rolex
SSupported by cloud hosting provider DigitalOcean – Try DigitalOcean now and receive a $200 when you create a new account!

An Interview With John Briner: Leading The Hop Water Revolution

Listen to this article

John Briner has worked in the hop distribution and craft brewing industry since 2015. He is the founder of Northwest Hop Farms in Chilliwack, BC, where he developed a worldwide import/export business and built a network of hundreds of customers and thousands of social media followers. He’s recently launched the Hop Water company Tangled, a non-alcoholic craft brewery.

Q: John, you’ve had a long history with hops, from founding Northwest Hop Farms to now launching Tangled Beverages, a hop water company. What inspired this latest venture into the non-alcoholic beverage market?

John Briner: Tangled Beverages was born out of the passion I’ve developed for hops and a desire to innovate within the beverage industry. After years of working with craft brewers and seeing firsthand the incredible diversity of flavors hops can offer, I realized there was a gap in the market for a product that celebrates those unique characteristics without the alcohol. Consumer trends are shifting—people are becoming more health-conscious, and the demand for non-alcoholic options is growing rapidly. Tangled Beverages is a way to give consumers a refreshing, zero-calorie beverage that still delivers the complex, hoppy flavors craft beer lovers appreciate. It’s about creating something accessible and exciting for everyone, regardless of whether they drink alcohol.

Q: How has your background in hop farming and distribution influenced the creation of Tangled?

John Briner: My experience in hop farming and distribution gave me a deep appreciation for the versatility of hops and their potential beyond traditional brewing. At Northwest Hop Farms, I built connections with growers and brewers worldwide, which exposed me to diverse hop varieties and flavor profiles. That foundation was instrumental in crafting Tangled’s flavors. We’ve sourced the best hops and developed a process that infuses sparkling water with its essence, capturing floral, citrus, and herbal notes. It’s like taking the essence of craft beer and simplifying it for a broader audience. That knowledge and network made launching Tangled a natural next step.

Q: The hop-growing industry in B.C. has faced challenges, including competition from Yakima Valley and environmental concerns. How does Tangled fit into this landscape?

John Briner: B.C.’s hop industry is evolving, and Tangled is an extension of that evolution. We’re showcasing what B.C. hops can achieve on a different stage. While B.C. may not rival Yakima in scale, the quality of our hops—thanks to exceptional terroir and sustainable farming practices—can’t be understated. Tangled supports local growers by purchasing hops directly from them, which helps elevate their profile. Also, by focusing on a non-alcoholic product, we’re reducing the industry’s reliance on traditional beer markets and expanding the possibilities for what B.C. hops can offer.

Q: What challenges did you face transitioning from hop farming to the non-alcoholic craft beverage market?

John Briner: The biggest challenge was rethinking how hops are used. In beer, hops are part of a complex brewing process, but with Tangled, it’s about isolating their flavor. It took time to perfect our infusion techniques and ensure we could deliver consistent, vibrant flavors without relying on fermentation. Another challenge has been educating consumers. Many people aren’t familiar with hop water, so we’ve focused on marketing Tangled as a flavorful and health-conscious alternative to soda or alcohol. It’s a new frontier, but one I believe has incredible potential.

Q: Where do you see Tangled and the non-alcoholic beverage market heading in the next five years?

John Briner: I see Tangled leading the charge in making hop water a household name. The non-alcoholic beverage market is exploding as more people embrace healthier lifestyles, and products like ours are perfectly positioned to thrive. I envision expanding our flavor lineup and distribution channels, reaching a broader audience in Canada and beyond. As for the industry, I think we’ll continue to see innovation and a growing emphasis on high-quality, locally made products. Tangled is just the beginning—there’s so much untapped potential in hops, and I’m excited to explore it.

Activate Social Media:
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedin
Mercedes-Benz-EQS