Who gets to have the cool job of visiting microbreweries every week, and hanging out with some great people? Well we do!
American Hops was created by R Cubed Productions, the company responsible for the original online indie film site, theflux.tv. The premise of the show is simple: there's a growing interest in the authentic and quality taste of microbrews around the country. And you quickly discover there's a whole culture that goes along with the dedication and attention to detail that makes a fine brew. We want to showcase that spirit, while also showing people all the great activities they can do in each community after visiting the brewery. We want the show to be accessible to the first-time micro brew taster, as well as for the seasoned veteran.


And we couldn't do it without our host, Anna Steffen
Anna's been drinking fine beer since the moment she turned 21 (and not a moment earlier, kids!). In that time, she's learned to appreciate the difference between a lager and an ale, and now she'll be expanding her knowledge while the whole world watches. No pressure! Anna's no on-camera amateur though: she served as the host of The Flux for four years.


Produced by Ryan Ritchey
The show is produced by Ryan Ritchey, an award winning filmmaker, and ten-year producer/editor. You'll often see Ryan manning the camera himself at Hops tapings. Buy him a beer, and you might hear some ribald tales from film festival visits. (Just don't bring up his feature film, and don't buy him two drinks: did we mention he's operating the camera?)


Associate Producer: Stacy Lutner
Crossing all the t's and dotting all the i's, Stacy ensures the production goes smoothly, and that we actually get a show out of every visit. You know how we'd hate to have to come back!


Production Assistant: Nathan "Slate" Brubaker
Once upon a time, he was known as Nathan. That was before he became an intern on the first R Cubed Film, The Dead End Gang. Seven years later, Slate is assisting with Hops, like a Swiss Army knife: whether it's shooting, handling audio, taking notes or holding beers, Slate rarely misses the chance to hit a new microbrewery with American Hops.


Beer Advisor: Jim Haine
Having logged more hours at microbrews than the rest of the Hops crew combined, Jim always has a lead on the next great brewery we should visit. Of course you can help too! If you know of a great beer, tell us about it.