Today we’d like to introduce you to James Ewen.
Hi James, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The story of Wooden Hill Brewing Company started with a fascination with the brewing process and the way it made the faces of friends and family light up when they tried the different beer styles I homebrewed. Together with my brother Sean, we wanted to share the joy of craft beer and food with a larger community.
A lesser-known fact is that we spent two years searching the Twin Cities for a place to call Wooden Hill home. We wanted a space we could grow into, ample parking, and a community that genuinely wanted a business like ours. That long journey ended up being exactly what we needed, because during that time the city of Edina changed its laws to allow taprooms to open, something we weren’t even aware was happening.
I remember the first time I walked into our location on Bush Lake Road. After seeing dozens of properties over those two years, something felt different. The space was open and full of possibility. Sean and I immediately knew it was worth pursuing.
Fast forward 16 months, and Wooden Hill opened its doors on February 28, 2018, as Edina’s first production brewery and taproom. I look back fondly on that entire process, the long days priming walls and choosing finishing colors, Sean spending late nights tiling the bathrooms and back bar, cars slowly driving by to peek through the large opening we added for a new glass garage door. And personally, scaling from five-gallon homebrews to 310-gallon production batches.
Even before we opened, we felt incredible support from city officials and the community we hoped to serve. People wanted this. That support was overwhelming then, and eight years later, it still is.
That support has shaped who we are. Wooden Hill has always been about more than beer, it’s about creating a gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors can connect. Seeing the taproom full, knowing we built something the community truly embraces, is still the most rewarding part of the journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely there have been challenges, and there continue to be.
The most obvious was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had built Wooden Hill to be a gathering space, and suddenly, for very good reason, people weren’t allowed to gather. It was a moment that forced us to rethink everything. Rather than bowing our heads in defeat, we quickly pivoted to an online ordering and curbside pickup system. We packaged our popular Mojito and Pink Lemonade hard seltzers into cans for the first time and could barely keep up with demand. Our community showed up for us in a big way and truly helped carry us through that season.
On a more day-to-day level, the challenge is complexity. In many ways, we operate five businesses under one roof: a production brewery that self-distributes, a busy taproom, a full culinary program, an events team managing three separate spaces, and the administrative support for a team of 43 people. With that many moving parts, communication is everything. Small issues can easily grow if they aren’t addressed early. We’ve learned that regular team meetings, clear systems, and strong interdepartmental communication aren’t optional, they’re essential.
My approach to challenges is to slow down, fully understand the issue, and make the most rational and informed decision possible. And just as importantly, to learn from it. Every challenge has shaped how we operate today. Eight years in, we’re stronger not because we’ve avoided difficulty, but because we’ve adapted through it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Wooden Hill Brewing Company is a production brewery and taproom in Edina, Minnesota, built around the idea that great beer and great food belong in the same space.
From the beginning, we set out to create more than just a brewery. We wanted Wooden Hill to feel like a gathering place, somewhere you can bring your family for dinner, meet friends after work, host a milestone event, or simply enjoy a well-crafted pint.
On the beer side, we specialize in balanced, intentional brewing. Our lineup ranges from hop-forward IPAs and rotating hazy releases to crisp lagers and bold, barrel-aged anniversary beers. We take pride in creativity, but never at the expense of quality or drinkability. Many people know us for our GABF winning Kolsch, unique hard seltzers, and an ever-rotating menu of excellent pub-style food.
What truly sets us apart is that we operate as a full experience. We brew beer, run a busy taproom, offer a full culinary program, and host events across three dedicated event spaces all under one roof. That allows us to control quality at every level and create a cohesive brand experience from the first sip to the last bite.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Wooden Hill feels both elevated and approachable. We care deeply about craft and process, but we never want the experience to feel intimidating. Whether someone is a longtime craft beer enthusiast or simply grabbing a bite to eat, they should feel equally welcome here.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that Wooden Hill was built intentionally to serve as a true community hub. We’re proud to be Edina’s first production brewery and taproom, and even more proud of the role we now play in bringing people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://woodenhillbrewing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodenhillbrewing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodenhillbrewing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@woodenhillbrewingcompany2843
