What’s in a name?
Just about everything.
Hot Plate Brewing Co. was born in a 600-square foot Brooklyn apartment when co-founders Sarah Real and Mike Dell’Aquila started brewing on a literal hot plate.
Our dream of starting a brewery began in 2005, during a cross-country drive that took us to some of the emerging craft breweries in Colorado and Southern California. After deferring that dream to pursue professional careers, Sarah felt the urge to make a life change and pursue a career in craft beer, right before the New York City Department of Buildings shut off the gas to our condo building. Rather than giving up a second time, we bought a hot plate and started writing our own recipes and planning the brewery that would eventually become Hot Plate Brewing Co.
Sarah Real
Owner & Co-Founder
With more than sixteen years of experience working for media companies like Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, Discovery Inc., and ViacomCBS, Sarah is an expert in quantitative research and consumer insights. As a member of the Pink Boots Society and a Latina brewer who’s extremely motivated to break down barriers in the craft beer industry, she is leveraging her professional experience to make Hot Plate Brewing Co. as inclusive as possible, from the beers we brew to the taproom experience we offer to the local Berkshires community and visitors from all over the world.
Mike Dell’Aquila
Co-Founder & General Manager
An award-winning writer and marketer with experience in cable television, retail, and sustainability, Mike brings a diverse set of skills and experience to Hot Plate. In addition to telling our story, he is responsible for finding creative ways to collaborate with mission-aligned companies, non-profits, and individuals.