Beer Prime (Paul Newton)

EPISODE 101: LOST CAUSE BREWING CO

//

In this episode I speak with Colin Stronge of Lost Cause Brewing Co, which is barely 6 months in existence and already turning people's heads. Colin has a wealth of experience behind him, including a Brewer of the Year award, and we discuss his background and where he plans to take Lost Cause.

I also speak with Neil Walker of SIBA about their new Indie Beer campaign.

LINKS

Lost Cause - ⁠website⁠ / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠

SIBA - ⁠website⁠ / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠

SIBA Indie Beer - ⁠website⁠ / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠

Elusive Collabageddon 2024 venues

Send me a voice message on Speakpipe - ⁠HERE⁠

Episode 92: James Dowdeswell & the Thornbridge Union

//

No, it's not a beer-related rock band, it's an episode featuring comedian James Dowdeswell, who talks about his beer-themed comedy show "Beers of a Clown" and his own beer, Lazy Eye-PA; and also Rob Lovatt and Dom Driscoll from Thornbridge, who tell us all about the Burton Union set that they've acquired from CMBC and are keeping the historic brewing process alive.

LINKS

James Dowdeswell - Lazy Eye-PA / Twitter / Insta

Thornbridge - website / Twitter / Insta

Send me a question for Episode 93!

I'll have a panel of experts to field your questions - Jaega Wise, Jessica Mason, and Tom Fozard.

Here's how to send your questions to me:

Email: beerprimeuk@gmail.com

Voice: Speakpipe.com/beerprime

Socials: Twitter / Insta

Packed episode this week!  I talk to Rob from West London's Weird Beard Brewery, and we drink three of their fantastic beers.  There's the normal Beer News and Top 5 features, as well as a little quiz for fun!

I also talk about playing the online Escape Room game The Cyphstress, which is based around Siren Craft Brew's beers! 

Iconic Beers - Lost and Grounded Keller Pils

//

In the first episode of a brand new mini-series where I focus on one iconic beer in each episode, I shine the light on Lost and Grounded Keller Pils thanks to input from Alex Troncoso, Adrian Tierney-Jones and Andy Parker.

Next week - Five Points Railway Porter

Episode 52B: 2nd Birthday Special Edited Edition - Elusive Brewing

Well, that birthday special was epic, eh? Nearly 3 hours long! Some might be put off by that run-time, so I've done edited versions focusing on one of the two big guests in the special. This one features Andy Parker from Elusive Brewing.

Hear all about what they’ve been up to since I spoke with Ruth last year, their 6th birthday Homebrew competition (and a bit about last year’s 5th birthday one) plus the EXCLUSIVE (at the time) reveal of the 11 breweries joining Elusive for Collabageddon 2022!

There's also an edited version with Miranda and Bates from Duration, so seek that one out too!

Episode 78: Lakedown Brewing Co

//

In this episode I talk with Clark Coslett-Hughes, the Head Brewer of East Sussex based brewery Lakedown.

I also talk with Inga Ziemele, the talented illustrator responsible for all of the can art, website art and taproom mural of East London's Exale Brewery.

Plus news of my tour at Long Man Brewery.

There's also a Speakpipe message! Why not send me one ... CLICK HERE to send me a Speakpipe message.

LINKS

Lakedown Brewery - website / Twitter / Instagram

Inga Ziemele - website / Twitter / Instagram

Long Man Brewery - tour bookings

Exale Brewery

Episode 50: Brewser, Drop Project and Full Circle

An epic episode to celebrate the 50th Beer Prime. Joining me are Olly and Lewis from Brewser, a craft beer subscription box service with a difference, and two of their partner breweries - Drop Project from South London and Full Circle from Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Its an epic length too - but well worth a listen, even if you have to split it down into two!

Websites:

Brewser: https://brewser.beer/

Drop Project: https://www.drop-project.co.uk/

Full Circle: https://www.fullcirclebrew.co.uk/

In this week's episode I talk to award-winning beer writer Melissa Cole.  The conversation covers a whole load of things from her current go-to breweries, the improvement in low/no alcohol beers, pairing food with beer, cricket ... and much more!

EPISODE 102: FIREBRAND BREWING CO.

//

Join me as I chat with Joe Thomson, co-owner and Head Brewer of Cornwall's Firebrand Brewing Co. We discuss the brewery's genesis, non-alcoholic beers, American hops, and much more.

LINKS

Firebrand Brewing - website / Twitter / Instagram

Get your cans of Primal! Nearly sold out. FIND THEM HERE

Speak to me!! Leave me a Speakpipe message.

Follow me on Blue Sky

EPISODE 94: BRÍD'S CROSS BREWERY

//

Join me as I chat with Sean O'Reilly of Bríd's Cross Brewery about his whirlwind first year as a commercial brewer, as well as some of the folk tales that inspire his beer's names and the brewery's branding.

PLUS - get 10% off Bríd's Cross beers until 30th September. Go to their web shop at https://bridscross.co.uk/shop/ and use code beerprime10 at checkout.

LINKS

Bríd's Cross Brewery - website / Twitter / Instagram

Email me at beerprimeuk@gmail.com OR leave me a voice message at Speakpipe.com/BeerPrime

In today's episode I speak with Brew York's Head Brewer, Lee Brabham, about their expansion, their beer names and can designs - one of which has had to be withdrawn recently! - and Lee's favourite beers.  All this while we drink a few of their excellent beers.  There's also the latest Beer News and my Top 5 beers of the last couple of weeks.  Enjoy!

I speak with Matt from Siren Craft Brew about their new core range beer, Lumina.  We also discuss Siren's online events such as the Stargazing evening and their Online Escape Room, The Cyphstress.  There are a couple more beers consumed too - Much Ado About Muffin and Be More Pacific.  Matt also drops a piece of EXCLUSIVE info!!

Episode 74: 3rd Birthday episode |

Sadly my brewery guest was unable to record, so I thought I'd publish a Zoom link on Twitter and invite anybody along who'd like to chat about beer. Perhaps not the cleverest idea - that attracted a few "mooners" and somebody who was just about to say something awful before I managed to boot them out.

On the good side though, Elusive Brewery's main man, Andy Parker, took pity on me and joined the call to save the day! So I had a great chat with Andy - not just about his brewery and beers, but also other topics in beer. Plus, later in the call we are joined by Chris, who thankfully wanted to talk beer too!

I'll be taking a summer break and Beer Prime will be back in September.

In the meantime, I will be putting out a series of short episodes, each about an Iconic Beer.

Episode 68: Indie Rabble Brewing Co |

In the latest Beer Prime episode, I welcome Dave Hayward who is the co-owner of Indie Rabble, the brewery so new that they haven't even moved into their brewery yet, or have a brew kit! Find out about everything they are doing pre-start up and what is in store for us beer fans once they are up and running.

If you would like to let me know your thoughts on the podcast or to talk about anything else beer related, you can leave me a message on my new Speakpipe account right HERE. Just like Ivan, who messaged me to tell me what beers he likes to drink at this time of year.

LINKS:

Dave Hayward: Twitter / Insta

Indie Rabble: Twitter / Insta / Website

A Hoppy Place: Twitter / Insta / Website

Sponsor:

White Ribbon UK

EPISODE 97: BRASS CASTLE

//

We're hurtling towards episode 100 now, and you'll be getting the three episodes preceding that (this one, 98, and 99) in quick time! This is all so that we are ready to have Episode 100 when the special collab beer, brewed with Elusive, is ready for you to be drinking it while listening to us talk about it. I'm so excited for you to try this beer!

But enough of that, let's focus on this episode which features Sam Teale, Head Brewer of North Yorkshire's Brass Castle.

Sit back and relax as you hear Sam and I discuss the US origins of the brewery, American cask ale, the food capital of Yorkshire, building a taproom with your own hands, and much more!

LINKS

Brass Castle: Website / Twitter / Instagram

Episode 81: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL with Thornbridge and Beer Podcasters

//

As Noddy likes to say ... It's Chriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiistmas!

In the 2023 special, my brewery guests are Dom Driscoll and Rob Lovatt from Thornbridge Brewery. We talk about the brewery's 18 year history, their beers including the iconic Jaipur, bottle conditioning, cask brewing, plus a whole lot more.

I also round up the year with three fellow Beer Podcasters - Steve Bentall (Beerlonging/Beer O'Clock Show), Tori Powell (A Woman's Brew) and Stephen Carter (Points of Brew). We talk about our stand out beers of 2023, a few stories that made the news throughout the year, and I ask them which of their 2023 episodes they would most like people to listen to. Links to the news stories and the episodes are below!

MERRY CHRISTMAS - see you in late January!

LINKS

Thornbridge - website / Twitter / Instagram / Dom Twitter / Rob Twitter

Steve (Beer O'Clock Show) - Twitter / Instagram / Podcast

Tori (A Woman's Brew) - Twitter / Instagram / Podcast

Stephen (Points of Brew) - Twitter / Instagram / Podcast

News Stories

There will not be a GBBF in 2024 // NZ Brewery pioneer beer vending machine which gives free beer to good guitarists // Anchor Brewery is closed down // Jump Ship in legal battle with BrewDog

Podcast Episodes

• A Woman's Brew - Episode 139 - Through the Drinking Glass
• Beerlonging - Episode 12 - Hay Bale Karens
• Points of Brew - Episode 65 - Going Atomic
• Beer Prime - Episode 77 - The Kernel

Episode 61: Mash Gang

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

You may have decided to do Dry January, but even if you haven't (like me) this episode is well worth a listen as Mash Gang are No/Low Alcohol wizards and very funny guys too!

So open up a can (of whatever ABV you care for) and listen to me chat with Jordan and Mike from Mash Gang.

In this episode I am joined by Arron (@PollysArron) from North Wales brewery Polly's (@pollysbrewco).  They are widely recognised as one of the best IPA breweries in the UK, and we enjoy three pale beers while chatting about a variety of things, such as their first 3 years in existence, how they've been doing in the Pandemic, the reason they tend to stick to pale and hoppy beers, the Pyramid Dry-hopping technique, and so much more!

Episode 31: Burnt Mill Brewery

In this episode I welcome Sophie de Ronde, Head Brewer at Burnt Mill Brewery (Twitter: @BrewSophie; Instagram: @sophiederonde) to the podcast and we talk about a lot, including:

• The brewery's origins
• Sophie's background
• The affect that her allergies have had on her career
• Her crowning as Brewer of the Year in 2019
• The pandemic
• International Women's Collaboration Brew Day
• Diversity in beer
• Yeast attenuation

And so much more!

While speaking with Sophie, I drank:

• Pintle
• Citra Sands
• Idaho Fog

You can find Burnt Mill's beers in bottle shops across the UK or on their webstore.

Beer News features stories about Vocation and Siren, and Vocation also feature when I talk about my recent tap room visits, which also includes Thornbridge, Trembling Madness, Brew York and Amity Brew Co.

Episode 44: Three Hills and Emperor's Brewery Collab Brew Day

In this episode, I join Andy from Three Hills and Damian from Emperor's in Bermondsey, South London, for a collaboration brew day. The resulting beer will be a big Imperial Stout called Rebel Fortress and will be available from 28th April 2022.

After a morning of mashing in and then digging out the mash tun, plus sampling beers - and some Whisky and Wort! - we sat outside in the pleasant Spring weather and chatted about their breweries as well as about collaborations.

Also featured, I cover some more news about the beer industry's fundraising for Ukraine including Euroboozer bringing all of Varvar's beer to the UK and Pete Brown's fundraising beer tasting of 7 rare and unique beers from his own collection.

Episode 46: Bundobust Brewery In this episode, I speak with Bundobust Head Brewer Dan Hocking about starting a brewery in the middle of a restaurant (during a pandemic too!) to fully supply beer to their small group of restaurants. We talk about their beers, their food and much more. News stories covered: Blackhorse Beer Mile launch, Queer Brewing birthday party and Three Hills/Emperor's Brewery Rebel Fortress beer launch

Episode 96: Just Me!

//

With a few last minute issues meaning that the Cider Prime episode had to be postponed, I had no time to arrange an emergency guest, so I just plugged in the mic and .... talked!

Hopefully its fairly structured and not too much of a ramble!

I talk about my recent trip to Dublin; the event I ran at Indie Rabble's taproom; Brew York's Leeds bar closing; upcoming events this weekend - Craft Beer Channel's Love & Beer 2, The Kernel's 15th Birthday, and Two Tails' latest pop-up; the 10% discount code on Brid's Cross beers is still valid; some books coming soon from Jonny Garrett, Andy Parker, Adrian Tierney-Jones, and Martyn Cornell; musings on my upcoming writing; Oktoberfest events; and the gen on episodes 97, 98, 99, and 100! Plus I tell you a few places I'm heading that I might be able to get some good beers at.

LINKS

Dublin: ⁠Mary's Bar & Hardware Store⁠ / ⁠Wicklow Wolf⁠ / ⁠Kinnegar Brewing⁠ / ⁠Whiplash⁠ / ⁠UnderDog⁠ / ⁠Galway Bay Brewery⁠

⁠Indie Rabble⁠ / ⁠Amp Cats⁠

⁠Brew York Leeds New Briggate⁠

Events: ⁠Craft Beer Channel's Love & Beer 2⁠ / ⁠The Kernel's 15th Birthday⁠ / ⁠Two Tails Taproom⁠

⁠Brid's Cross⁠

Books: ⁠The Meaning of Beer by Jonny Garrett⁠ / ⁠The Modern Homebrewer by Andy Parker & Jamil Zainasheff⁠ / ⁠A Pub for All Seasons by Adrian Tierney-Jones⁠ / ⁠Around the World in 80 Beers by Martyn Cornell⁠

Oktoberfest: ⁠A Hoppy Place⁠ / ⁠Indie Rabble⁠ / ⁠Westerham Brewery⁠ / ⁠Neptune Brewery⁠

In the first episode of 2022 I speak with Charlotte Cook, Head Brewer at Coalition Brewery - currently cuckoo brewing in Sussex, but due to open their own site in London within the next few months.

We talk about Charlotte's brewing journey, the challenges and learning curves she has experienced along the way, and what to expect from Coalition beers. We also discuss the negative culture at breweries, British hops and why she really doesn't like otters!

There's also a love letter to Tallin, but not so much for Manchester and Sunderland!

Iconic Beers - Episode 6 - Wiper and True Milk Shake

//

In the final episode of Season 1, I talk with Michael Wiper of Wiper and True about his brewery's Milk Shake. I get the lowdown on the beer and how it is brewed, then get some opinion from Jules Gray and Colin Gilham.

Then its time to open up a can and drink it myself!

Let me know what you thought of the series by leaving me a message on Speakpipe - https://www.speakpipe.com/beerprime.

Episode 52A: 2nd Birthday Special Edited Edition - Duration Brewing

Well, that birthday special was epic, eh? Nearly 3 hours long! Some might be put off by that run-time, so I've done edited versions focusing on one of the two big guests in the special. This one features Miranda and Bates from Duration Brewing.

Hear all about their plans following the successful Crowdfunding campaign, plus the draw for the prize they kindly donated to help celebrate the podcast's birthday!

There's also an edited version with Andy Parker from Elusive, so seek that one out too!

Iconic Beers - Elusive Brewing Oregon Trail

//

Episode 4 of the first series of Iconic Beers, brought to you in bite-sized chunks.

This episode covers one of the finest West Coast IPAs available - Elusive Brewing's Oregon Trail.

I talk to Elusive's owner and head brewer Andy Parker and ask him all about the beer. There's also input from Matt Chinnery and James Rushforth.

The episode is rounded off with me cracking open a can of OT and telling you what I think.

EPISODE 95: JONNY GARRETT

//

In this episode, I speak with Jonny Garrett from the Craft Beer Channel, who was last on the podcast in December 2022. I thought it was about time to catch up with Jonny and see what he's been up to, which includes writing a new book!

I also have a quick chat with Andy Nowlan from Siren Craft Brew as they have just released a new beer, Something in the Water, in conjunction with 20th Century Fox/Disney for their new movie Alien: Romulus.

LINKS

Jonny Garrett - ⁠YouTube⁠ / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠ / ⁠New book⁠

Siren Craft Brew - ⁠Website⁠ / ⁠Alien: Romulus competition⁠ / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠

SEND ME A VOICE MESSAGE on ⁠Speakpipe⁠!

Episode 53: Steve from The Beer O'Clock Show

I'm back behind the mic after a holiday and a bit of a rest from the podcast with a very special guest for you! If you're a connoisseur of Beer Podcasts then you will of course know of The Beer O'Clock Show and #Hopinions. Well, recently, Steve - the host of both of those shows - has called it a day and retired from podcasting. But that doesn't mean he wants to stop talking about beer! Oh no, he still has lots to say and it was a delight to chat beer with him and also ask about his 10 years as one of the true pioneers of Beer Podcasting.

So, why not crack open an Oregon Trail (other beers are available) and have a listen?

WOW! What a packed and EPIC episode!  Clocking in at over 2 hours, its designed for you to dip in and out over the festive period! My guests in this episode are Jack Hobday from London brewery Anspach & Hobday, and I also speak with top Beer Writers Matthew Curtis, Claire Bullen and Adrian Tierney-Jones about their Beers of the Year and Breweries of the Year!!

Additionally, Anspach & Hobday are giving away a mixed case of 24 beers!  Just go to @BeerPrimeUK on Twitter and retweet the competition tweet for the chance to win!  Draw will be made on 28th December and the beer will be with you before 31st December!  What a great way to end the year!

Episode 41: Double-Barrelled Brewery

I talk to Luci Clayton-Jones from Reading-based Double-Barrelled Brewery about their homebrew beginnings as a wedding favour beer, the 11-month trip around the world which saw them take in many craft beer stops in order to learn how to run a brewery, and so much more. While we chat, I drink 3 of their beers and Luci tells me about each of them.

Crack a can, sit back and enjoy!

Episode 60: Christmas Special 2022

This special episode features a conversation with Sureshot owner and brewer James Campbell, a stalwart of the beer scene in Manchester and even further afield.

I also sit down with three eminent Beer Writers - Mark Dredge, Natalya Watson and Sarah Sinclair - as we nominate our Beers of the Year, the best places to go for beer (in our opinion!) and tip a few breweries, beer styles and trends for 2023!

There's also some news about Elusive Brewing, Lost & Grounded, Beer Dad and much more!

Have a wonderful Christmas and see you all in 2023!

EPISODE 108: ANSPACH & HOBDAY

//

Another episode recorded in person, and following on from the last episode with Bianca Road, I walked a little closer back towards London Bridge to Anspach & Hobday's Bermondsey home to chat with one half of founders - Jack Hobday. We discuss London Black, their wildly successful Nitro Porter, plus much more.

Also, I reveal more details of the Blind Tasting episode, on 5th April, in celebration of SIBA's Indie Beer Week. Participating breweries are Brewhouse & Kitchen Highbury, Brid's Cross, Indie Rabble, Mysterious Brewing, and Westerham Brewery. If you'd like to join us to help taste the beers, then contact me here:

Email: ⁠beerprimeuk@gmail.com⁠

DM: ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠Instagram⁠

Voice Message: ⁠Speakpipe⁠

LINKS

Anspach & Hobday - website / Twitter / Instagram

Episode 57: Long Man Brewery

In this episode I speak to Tom O'Neil and Steve Perrin from East Sussex brewery, Long Man. We discuss their traditional ale roots and the copious amount of awards those beers win, plus their new craft range and where the brewery is heading.

I also have a quick chat with Jamie Percival who runs a beer gift and subscription service called Beer Dad.

Plus there's lots of news!

LINKS

Long Man - website | Twitter | Instagram

Beer Dad - website | Twitter | Instagram

White Ribbon UK - website | Twitter | Instagram

Elusive Collabageddon 2022 - Blog post

Canopy Brew Co - website | Twitter | Instagram

Crooked River Brewing - website | Instagram

Strange Times Brewing - website | Twitter | Instagram

Anspach & Hobday - website | Twitter | Instagram

North Brewing Co - website | Twitter | Instagram

CBMAs - website

Episode 45: Pressure Drop

I'm joined by Sienna O'Rourke from Pressure Drop and we talk about the brewery's humble garden shed beginnings, the move to a bigger site - then another bigger site! - plus lots of talk about their beers, Marketing and much more!

New stories covered are:

• Westerham Brewery brew beer in aid of Ukraine
• United Kingdom of Beer book by Adrian Tierney-Jones
• Unity Brewing Co change name of core beer

Episode 80: Baron Brewing

//

Join me for a chat with Jack Baron of Baron Brewing, based in Hertfordshire. We talk about how Jack got into brewing, the pros and cons of his location, branding, and much more.

I also tell you all about my night at the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards dinner last week!

LINKS

Baron Brewing - website / Twitter / Instagram

Buy David Jesudason's Desi Pubs book

Speakpipe - leave me a message for the Christmas episode!

Iconic Beers - Thornbridge Jaipur

//

Continuing the first series of iconic craft beers, we reach the mid-way point of the series and turn to a beer that is 18 years old, but still up there with today's best IPAs - Thornbridge Jaipur.

In order to find out about this beer, I chatted with Thornbridge's Dom Metcalfe, as well as Beer Writer Adrian Tierney-Jones and writer/bottle shop owner Jules Gray.

Grab yourself a can/bottle/cask pint of the beer (any other beer will be fine too) and click play!

EPISODE 106: VAULT CITY

//

In the latest episode I welcome Joe Cruickshank from Edinburgh sour specialists Vault City. We talk about their modern sours, their stonking stouts, and their impending brewery move, plus much more.

LINKS

Vault City - website / Twitter / Insta

The Big Swally Edinburgh

Email me: beerprimeuk@gmail.com

DM me - Twitter / Insta

Leave me a voice message on Speakpipe

What a treat you're in for!  5 of America's top craft breweries - Sierra Nevada, Cigar City, Oskar Blues, Springdale and Firestone Walker, join me, as well as Lotte Peplow from the Brewers Association!  So much great talk about the beer that has influenced so many brewers in the UK and around the world!

EPISODE 107: BIANCA ROAD BREW CO.

//

In the latest episode I headed into London to sit down with Bianca Road Brew Co owner/founder Reece Wood, in their Bermondsey taproom.

We talk about their beginnings in their eponymous home street, before necessity made them move. There's also talk of Cease and Desists, being welcome into the Beer Mile fold, and much more. We also sample a few of their beers.

Join me for the Blind Tasting episode in celebration of SIBA's Indie Beer Week. Contact me here:

Email: beerprimeuk@gmail.com

DM: Twitter / Instagram

Voice Message: Speakpipe

LINKS

Bianca Road Brew Co. - website / Twitter / Instagram

Episode 86: Cloudwater

//

Join me for a jam-packed episode with not 1, not 2, not even 3 guests... 4 GUESTS! OK, 2 of them were together when recording, so it's 3 segments but hey... 4 guests!

The main guest is Paul Jones from Cloudwater and there is an epic length chat with him, because it was too good to edit down. I also chat with Amelie Tassin from Tipple Marketing about what she does in the beer industry.

There is also a quick chat, recorded live at Anspach & Hobday's 10th birthday bash, with Paul Anspach and Jack Hobday!

Enjoy - even if you have to break it down into smaller chunks!!

LINKS

Cloudwater - website / Twitter / Insta / Facebook

Amelie Tassin - Tipple website / Twitter / Insta

Anspach & Hobday - website / Twitter / Insta / Facebook

SPEAKPIPE (to leave me a message) - click here

This episode features Danny Tapper from Beak Brewery, based in Lewes in East Sussex. Another brewery which started in the pandemic, Danny and the team moved into their brewery in August last year!

As we talk about their past, their future plans, and their influences, we sample three of their great IPAs.

Pour yourself a beer and have a listen – unless you’re driving, of course… in which case, listen and then have a beer when you get to where you’re going!

Episode 84: Sunken Knave

//

In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with the lively character that is Henry Kirk. We discuss his brewing background and what he plans to do with new project, Sunken Knave.

Don't miss talk about how the name came about, brewing his first solo beer under the new brewery, his travels to collaborate on two further beers, and the Daleks of Sussex!

The episode also features Mike Hampshire of Leeds Beer Tours (not Leeds Bee Tours, as I mistakenly called them!). Mike tells us about the best places to visit in Leeds and what his tours offer to those looking to learn a bit about the city's hostelries, not just quaff the ales.

LINKS

Sunken Knave - website / Twitter / Insta / Facebook

Henry Kirk - Twitter / Insta

Leeds Beer Tours - website / Twitter / Insta / Facebook

Iconic Beers - DEYA Steady Rolling Man

//

In the penultimate episode of Season 1, we focus on DEYA's 5.2% Pale Ale Steady Rolling Man.

I speak to Cal Wickham from the brewery and get his insight on the beer itself, its history and how it has driven DEYA to the status they now hold.

I also get opinion from Elusive's Andy Parker and Jonny Garrett from the Craft Beer Channel.

We're talking with the guys from Amity Brew Co, Leeds' brand-new brewery and brewpub!  I'm joined by the brewery's co-owner Russ Clarke, and the Head Brewer, Greig Swanson.  We talk about their core range beers (as we taste them!), their brand new brewpub, their inspirations - Mikkeller get a big mention! - and their experience up until now!  Pour a beer, sit back and listen!

Episode 85: Buxton Brewery

//

In this episode I welcome Buxton Brewery's new MD, Dom Metcalfe, who has been tasked to take Buxton to the next level. We discuss their beers - including the (in)famous The Beer, once known as Yellow Belly - plus much more.

Also featured is George Rice from Serious Pig. George felt that pub snacks were too boring and not the greatest quality, so he set Serious Pig up with the goal of bringing a range of high quality, tasty pub snacks.

We also cover some of the latest news including Siren's 11th birthday, as well as their upcoming Reading town centre bar; the collab between three breweries celebrating their 175th anniversaries; Carlsberg Marston's "Fresh Ale"; plus more.

WHY NOT LEAVE ME A MESSAGE? Go to Speakpipe and chat away! OR... send an email to beerprimeuk@gmail.com.

LINKS

Buxton Brewery - website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Serious Pig - website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Episode 91: Westerham Brewery revisited

//

In this episode I catch up with Robert Wicks from Westerham Brewery, recorded live in their bustling taproom.

We talk about many of their beers, while tasting 9 of them!

I also speak with Colin and Deena Gilham about their new pop-up taproom venture, Two Tails!

LINKS:

Westerham Brewery - website / Twitter / Insta

Two Tails Taproom - Twitter / Insta / Facebook

I speak with Joe Ince and 3 of his colleagues at Manchester based brewery, Marble.  Joe sent a lot of great beer in advance and we went through 5 of these beers during the podcast - some of them VERY strong!  This led to a LOOOOONG conversation.  Of course, I've edited it down to standard length, but have received a few messages asking me to post the whole thing.  So in a couple of days time, I'll release a (virtually) unedited cut!  Its great fun, lots of topics are covered and the beers were great!!

Episode 48 - Em Sauter & Bedlam Brewery

A two-hander for this episode! I speak with Em Sauter (Pints & Panels) about her new book - Hooray for Craft Beer! - and also to Clark Coslett-Hughes from Bedlam Brewery about their beers, including the interesting Porter - Kelp!

This episode features Northern Monk Co-Founder and Head Brewer, Brian Dickson!  We talk about the brewery and their amazing beers, while drinking a few of them!  There's also Beer News and My Top 10 of recent beers!!

In this episode I speak with Stu McKinlay of Yeastie Boys, the New Zealand brewery making great beer over here in the UK too.  We talk about the brewery's origins, Stu's move over to the UK to head up operations here, their beers and the support of Hospitality Action, plus much more!  Theres also some Beer News and my Top 10 of beers that I've had in the last 2 weeks!!

EPISODE 104: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2024 WITH ADNAMS AND PELLICLE

//

It's that time of year again, and this year's epic Christmas special features Fergus Fitzgerald from brewing giants Adnams, plus Matt Curtis and Katie Mather from Pellicle Magazine.

I also crown my "Beer of the Year" and play your voice messages and read your emails.

Pour yourself a cup of Eggnog (or maybe a decent festive beer instead!) and enjoy.

Merry Christmas!

LINKS

Adnams - website / Twitter / Instagram / Bluesky

Pellicle - website / Twitter / Instagram / Bluesky

Matt Curtis - Twitter / Insta / Bluesky

Katie Mather - The Gulp / Twitter / Insta / Bluesky

BGBW Award winning articles from Pellicle:

Will Hawkes: The Story of Dora Kulka, and How One Woman Changed British Beer Forever // Bonedigger, Bonedigger — How Grace Land and Saint Monday are Building an Empire in London // Highway to Helles — Störtebeker Braumanufaktur in Stralsund, Germany

Pete Brown: This is the End — The Sad Demise of Worthington White Shield

David Bailey: Hype is Dead, Regional Cask is Forever // The Usual

Mark Dredge: Visions Of The Things To Be — How Mash Gang is Breaking the Alcohol Free Mould

Rachel Hendry: The Essential Guide to Beer and Crisp Pairing

Rob MacKay: Do Androids Dream of Electric Pints? — On AI Art in the Beer Industry

Ruvani de Silva: Apathy Has Rained On Me — On DEI Burnout in the Beer Industry // London Is The Place For Me — Robyn Weise and Her Windrush 75 Lager

Photo credits:

Main photo: Anthony Cullen; Inset photo: Cath Harries.

Episode 49: Middle Child Brewing In this episode, I went down to Hop Stop in Reigate (@HopStopBeers) and met with Fraser and Sam from Middle Child Brewing (@MiddleChildBeer) about their fledgling brewery, winning Home brew competitions, future plans, Pliny the Elder homages and much more!

Episode 72 - UnBarred with Emma Inch |

I follow up with Jordan Mower from UnBarred Brewery in Brighton (my guest in Episode 34, back in October 2021). This time I record with Jordan in the brewery, having "supervised" a brew day of Joosy!

I welcome Emma Inch as my guest co-host and we also meet Jane Peyton, the brains behind Beer Day Britain (every year on 15th June - the very day we recorded).

You can also hear snippets from the brew day, with UnBarred's Russ and Gary.

There's also a Speakpipe message from Indie Rabble's Dave Hayward!

Its a long one, so here's an index in case you want to jump to a particular part:

INDEX:

0:04:52 Brewing Joosy

0:17:40 Jordan and Emma

01:31:44 Emma

01:44:20 Jane Peyton - Beer Day Britain

LINKS:

UnBarred

Emma Inch

Beer Day Britain

Speakpipe - leave me a message!

EPISODE 103: ABBEYDALE BREWERY

//

Join me for another chat with folk from the craft beer world as I speak with Laura, Jim, and Dan from Sheffield's Abbeydale Brewery. They have a fair amount of history, but the most exciting times are yet to come as earlier this year they became 100% Employee Owned. We chat about how it all happened, what it means, and much more - including their brewery's Funk Dungeon!

LINKS

Abbeydale Brewery - website / Twitter / Insta / Bluesky

Send me a Christmas message on Speakpipe! HERE

Beer Prime - Episode 21 - Brew By Numbers

In this episode I welcome Mike Burt from Brew By Numbers and we chat about the brewery, its history, its future and that number system, amongst many other things.  While we chat, we drink 5 of their awesome beers:

11 Session IPA - Mosaic

05 IPA – Centennial

42 DDH Pale Mordern Wharf

55 DIPA – Mosaic and Amarillo

85 TIPA – Mosaic and Citra

Listen also for Beer News and a rundown of the beers I've been drinking over the last couple of weeks.  Also - don't forget to listen to get the exclusive discount code for 15% off across their website (bbno.co).

Happy New Year!  In this episode I catch up with Matt from Siren, Russ from Amity and Alex from North, my guests back in episodes 2, 3 and 5 from last summer (July and August).  I speak to them about what their breweries have been up to since we last spoke.  In addition, there is more of my chat with the three top beer writers - Claire Bullen, Matt Curtis and Adrian Tierney-Jones - as they tell me what they predict for beer in 2021!!

What a packed episode!  I speak with James from London Beer Factory and we discuss their beers, their history and what they plan to do for the future, as well as the success of their line in Tesco.  James also tells me what his 3 Desert Island Beers are!

As well as chatting with James, I was also out and about (yeah, I know right?!) and visited the Bristol taprooms of Bristol Beer Factory (no relation) and Wild Beer Co, as well as the Brewery tap of Welsh craft giants, Tiny Rebel!  I recorded those visits and include them in the episode.  There's also Latest Beer News, a round-up of beers I've had over the last couple of weeks and details of my visit to the Siren brewery too!  Phew!!  Get listening!!

In this episode I chat with Stacey Ayeh of Rock Leopard Brewing and we talk about his journey so far, the hurdles he has had to clear to get there, and where he thinks he's headed!  All while drinking three of his cracking beers!  There's also some Beer News and a round-up of the best beers I've had since the last episode!

Episode 66: We Are Beer and David Jesudason |

In this episode I welcome TWO guests. First off is Beer Writer David Jesudason - we met in a Desi pub close to me and discussed David's forthcoming book on the same subject, amongst other things. A live tasting of the food which David ordered is a moment to savour!

Next up is Tom Maya from Beer Festival organisers We Are Beer. We discuss their upcoming festivals in London, Manchester and Bristol, as well as past years operations and what is to come.

I also tell you all about my visit to the Siren Craft Brew 10th Anniversary party!

LINKS:

Bristol Craft Beer Festival

Manchester Craft Beer Festival

London Craft Beer Festival

We Are Beer

Desi Pubs - CAMRA Books

David Jesudason - Twitter / Substack

Tom Maya - Twitter / Tom's Gaming and Beer podcast - Game Over Beer

Episode 32: New Bristol Brewery

I welcome husband and wife team Noel and Maria from New Bristol Brewery (https://twitter.com/NewBristol) and we discuss a range of things, such as:

• Their beers
• Their roles in the brewery
• Albert the Gorilla
• Branding
• Bristol's beer scene
• Collaborating with Adidas and Size
• The use of adjuncts

... and much more!  There's also a cameo from Stout the dog!

We also drink three of their beers:

• The Happy World of Sabro
• Talus About It
• Cinder Toffee Stout

In Beer News I talk about CO2 Shortage, Elusive Brewing's Collabageddon 2021 and my next 5 episodes; plus I talk about my Beery Adventures at Hop Stop, Westerham Brewery and at home!

I hope you enjoy!!

Episode 43: Lost & Grounded

My guest is Alex Troncoso from Lost & Grounded Brewers in Bristol. I talk to Alex about his brewing history before starting Lost & Grounded, their core beers, lager brewing techniques and much more.

Lost & Grounded - Website

Lost & Grounded socials - Twitter / Instagram

*******

News Stories covered: Drinkers For Ukraine (@DrinkersUkraine) and Upcoming Beer Festivals.

Episode 75 - Five Points Brewing Co

//

I'm back from the summer break with a brand new epsiode featuring Greg Hobbs from Five Points Brewing Co in East London.

Greg and I discuss the brewery, celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, and their beers including Five Points Best.

Also, in the first of a new feature about people working in other parts of the beer industry, I chat with Colin Gilham who is a tour host for both Long Man Brewery and Hukins Hops.

Why not leave me a message with your thoughts on the podcast, the Iconic Beers series or perhaps you want to just let me know what beers you've been enjoying recently. Just go to Speakpipe and send me a message!⁠

LINKS

Five Points Brewing Co - Website / X / Instagram

Colin Gilham

Long Man Brewery tour bookings

Hukins Hops tour booking

Episode 64: Rooster's Brewing Co 

-----

In this episode I talk with Tom Fozard, Commercial Director of Harrogate's Rooster's Brewing Co, who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year.

We talk about that 30 year history, divided between two families at the helm, their joint flasgship beers - Yankee and Baby-Faced Assassin, their relatively recent move back to Harrogate from Knaresborough, the US style Taproom, and their 30th Anniversary plans such as a Beer Festival (Suds with Buds) and 9 collaboration beers with the likes of Elusive Brewing and St Mars of the Desert.

The news section covers stories about Unity Brewing Co, Indie Rabble Brewing Co, Nirvana Brewery and Pete Brown's article about Madri. I also talk a little about a trip to Colchester to drink at the Victoria Inn and Two Brews.

Episode 37: Neptune Brewery with Melissa Cole

In this episode I welcome the fabulous beer writer Melissa Cole as a special guest co-host and we are joined by Les and Julie O'Grady from Liverpool's Neptune Brewery to talk about their beers, starting a brewery off the back of a successful aquatics business, their brewing ethos and the Ladies That Beer project.  All this and Melissa's new book, cats sleeping on people's heads, Lamb Gose, Crack Hens, taprooms in football stadia and how Les comes up with his ideas in bed on a Sunday morning!

I also talk about the British Guild of Beer Writers Awards Dinner, which I attended.

The beers that we drank are:

• Melissa Cole-sch: A Kolsch beer collaboration between Neptune and Melissa
• Sail Away: A New England pale ale
• Silenus: An Extra Special Bitter

Neptune's beers can be found in many places around the UK, but also on their website neptunebrewery.com.  Melissa's books can be found in independent bookshops, some brewery taprooms and big internet sites named after rivers in South America, but also on her website melissacolebeer.com.  

EPISODE 100: ELUSIVE BREWING COLLABORATION BREW

//

It's the big one... or rather 100! To celebrate the 100th episode, I collaborated with Andy Parker from Elusive Brewing to brew a lovely West Coast pale chock full of Centennial hops! Its a lovely beer - buy some and find out for yourselves (link below) - and you can hear audio from the brew day, an interview with Andy, plus my first reaction to tasting the beer!

LINKS

Elusive Brewing - website / Twitter / Instagram

Andy Parker - Twitter / Instagram

Buy cans of PRIMAL here

Episode 47: Leigh-on-Sea Brewery

My guests for this episode are Ian Rydings and Matt Chinnery from Leigh-on-Sea Brewery in Essex.

We discuss a whole load of things including cockle stouts, Black IPAs and how they are a hard sell, their new pub, award-winning branding and plenty more besides.

Beers consumed during the chat were:

Legra, Beach Hut Brew and Legra X #4

Beer news includes the sad news of recent brewery closures, my win at the CBMAs, AmityFest and Elusive Brew's birthday bash.

Links:

Leigh-on-Sea Brewery - website / Twitter / Instagram

Ian Rydings - Twitter

Matt Chinnery - Twitter / Instagram

Amity Brew Co - Amityfest - website

Elusive Brewing - website

Episode 56: Braybrooke Beer Company 

In this episode, sponsored by White Ribbon UK, I speak with Luke Wilson from Braybrooke Beer Company about the lager-only brewery. We cover their motivation for concentrating on lager, why they will stick to their guns, whether its been tough to gain drinkers from a couple of sectors of beer fans, and much more.

Links

White Ribbon UK: https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/ | https://twitter.com/whiteribbon_uk | https://www.instagram.com/whiteribbonuk/ 

Braybrooke Beer Co: https://braybrookebeer.co/ | https://twitter.com/BraybrookeBeer | https://www.instagram.com/braybrookebeer/

Beer Prime: https://www.beerprime.co.uk/ | https://twitter.com/BeerPrimeUK | https://www.instagram.com/beerprimeuk/ 

Episode 59 : Jonny Garrett from The Craft Beer Channel

In this episode I welcome newly crowned Beer Writer of the Year, Jonny Garrett, as we talk about his YouTube channel - The Craft Beer Channel - as well as his book, A Year in Beer, and much more.

In this episode, I talk with Pat Jones, co-founder of Pilot Brewing, and we discuss a whole load of things including:

• How they started
• Their hilarious Twitter account
• Those "Selling out to ABInbev tweets" and what would REALLY happen if they were approached
• Packing a punch into low ABV sours
• 330ml vs 440ml cans
• Beer names
• The "Time for a Brew" Brewery World Cup
• Beer Into Supermarkets
• Favourite Hops
• Their brilliant Drinklusion scheme

We also drink four of their great beers along the way:

• Blond
• Philly Table Sour
• Peach Melba Sour
• Subsequent IPA

You can get their beers at: https://www.pilotbeer.co.uk/product/pilot-330ml-cans/

In the episode, I also talk to Some Guys With A Camera, a group of young film-makers making a 6-part comedy to be shown on Amazon Prime, set in a Craft Brewery in Liverpool.

If you want to help their Crowdfunder (closes on 30th April 2021) then click here, or to visit their Socials go to:

• Twitter - @sgwac
• Instagram - @someguyswithacamera
• Facebook - Some Guys With A Camera

Cheers!!

This is the first episode of the new Beer Prime podcast!  I talk with my friend, Graham, about the beer scene up in Leeds and Yorkshire.

Episode 83: Brolly Brewing

//

Brolly are based in Horsham, West Sussex, and are owned by Brook and Holly Saunders. They've been going for nearly 7 years, and have been at their current location for a year.

Hear their story and find out more about them.

I also chat with Chloe Perry from SSV Ltd, all about what they provide to the craft beer economy!

Get in touch - ⁠Email me⁠ / ⁠Leave me a Speakpipe message⁠

LINKS

Brolly Brewing - website / Twitter / Insta / Facebook

SSV Ltd - website / Twitter / Insta / Facebook

Chloe (SSV) - Insta

Episode 82: Turning Point Brew Co

//

I'm back from my Christmas break and behind the mic for the first time in 2024, and I've brought you a chat with Cameron Brown from Turning Point Brew Co based in the gorgeous town of Knaresborough in North Yorkshire.

We chat all about their journey to where they are today, their beers, their events, and lots more - including Cam's love of Bruce Springsteen (of which I share!)

LINKS

Turning Point - website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Leave me a message on Speakpipe

Episode 77: The Kernel

//

In this episode I headed down to The Kernel Arch 7 Taproom in Bermondsey to talk with Evin O'Riordain about the brewery and his role in being a craft beer pioneer.

I also talk with Mars Pascale about her role in being a Bar Manager/Beer Slinger for Red Hand in Dalston, East London.

Plus, there's a message/question left for me on Speakpipe!

If you want to leave a message, just go to www.speakpipe.com/beerprime

LINKS:

The Kernel - website / Twitter / Instagram

Mars Pascale - Twitter / Instagram / Red Hand London

My guest today is Alex from North Brewing Co, which is based in Leeds.  Alex is Brand Ambassador and tells us all about the brewery's history and a little about their future.  We drink some of their beers and discuss beer in general.

I also introduce a couple of new features - a little round-up of the beers I've been drinking, and some news from the beer scene!

EPISODE 105: NORTHERN MONK REVISITED

//

I'm back for 2025 with a brand-new episode recorded in person in Leeds at Northern Monk's Refectory where I chatted with co-founder Brian Dickson. We talked about a whole host of things including their AF range, a possible London taproom site, their penchant for weird beers, the Patrons Project, Faith in Futures, and much more.

LINKS

Northern Monk - website / Instagram / Bluesky

Brian Dickson - Twitter / Instagram

Northern Monk Refectory - Twitter

LEAVE ME A MESSAGE - Speakpipe

Episode 71: Wiper and True |

In this episode I speak with Michael Wiper, co-founder of Bristol's Wiper and True, who are celebrating their 10th birthday this year.

We discuss their cuckoo brewing start, their recent move to a larger facility, their 6 birthday beer collaborations and much more.

News covers the closure of Thirst Class Ales in Stockport and Siren's JD taking on the ENDURE 24-hour race all by himself!

Plus, there's a message left on Speakpipe from Simon Webster, co-host of CAMRA's Pubs, Pints, People podcast.

If YOU would like to leave a message on Speakpipe, then go here - https://www.speakpipe.com/beerprime

EPISODE 27 - OVERTONE BREWING CO

I'm joined by @overtonekaran from @Overtonebrewing to talk about their brewery and beers, the innnovations in hops, putting Kiwi into beer .... possibly! ... and a whole host of things!

This is well worth a listen!

Beer Prime - Episode 29 - 1st Birthday Special with Hop Stop, Pilgrim Brewery, Crumbs Brewery and 360 Degree Brewing

Recorded in person, not over Zoom, this special episode celebrates the 1st Birthday of Beer Prime!

Listen to me chat with Rush from Hop Stop, Gus from Pilgrim, Morgan from Crumbs and Ben from 360 Degree and sample some lovely beers.  It was great to record in person and it's definitely something that I want to do more of over the next year of Beer Prime.  So charge your glasses, sit back and celebrate with us!

In this episode, I speak with Sean Robertson, UK rep for Gwei-lo - a Hong Kong brewery - about their brewing over here in the UK with Vocation up in Hebden Bridge.  I also speak with the brewery's CEO and co-founder, Ian Jebbit, to discuss the origins of the brewery and the meaning of the name!  There's also Beer News and a Top 10 of Tryanuary beers, along with a Top 6 of the remaining beers.  Pour yourself a beer, put your feet up and have a listen.

Episode 67 - Moonwake Beer Co |

In this episode I speak with Sarah Sinclair and Vinny Rosario from Moonwake Beer Co. Established in 2021, they are part of the burgeoning Leith beer scene. Join us for chat about starting up in the middle of the pandemic, the long wait for their brew kit - which could have been much longer - and why they prefer to name their beers for the style and not with an elaborate "in-joke" name. Plus much more of course!

Links:

Moonwake - website / Twitter / Instagram

Sarah Sinclair - Twitter / Instagram

Vinny Rosario - Twitter

Episode 35 - Werewolf Beer

I speak with Rich White from Werewolf Beer - An American Brewery in London!  We talk beer, moving in to his brand new site, horror movies, music and much more!

I am also joined by Thomas J. Miller, author of An Oktoberfest Death - the first in a series of beer themed murder mystery novels.

Plus there's some Siren "Beer News" and details of my visits to Hop Stop and the UnBarred Taproom in Brighton!

Twitter links of guests:

https://twitter.com/werewolfbeer

https://twitter.com/TJMillerAuthor

Episode 87: McColl's Brewery

//

In the latest episode I speak with Danny McColl, founder of McColl's Brewery based in County Durham.

We talk about his beers, the beer landscape in the North East, and Men's mental health.

I also chatted with Laura and Michael, who work in the beer industry but also have a little fun on the side with a YouTube channel called "Does It Shandy?" where they take often highly-rated beers and mix it with varying fizzy soft drinks to see if it shandies! As well as a little chat about their videos, we also try to see if a very well regarded McColl's beer works with Ginger Beer to make a shandy!

LINKS:

McColl's Brewery - Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Danny McColl - Twitter

Does It Shandy? - YouTube channel / Twitter

Laura - Twitter / Insta // Michael - Twitter

Men's Pie Club - Website / Twitter / Insta

Episode 65: Homebrewer Special at Hop Stop with Middle Child | 

Recorded LIVE at Hop Stop in Reigate with special guest Fraser Withers from Middle Child Brewery, this is the Homebrewer Special!

Four Homebrewers brought along their beers to be tasted and judged, as well as receive some advice from a pro brewer who was a Homebrewer himself just a couple of years ago.

** The audio in the live recording is not up to the quality that I had hoped for or expected. I had purchased a new mic for this event and was disappointed with it's performance, so apologies for the sound. It's not unlistenable, so perhaps I'm just being hyper critical **

In the episode, I promised the link to the EVAW Coalition's petition for the Online Safety Bill. Click here for the petition. 

Some other links for you:

Hop Stop

James Rushforth on Twitter

Middle Child

Fraser Withers on Twitter

Episode 69: Jawbone Brewing |

In this episode, my guest is Ben Hughes, owner, brewer, packager and taproom barman at Jawbone Brewing, located in the affluent Strawberry Hill area of South West London, close to Twickenham.

We talk about their start-up in the pandemic, getting all of the brew kit in with the boatyard's trusty forklift, planning a small footprint for the brew house, plus much more.

NEWS features talk of more breweries potentially entering Administration and what that means; upcoming beer festivals from the likes of Beak Brewery, London Brewers Alliance, Fyne Ales and Elusive Brewing; Elusive's birthday competiton - both last year's and this year's.

Plus there's another message left by Ivan on my Speakpipe. Why not leave one yourself? You can do so at https://www.speakpipe.com/beerprime

Links

Jawbone - Website / Twitter / Insta

Sponsor - White Ribbon UK

Iconic Beers - Five Points Brewing Railway Porter

//

The second iconic beer in the series takes a dark turn - Railway Porter. To help me find out all about this beer, I speak with ⁠Five Points⁠ co-founder and Director of Brewing Greg Hobbs plus get some opinion on the beer from ⁠Matt Chinnery⁠ and ⁠James Rushforth⁠. Then I pop the top of an aged bottle of Railway Porter and enjoy!

Check out Episode 1 - Keller Pils - if you haven't heard that yet, and Episode 3 will be with you this time next week!

Episode 63: Exale Brewing Co

In this episode I speak with Josh Walker, Head Brewer of Exale, based in Walthamstow, East London. We discuss many things about the brewery, including their amazing can label design with fantastic artwork from Inga Ziemele (@inguuuna on Twitter and Instagram and website: inga.land). Much more too!

Episode 24 is all about the HOPS and MALT that make the beverage we love so much what it is! I speak with John Willett and Phil Lowry from Simply Hops and discover all about different varietals of hops, their history, the exciting new hops that are being cultivated, as well as the leaps and bounds that are being made in making the product more efficient for brewers, such as pellets and liquid hops! Then I chat with Becky Gee and Mike Benson from Crisp Malt, who provide the malted barley, wheat, oats and rye which are so important to the end product. We talk about the whole process, and touch on the science that goes into ensuring a premium product for Craft Breweries. I think its a really interesting episode!

In this episode, I talk with Ruth Mitchell (@beerfaerie) from Elusive Brew, as well as a quick catch up with Lee Grabham from Brew York!

Lots of great beery talk with two breweries celebrating their 5th birthdays!

Episode 88: Homebrew Special 2 at Hop Stop with Elusive Brewing //

Recorded live at Hop Stop in Reigate with special guest Andy Parker from Elusive Brewing.

Four home brewers brought along their brews for us to taste, judge and for Andy to give advice.

LINKS

Hop Stop - website / Twitter / Insta

Elusive Brewing - website / Twitter / Insta

Andy Parker - Twitter / Insta

SPEAKPIPE - Leave me a message!

Episode 28 - Electric Bear Brewing Co.

Based in Bath, Electric Bear have been going since 2015, and I have the great pleasure of chatting with Bec all about the brewery and tasting three of their great beers!

Listen to find out how Bec would describe herself as a beer style, her thoughts on Untapped ticking, how the pandemic has changed Electric Bear, whether there's a Cider v Craft Beer battle in the West Country and all about the brewery, plus plenty more - including a random appearance for cheese!

Episode 73 - Torrside Brewing

In this episode I speak with Chris Clough of Torrside Brewing in Derbyshire.

We discuss their smoked beers and Imperial Stouts that they are known for, but also why those are only a fraction of what they brew. We talk style transgression, experimental ingredients, the incredible bottle art from Emma Sidwell and the local Swizzles factory. Plus, of course, much more - including Dogs of War and Cats of Chaos!

I also play some audio from my recent beer festival trip to Yorkshire, from Amityfest and Suds with Buds!

LINKS

Torrside - website / Twitter / Instagram

Chris Clough - Twitter

Emma Sidwell - Twitter / Etsy Shop

Beer Prime - Episode 22 - Utopian Brewery

I'm joined in this episode by the brilliant Beer Writer, Adrian Tierney-Jones, who is a guest co-host.  Adrian and I talk with Jeremy Swainson of Utopian Brewery in Devon, a lager only brewery producing some outstanding beers.

We talk about Jeremy's background, including a few years working in Germany; decoction mashing techniques, whether Jeremy is a scientist or an artist, and much more!

Beers

Beer 1: Ten Degrees (me); Alt Beer collab with Bristol Beer Factory (Adrian)

Beer 2: Now We Are Two - the brewery's 2nd birthday Export Kellerbier, released recently

Beer 3: Cerne Specialni - a Black Lager

Adrian and I also discuss several news topics including Fourpure's new branding, Northern Monk's "Crisp" flavour beers and Cloudwater's collab packs with Queer Brewing, Eko Brewery, Rock Leopard and Good Karma, going into Tesco stores.

We also discuss several beers we've enjoyed recently from Northern Monk, Burning Sky, Siren, Thornbridge/Adnams, Howling Hops and Elusive Brewing.

And there's also a 10% discount code from Utopian!!

My guest on this episode is Pete Hill, founder of Brewers Eye app.  Pete tells us all about the app and how he came to develop it.  We drink a few beers together from breweries such as Marble, Cloudwater, Wild Card, Brew York, Play Brew and Northern Monk.  There's also Beer News, my Top 10 of beers consumed since the last episode, and news of the next two episodes, including a Christmas Special!!

EPISODE 98: TWO TAILS and HOP STOP

//

In this episode, I speak with Colin and Deena from Two Tails Taproom, a pop-up business in East Sussex, and James from Hop Stop in Reigate.

We talk all about their businesses, how things have been going, and what future plans they have, amongst other things.

LINKS

Two Tails Taproom - Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Hop Stop - website / Twitter / Instagram

Episode 76: Track Brewing Co with special guest co-host Matt Curtis

//

In this Manchester-centric episode, I speak with Stefan Melbourne from Manchester's Track Brewing Co. Joining me to co-host and also talk about his new book - Manchester's Best Beer Pubs and Bars - is Matt Curtis. LEAVE ME A MESSAGE ON SPEAKPIPE!⁠

LINKS:

Track - website / Twitter / Instagram

Matt Curtis - Twitter / Instagram / Book

Podcasts: The Thirst Time / Pellicle / Same Again?

This episode's guest is Robert Wicks, Founder, Owner and Head Brewer at Kent's Westerham Brewery.  We talk about using the finest ingredients, their beers, the brewery's history and Robert answers Weird Beard Rob's Rhinos & Tigers question - with a name drop of a Tennis legend!  All of this while drinking three of Westerham's fantastic beers.  

Then there's Beer News, this week covering the Subscription Boxes and Advent Calendars out there; and the Top 5 becomes Top 10 this week - so many great beers that I felt some couldn't be omitted!

Grab a beer, put your feet up and enjoy (unless you're driving, of course!!)

My guest this week is Jaega Wise, Head Brewer of East London's Wild Card Brewery, as well as presenter on BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme and Amazon Prime's The Wine Show!  We talk about the brewery, Jaega's presenting jobs, hops, IPAs, great can art and much more!  All of this, while drinking three of Wild Card's new beers, which are ***SPOILER ALERT*** amazing!

Cover art photo by @mileswillis

Join me for a chat with Jordan Mower, Owner and Head Brewer of UnBarred Brewery in Brighton!

We chat about his Homebrewing beginnings, through to contract brewing to get the money together to make his own beers and moving in to his own site in the heart of the city.

We also talk collabs, taprooms, can art, honey beers and much more.

The beers consumed on the episode are:

Joosy

German IPA

Sticky Toffee Pudding White Stout

There's also some Beer News featuring Siren Craft Brew; Verdant Brew Co, Black Flag, Padstow Brewery and Pipeline Brewing; and Jaega Wise of Wild Card.

Beery Adventures focus on Hop Stop's birthday celebration.

Episode 70: Siren Craft Brew - 10th Anniversary Special |

To celebrate Siren's 10th Anniversary, I speak with founder Darron Anley about the 10 year journey he's been on with the great team at the brewery - past and present. There are also some special messages left for Siren!

If you want to leave a message for me, head to https://www.speakpipe.com/beerprime

News stories feature Middle Child, Moonwake and Elusive Brewing.

LINKS

Siren Craft Brew - Website / Twitter / Instagram

Middle Child - Website / Twitter / Instagram

Moonwake - Website / Twitter / Instagram

Elusive Brewing - Website / Twitter / Instagram

Mysterious Brewing - Website / Twitter / Instagram

Episode 90: Indie Rabble revisited

//

In this episode I pay a visit to the Indie Rabble taproom in Windsor and catch up with Dave Hayward about how their first year is going, Its been just over a year since we last spoke and so much has happened.

I also speak to Dr Christina Wade who has released a book about women in brewing called The Devil's in the Draught Lines.

Plus there's news about the likes of Buxton Brewery, BrewD*g, Cellar Head, Mason Brew Co, Attic Brew Co, and Two Tails - a new pop-up taproom in East Sussex.

LINKS

Indie Rabble - website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Dr Christina Wade - website / Twitter / Instagram / Book