery today; this version with the raised letters is more rare, yet is still affordable.

Click through to read more about Hoppin' Frog Brewing, their Bodacious Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout, and to see more photos of this hoppin' tap...

Hoppin' Frog Brewery was founded in Akron, Ohio in 2006 by Fred Karm. A life-long native of Akron, Karm graduated from the University Of Akron and was an electrical engineer who dabbled in home brewing. He had about 180 batches under his belt when he helped found Thirsty Dog Brewing Company as Brewmaster. In the early 2000s Thirsty Dog began to struggle and changes were made. Karn took a risk and decided to open his own brewery. The name Hoppin' Frog comes from Karm's nickname, "Frog", and the fact that the brewery is "always hoppin'" with activity. Obtaining a small, 10 barrel system, Karm focused on quality over quantity, and the results have been spectacular: his first gold came at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival, and the brewery has racked up a total of 22 medals in competitions. Hoppin' Frog was named the #17th best brewery in the world by Ratebeer.com for 2011, and has been highly ranked ever since.

Not content to simply brew big beers, the brewery fired up a barrel-aging program in 2009, and opened a tasting room in 2013 With an experienced chef in the kitchen, the brewery focused on freshness and vibrant flavors in their food menu offerings, including appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. A 24 tap selection and a special Rare Beer List at the bar allows guests to order 5, 8 or 16-ounce glasses of many Hoppin’ Frog beers on tap, as well as several very high quality guest beers. Karm's motivation for offering other top beers on the brewery's taps is to see how Hoppin' Frog measures up to the competition...Karm finds inspiration and incentive to become a better brewer by doing this. The brewery makes 7 year round varieties, as well as seasonals and specials. Their beers are distributed in 19 states (including Hawaii) and 16 countries.

Hoppin' Frog's Bodacious Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout (BORIS) is the grand-daddy of all stout styles, with an intensely deep roasted and full bodied flavor. A robust hop character adds a refreshing balance. BORIS won a gold medal at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival.