Chris Hopkins is the brewmaster at the Marietta Brewing Co. in Marietta. He took over the operation of the brewpub late last year. But that’s not all he does. He also is the head brewer at the North End Tavern & Brewery in nearby Parkersburg, W.Va., meaning he’s pulling double brewing duty in two different cities on two different brewing systems.

Question: Why did you become a brewer?

Answer: Brewing has been a passion of mine since I was sixteen and decided to brew my first batch of home brew. It became a career choice when I was in college and found myself wondering why I was there and not brewing. I left school and at 21 enrolled at the Siebel Institute of Technology.

Q: How difficult is it to brew at two separate brewpubs and work on two separate brewing systems?

A: Brewing in two locations on two separate systems has been great fun. Having the chance to brew in two states has been interesting as well. Starting off, I was faced with an enormous work load although after a few months I've been able to calm things down and implement a schedule that allows me my sanity.

Q: Are there differences or similarities between the beer drinkers in Ohio and West Virginia? For example, do folks gravitate toward the same or different beer styles?

A: Enjoying craft beer seems to eliminate borders not define them.

Q: What’s your best-selling beer at Marietta and why do you think it’s so popular?

A: In Marietta, our most popular brew is a toss up between Buck IPA and Front Street Pale Ale. We have also had a great response to other brews like Mound Builders Brown and Parmers ESB.

Q: Which beer – any beer in the world – do you wish that you created/invented/brewed and why?

A: Many beers come to mind especially a few from Belgium but I think I'd go with Anchor Steam. San Francisco in the mid 1800's would have been interesting and I couldn't imagine being a monk!