Mike Hess Brewing Company is facing renewed controversy after a tweet from the company's founder, Mike Hess, surfaced online. A screenshot circulating on platforms like Reddit and Facebook shows Hess' personal account responding "Good" to a post by far-right January 6 "political prisoner" Derrick Evans, which suggested that if Pete Hegseth were appointed Secretary of Defense, he could remove up to 20 "woke" generals and high-ranking military officers. The post has sparked widespread backlash, with users labeling the brewery as aligned with MAGA politics.
This terse endorsement has sparked a social media frenzy, with posts entitled "Mike Hess Brewing = MAGA" and calls for boycotts flooding SubReddits and other social media channels, accusing the brewery of far-right affiliations. While many critics voice their outrage, others are rallying behind Hess, with some advocating to keep politics out of business.
One Reddit user commented, "He was an ass to his employees during Covid and complaining. He received a 480k loan that was forgiven during Covid. I bet he isn’t complaining about this."
"Why all the hate against Mike Hess?", wrote another Reddit user. "It's just good people making good beer. We all have a right to our own opinions. That;s what makes our country awesome? Be a better citizen!"
"This s#it gets so old," wrote a commenter on popular Facebook group, Eating & Drinking in San Diego. "Be good to people, period. YES, even if you don't agree with their politics. Live and let live."
Online detractors have been sure to mention this is not the first time Mike Hess Brewing has been dragged into political crosshairs. In April 2023, the brewery was mentioned in a now-deleted social media post by right-leaning accounts @officialpublicsq and @thebattlecry_us, which praised the business as a "pro-freedom" and "traditional American values" brewery, contrasting it against Bud Light in the wake of the Dylan Mulvaney controversy. The post fueled accusations that Mike Hess Brewing was anti-LGBTQ, leading to significant online backlash.
Online detractors have been sure to mention this is not the first time Mike Hess Brewing has been dragged into political crosshairs. In April 2023, the brewery was mentioned in a now-deleted social media post by right-leaning accounts @officialpublicsq and @thebattlecry_us, which praised the business as a "pro-freedom" and "traditional American values" brewery, contrasting it against Bud Light in the wake of the Dylan Mulvaney controversy. The post fueled accusations that Mike Hess Brewing was anti-LGBTQ, leading to significant online backlash.
Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike Hess Brewing publicly defied shutdown orders in early 2021. With 65 of his 80 staff furloughed, he branded the move a "peaceful protest," backed by pro bono legal help from constitutional attorneys at Curran & Curran. The brewery reopened its San Diego locations for in-person service despite state mandates restricting indoor and outdoor dining.
At the time, Hess justified the move by stating, "The decision to open up and get back to work was made after lots of thoughtful consideration... We're trying to save the business." Critics, however, point to a forgiven $479,080 Paycheck Protection Program loan as evidence of hypocrisy
Despite these controversies, Mike Hess Brewing has remained involved in philanthropic efforts. The company has supported various local charities, including Oncology And Kids, Passion for Pitties Rescue Group, Girl Scouts San Diego, and the Kiwanis Club of Imperial Beach & South Bay. A recent fundraiser hosted at the brewery in Imperial Beach raised money for Oncology And Kids' 2025 camp sessions.
Founded in 2010 in Miramar by former US Navy officer and veteran, Michael Hess, Mike Hess Brewing has since expanded its footprint across California. The company now operates locations in North Park, Ocean Beach, Walnut Creek, Imperial Beach, and two tasting rooms in Seaport Village. In 2023, the brewery took over the Alpine Beer Company Pub in East County after Green Flash Brewing Company and Alpine Beer were sold to Sweetwater Brewing, a subsidiary of cannabis company Tilray Medical.
As the online backlash grows, it remains to be seen how Mike Hess Brewing will respond. The brewery's leadership has yet to issue an official statement addressing the latest controversy. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Mike Hess now primarily resides in Texas, further fueling speculation about his personal political leanings and their potential impact on the company's public image.
The ongoing political scrutiny threatens to divide Mike Hess Brewing's customer base. As consumer sentiment becomes increasingly intertwined with political affiliations, the company may find itself at a crossroads between maintaining its brand identity and addressing concerns from a polarized audience.
For more information about Mike Hess Brewing Company, visit mikehessbrewing.com.
Founded in 2010 in Miramar by former US Navy officer and veteran, Michael Hess, Mike Hess Brewing has since expanded its footprint across California. The company now operates locations in North Park, Ocean Beach, Walnut Creek, Imperial Beach, and two tasting rooms in Seaport Village. In 2023, the brewery took over the Alpine Beer Company Pub in East County after Green Flash Brewing Company and Alpine Beer were sold to Sweetwater Brewing, a subsidiary of cannabis company Tilray Medical.
As the online backlash grows, it remains to be seen how Mike Hess Brewing will respond. The brewery's leadership has yet to issue an official statement addressing the latest controversy. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Mike Hess now primarily resides in Texas, further fueling speculation about his personal political leanings and their potential impact on the company's public image.
The ongoing political scrutiny threatens to divide Mike Hess Brewing's customer base. As consumer sentiment becomes increasingly intertwined with political affiliations, the company may find itself at a crossroads between maintaining its brand identity and addressing concerns from a polarized audience.
For more information about Mike Hess Brewing Company, visit mikehessbrewing.com.
Originally published on March 5, 2025.
