This Latina Brewer is Using Data to Shake Up the Craft Beer World
Sarah Real embodies what it means to pursue your passion, no matter where it leads. After 16 years in media research and consumer insights, she took a bold leap into craft brewing, where Latinas are significantly underrepresented.
Alongside her husband, Mike Dell’Aquila, she co-founded Hot Plate Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. In 2024, the brewery was the second runner-up in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best New Brewery, marking a significant milestone for Sarah and her team.
During her conversation with Fierce, she shares how her background in research shapes her approach to brewing, the biggest challenges she faced as a Latina in a male-dominated industry, and her vision for the future of Hot Plate Brewing Co.
From Media Research to Craft Beer: A Nontraditional Path
Sarah’s journey into brewing was anything but conventional. Unlike many brewers who start as apprentices or attend formal brewing schools, Sarah came from a world of numbers, consumer insights, and trend analysis.
“I’ve always loved asking questions and figuring out how things work,” she says. “That’s what drew me to market research, and that same curiosity led me to brewing. I wanted to understand what people liked, what trends were shaping the industry, and how I could create something meaningful in my own community.”
This analytical mindset has helped her build Hot Plate Brewing Co. into a business that listens to consumer preferences while staying ahead of industry trends. Insights and data back every brewing decision, from recipe tweaks to new product launches.
Her transition into the brewing industry was strategic. “I knew that if I wanted to succeed, I had to apply what I already knew, some of which included understanding consumer behavior, market gaps, and how to make data-driven decisions. That’s what gave me the confidence to step into this space,” she says.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Brewing Industry Bias
Stepping into an industry where less than 1% of brewery owners are BIPOC women wasn’t easy. Sarah admits that the imposter phenomenon was one of her biggest hurdles in the early days.
“When you’re new to an industry, especially one so male-dominated, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong. I had to remind myself that I bring something valuable to the table, even if my path looks different.”
She learned to lean into her strengths and surround herself with people who complimented her knowledge. “I had to learn where to focus my energy. I can’t know everything, and that’s okay. What’s important is building a team that fills those knowledge gaps and having the confidence to take a seat at the table.”
Beyond personal challenges, Sarah also had to navigate biases as a Latina woman in craft brewing.
“People don’t always take you seriously at first. They assume you don’t belong. But I refuse to let other people’s perceptions define me. The best way to prove them wrong is to keep showing up, doing the work, and letting the results speak for themselves.”
On Healthy Living and Selfcare
She recognizes that traditional workouts aren’t always feasible, especially on brewing days. “If I’m lifting fifty-five-pound bags of grain and on my feet for ten hours, that’s a workout in itself. It’s not conventional, but it’s physically demanding.”
Sarah emphasizes the importance of self-compassion. “I have to remember that if I don’t have the energy to work out or even do yoga, that’s okay. Self-care isn’t selfish.” She draws inspiration from the Peloton app, a holistic workout app, noting, “Their instructors often say things that resonate, reminding me to be kinder to myself.”
Changing negative self-talk is another focus. “I have a friend from the Pink Boots Society who, if I say something disparaging, will remind me, ‘Don’t talk about my friend that way.’ I have come to realize that it’s about turning negatives into positives while allowing space for bad days.”
Making Space for Others: DEI in Craft Brewing
Sarah is not only committed to making space for herself in the brewing industry. She’s also ensuring that others have a seat at the table, too. She serves on the Mass Brewers Guild and the Pink Boots Society boards, an international organization supporting women and non-binary people in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry.
At Hot Plate Brewing Co., inclusivity is more than a buzzword. It’s built into the business.
“More than 75% of our workforce is part of the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re intentional about creating a space where everyone feels welcome,” she says. “It’s not enough to say you support diversity. You have to show it in your hiring practices, your collaborations, and the way you run your business.”
Hot Plate Brewing Co. frequently partners with underrepresented brewers, hosts events that amplify diverse voices and ensures that its taprooms are spaces where people of all backgrounds feel at home.
“There’s still a long way to go in craft beer, but we’re proving that diversity isn’t just good for culture, it’s good for business.”
Winning Recognition and Breaking Barriers
Hot Plate Brewing Co. has quickly gained traction in the industry, earning the third-place spot for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers Choice Award for Best New Brewery. For Sarah, this recognition is more than just a win. It’s validation for the hard work her team has put in.
“We wouldn’t be here without the people who supported us, from our beer tenders to the mentors who shared their knowledge. This is a collective victory.”
As Hot Plate Brewing Co. continues to grow, Sarah is excited to see more Latina brewers stepping into leadership roles. She hopes that her success will inspire others to pursue their own unconventional paths.
Brewing with Purpose: A Data-Driven Approach to Craft Beer
Sarah describes Hot Plate Brewing Co. as a data-driven brewery, meaning that every decision is backed by insights rather than guesswork.
“I see everything as a data point,” she explains. “For example, I love saisons, but they don’t sell well in our taproom. Instead of forcing it, I asked: why? I looked at consumer preferences, spoke with distributors, and made informed choices about what to brew next.”
Her research-driven mindset even extends to sustainability initiatives. Hot Plate Brewing Co. sources leftover blackcurrants from a local distillery to create a unique sour beer while reducing waste. “Sustainability and smart business decisions go hand in hand,” she says. “If you can create something great while being mindful of resources, why wouldn’t you?”
The Future of Hot Plate Brewing Co.: Expanding Beyond Craft Beer
Looking ahead, Sarah wants to collaborate beyond the craft beer industry. Recent partnerships with musicians, comedians, and authors show that Hot Plate Brewing Co. is more than just a brewery. It’s a cultural hub.
“Beer has a stigma, especially in communities of color. But I see it as something that brings people together. By partnering with artists and thought leaders, we’re using beer as a conversation starter and breaking outdated narratives.”
She also hopes to expand Hot Plate Brewing Co.’s reach by exploring distribution in new markets and launching more experimental projects.
“We’re constantly asking: What’s next? How can we push the boundaries of what craft beer can be?”
Advice for Aspiring Latina Entrepreneurs
Sarah’s biggest advice for Latina entrepreneurs? Own your space.
“Don’t wait for permission. People might doubt you, but you can’t let their doubts become your doubts. Be confident in your vision, build a strong support system, and remember, just showing up and doing the work is already breaking barriers.”
She also encourages women to lean into their unique perspectives rather than trying to conform to industry norms.
“Diversity of thought is an asset. The fact that I came from research and not brewing school gave me a different way of looking at the business. Instead of seeing that as a disadvantage, I embraced it.”
With her relentless drive, Sarah Real is creating a movement. By championing diversity, leveraging data for smart decision-making, and challenging industry norms, she’s proving that there’s no one right way to succeed in craft beer.
Her story is a reminder that sometimes the best paths are the ones we carve for ourselves and that a little bit of courage, combined with strategy and passion, can change an industry for the better.
