Hop Forward: Getting You Ahead in the Brewing and Beer Business (Nick Law)

Clowne: Where the hell is Clowne? In our first episode, Nick pays a visit to the remote ex-mining town in Derbyshire to visit two entrepreneurs who successfully have set up a craft beer bar and brewery in the most unlikely of locations

Untappd and Twitter have a special place in the hearts of brewers and those within the industry. Not only can it be a great way to engage directly with your customers, but its also very satisfying to see who is drinking your beers and where.

However, social media platforms such as these have a darker side to them. Negative comments can leave a nasty taste in the mouths of brewers (though some customers would argue the brewer has left a nasty taste in theirs).

This week, Nick looks at several ways you can deal with criticism over social media.

It is widely reported that Millennials and Gen Z are drinking less alcohol than previous generations.

"Twenty years of anti-drug, anti-smoking and anti-alcohol education has done its job: it is no longer 'uncool' to not drink or take drugs," Berenberg analysts wrote in a beverage-industry report published in September.

As a result, there has been as rising trend in non-alcoholic and low alcohol beers of which Big Drop Brewing Co. are at the forefront of.

Other such brewers, such as Nirvana Brewery, Infinite Session, and Brew Dog have managed to develop flavourful alternatives to the nations most loved beverage... only minus the alcohol.

Around this time last year, we interviewed Johnny Clayton - formally of Wild Beer Co. - to talk about Big Drop Brewing Co. It's only taken us 12 months to get around to launching this podcast, but we're glad we finally did!

Check out http://hopforward.beers and https://www.bigdropbrew.com/ for more info on today's episode.

In summer, we caught up with Master Brewer Alex Barlow from Sheffield's Sentinel Brewing Co. Covering a range of topics from lagering, running a tap room, the perils of the beer industry, and the challenges of running an ambitious, multi-million-pound project, Alex graciously shares what he learns from his experience after the company entered a Voluntary Creditors Arrangement (VCA), as well as his dry-hopping brewing horror moment. Check out http://hopforward.beer for more articles, podcasts and a range of services to help you get ahead in th brewing and beer business.

Dark City is Northern Monk's annual beer festival celebrating all things dark. Showcasing a range Imperial Stouts, Black IPAs and dark wild beers from a variety of international breweries, the festival has carved itself out as an iconic event in the annual beer calendar. Nick & Paddy venture to Leeds (the 'London of the North') to chat about everything from cask beer, festivals, and Crunchies, as well as chatting to the guys from Northern Monk, J Wakefield Brewing, Wylam Brewery and Five Points Brewing Company.

Hops are often the flavour of the day, with poor old malt being something of an after thought. But without malt, there would be no beer! And, in this week's episode, we talk to a man who not only knows malt, but is a Master Brewer with decades of experience in the beer industry. Carl Heron from Crisp Malting Group talks about malt, how the beer industry has changed, and looks into his crystal ball to a post-Hopocalyptic Brexit future where Citra is scarce and the Fuggles is the dish of the day!

This week, we chat with Chicago Tribune beer writer and author of 'Barrel Aged Stout and Selling Out', Josh Noel. Nick and Josh discuss the lack of transparency by companies such as Anheuser Busch (AB-InBev) and why craft beer customers often feel betrayed when their breweries seemingly 'sell out' to raise capital for growth. Check out Josh Noel's blog at www.joshnoel.net and purchase his book online from an independent retailer if you can!

We all have to start somewhere, and for many, that's setting up a brewery in their kitchen or a shipping container. However, some people enjoy operating on a small scale and wish to stay that way, whilst others use that time to reinvest their money and their skills back into the business in order to grow. Whatever your reasons for running a nano brewery, it can come with its own set of unique challenges.

This week, we chat to Kate Russell from Inner Bay Brewery, and Div Lannigan from Ride Brew Co in Glasgow.

Make sure you subscribe to the Hop Forward Podcast, follow us on the socials @hopforwardbeers and check out our website at www.hopforward.beer

Magic Rock Brewing have been at the forefront of the UK craft beer scene for eight years.

Drawing inspiration from the American market, founder and director Richard Burhouse set to work building a brewery alongside head brewer, Stuart Ross (formerly of Kelham Island Brewery and Crown Brewery in Sheffield) to develop one of the leading modern breweries in the town of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Leaving behind the family business selling precious stones and minerals - hence the name, Magic Rock - the brewery have played a significant role in the growth of the UK’s beer industry, and currently export to over 25 countries worldwide.

Their tap room and beer festival, Seshfest - a festival that focuses on pouring beers that are 4.5% ABV and under - are travelled to from far and wide by consumers all wanting to try a bit of the magic.

Richard himself is warm, welcoming and friendly, and is as much as a beer fan as he is an entrepreneur. In this episode, we sit down with the Managing Director of Magic Rock Brewing to discuss every from beers, brands and business, and find out what’s in store for Magic Rock in 2019.

For more articles, podcasts and services to help you get ahead in the brewing and beer business, visit our website at www.hopforward.beer and follow us on social media @hopfowardbeers

Intro music ‘Murder Mile’ by Richard Kitson © 2014 Copyright Control. Used by Permission.

The old adage is true: 'Brewers make work; yeast makes beer'. However, as brewers, we have much control over how our yeast performs. Healthy, consistent fermentation is at the heart of every brew house, so it's important that a brewer knows how to take care of their yeast.

This week, we talk to Casey Helwig from Imperial Yeast based in Portland, Oregon, about the differences between dried and wet yeast, what to look for in a strain, souring, lagering, and what to do when it all goes wrong.

Also, stay tuned for possibly the single best yeast pun in the history of puns.

Make sure you subscribe to the Hop Forward Podcast and follow us on all the socials @hopforwardbeers

Hops really are the star of the show as far as most modern beers are concerned. However, have you stopped to consider how they're grown and farmed, and their journey from field to glass?

We join Will Kirby, who left his job in the city to start a family hop farm, and discuss the joys and challenges that face growing and harvesting hops, how Brexit could effect the industry, and the future of the British grown hops.

Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the Hop Forward Podcast and follow us on our social media channels @hopforwardbeers

Our interview with a new microbrewery has a unique and interesting background…

Husband and wife duo - Dann and Martha Paquette - set up The Brewery of Saint Mars of the Desert (Beers of SMOD, for short) after their last venture, Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project, came to an end.

Souring various locations across the UK, Europe and America, Dann and Martha set up shop in an unlikely location in the UK’s cask beer capital: Sheffield.

Having had over 25 years of experience within the industry across continents, Dann shares the good, the bad and the ugly of craft beer, discusses the differences between beer culture in the UK and USA, and gives us his insights on the future of craft beer.

Check out The Brewery of Saint Mars of the Desert at:
https://beerofsmod.co.uk/ and follow them online @beerofSMOD and make sure you make a trip to their charming little tasting roon,

And visit the Hop Forward website at:
http://www.hopforward.beer or follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers

On this week’s episode, we catch up with award winning beer writer, photographer and consultant Matthew Curtis to chat about beer trends and social media, exploring everything from packaging types, whether breweries should chase the hype of Hazy and Brut IPAs, and what kind of legacy beer business are leaving behind - if any.

Matthew appears regularly in publications such as Original Gravity Magazine and Ferment, writes reviews for Hop Burns & Black, and was the UK editor for Good Beer Hunting for a season, helping to host the Beavertown Extravaganza.

For more articles and info, check out www.totalales.co.uk

Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers

This week, we talk to Eyes Brewing - the UK’s first wheat focused brewery, based in Bradford - an old industrial city in the heart of Yorkshire.

I first met Dan Logan in 2016. At the time a stand-up comedian and formerly a teacher, Dan had the dream to start his own brewery focusing on wheat beers with a modern twist.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Dan develop his brewery and realise his dream - often accompanied by hardships and strife - and was lucky enough to pay him and his new business partner, Pip Hardy, a visit in their new home at the site of the former Bradford Brewery.

In this episode recorded in their emerging Tap Room, we chat about everything from their beers and the early days of cuckoo brewing; have hilarious takes on the cool crowd, the pronunciation of Wylam, and take on the Kinder Egg challenge; and also reflect on more somber topics such as changes life circumstances and directorships, and sexism within the beer industry.

And Rory’s brother - who makes his own gin and throws axes - makes a cameo appearance.

Make sure you visit Eyes Brewing in Bradford and check out their website at www.eyesbrewing.com

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Richard Morrice has an impressive CV. Marketing Director for Courage Brewing (John Smith's, Foster's, and Miller), Richard moved on to set up his own marketing agency, working with the huge multinational companies such as Heineken, Coca Cola, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Fullers, among many others.

These days, Richard is a semi-retired consultant within the drinks industry and runs beer tasting events, whilst keeping a keen ear to the ground with all the happenings in the beer world.

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss everything from supermarkets and the mistakes many brewers make selling their products into national chains, sales and pricing of products in general, and Richard shares the reasons why he was saddened but not surprised of the sale of Fuller's brewery to Asahi Europe.

We caught up with David Jackson, CEO of EeBria: a technology business that exists to serve the craft beer industry.

Having learned from and left Viagogo, David Jackson set up EeBria, which is now the UK's largest independent craft beer wholesaler, utilising technology for breweries to deliver their beers direct to your door and to landlord's via their trade site, EeBria Trade.

In this episode, we chat about the platform and how technology is shaping the future of beer sales.

For more info on EeBria, visit www.eebria.com

Make sure you visit www.hopforward.beer/podcast for more episodes like this one and subscribe to the podcast on your preferred service.

In this week's episode we chat to Willy Mayne of Bullhouse Brew Co based in Belfast, who talks about some of the difficulties selling beer in Northern Ireland due to archaic laws surrounding licensing and public houses, exporting to mainland Britain and the challenges with wholesalers, and moving beer into the Republic of Ireland; also discussing what Brexit could beer for craft beer in Northern Ireland.

Yeastie Boys isn't your conventional brewery. They span the northern and southern hemisphere, operating out of the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, their products are readily available in national supermarkets, and yet they don't own a brewhouse of their own.

This week we talk to the benevolent dictator of the Yeastie Boys, Stu McKinlay, about moving his family from New Zealand to brew their beers at Brew Dog and establish beers like Gunnamatta and Digital IPA.

Now, Yeastie Boys has a head brewer and brews out of Dark Revolution Brewery as well as across the country, collaborating with the likes of Thornbridge, Abbeydale Brewery, Vocation and many more.

Also, Nick shares some exciting news from SIBA Beer X...!

In this week's episode, we catch up with Charles Sibbald, a man who built his own canning machine!

Having been challenged by a fellow brewer to come up with a solution for his own brewery, he set his hand and finances towards developing a micro-canning line for breweries similar to his own.

Charles talks about the advantages and disadvantages of cans over bottles, what brewers should consider when moving to canned products, and talks us through his machine whilst at SIBA Beer X a couple of weeks ago.

Abbeydale Brewery have been around the block and then some!

Founded by Patrick Morton and with his father Hugh in 1996, they quickly carved out a reputation for themselves in Sheffield and beyond by brewing traditional cask beers such as the award winning 'Moonshine', 'Daily Bread' and 'Absolution'.

Over the last three years, Abbeydale Brewery have grown substantially, re-establishing themselves in the market with their Emporium range and barrel-ageing and souring project, the Funk Dungeon.

In this week's episode, we talk to Sales Director, Dan Baxter, and Head of Marketing, Laura Rangeley, about what makes Abbeydale so successful, how they managed to shake off some of the old perceptions surrounding 'traditional ales' vs 'craft beer' and talk about what lays ahead for this fledgeling brewery.

When news broke that Magic Rock Brewing sold their fledgling business to Australia's Lion, Twitter started trending with #MagicRock as people in droves started discussing 'What does this mean?!' yet again.

Hot on the heels after independent bottle shop closures and Tesco's all-singing, all-dancing craft beer range moving up a gear, the perfect storm was brewing for emotions to run high and opinions to get aired in the echo-chamber of social media.

So, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to reach out once again to beer writer Matthew Curtis to discuss everything from brewery sell-ups, supermarket beer, and 'Bread Twitter'.

SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, was established in 1980 to represent the interests of the growing number of breweries in Britain, and currently represents around 830 independent craft breweries in the UK.

Regardless of your own thoughts on SIBA, there’s no denying their active role in lobbying government helped bring about Small Breweries’ Relief, which has played a pivotal role in the new wave of independent breweries launch since the turn of the Millennium.

Plus, they hold the 2nd largest industry trade show in Europe with a national beer competition - a well attended event and highlight in many brewer’s calendar.

In this week's episode, we catch up with Head of Public Affairs and Communications, James Calder, to throw some challenging questions in his direction about the role of SIBA for independent brewers, and talk about Peanut Butter Snickers Stouts!

For more information on SIBA, visit www.siba.co.uk

There's never been a better time to keg beer. One way packaging means brewers don't have to round up empty steel kegs from bars and pubs, whilst landlords can dispose easily of the container once it's been used... right?!

But where do our one-way kegs end up? Many can't be recycled easily.

That's where Ecokeg are fighting the battle of sustainability with their line of fully recycled and recyclable kegs.

This week, we catch up with Lewis Jones from Ecokeg looking at the various disciplines brewers and bars can do to ensure they stay green, and talk about entering into kegs for those who haven't yet taken the plunge.

Also, Nick shares his secret idea that's going to make him a millionaire overnight...!

Fore more info on Ecokeg, visit www.ecokeg.com

Our senses and being able bodied is something many of us take for granted. But how would you respond if you were to lose your eyesight, hearing or a limb?

Life for you would change dramatically as the everyday things we take for granted, such as ordering a pint over the bar or navigating through your favourite brewery tap room, would suddenly become extremely challenging.

Unfortunately, this is how many people live their everyday lives. And there are a group of brewers who are passionate about beer and disabilities in Glasgow looking to do something about it...

Ride Brew Co, Late Night Hype and Bute Brew Co took up the challenge with the help of Social Enterprise Scotland to create Glasgow's first 100% accessible tap room.

And while their crowdfunding campaign was unsuccessful (for reasons which will become apparent when listening to the podcast), the respective breweries are still looking to fund the venture out of their own pockets to realise their vision.

We talk to Div and Simon from Ride Brew Co at this year’s SIBA Beer X about the ambitious project.

For more information on the project, visit http://www.glasgowbrewerycollective.co.uk/

Make sure you subscribe to our social media feeds @hopforwardbeers and visit our website www.hopforward.beer for more articles and podcasts like this one, as well as a range of brewery consultancy and branding services aimed at getting you ahead in the brewing and beer business.

Fermenting Thoughts are bonus mini-episodes aimed at getting you ahead in the brewing and beer business where Hop Forward founder, Nick Law, shares his knowledge, thoughts and expertise on various aspects of running a beer business.

In this episode, Nick explore why branding is so important for you and your beer business and share about the best beer you'll never try.

We explore what a brand isn't (hint: it's not just a snazzy logo!) and explore various aspects of what a brand is and what makes a good brand.

If you want to find out more about brands and how Hop Forward can help develop your brand for your beer business, visit www.hopforward.beer/brands

This week, on the Hop Forward Podcast, we talk to a businessman who is going after the macro-brands with his eco-friendly, vegan lager, Bumble Beer.

Jason Winter is the entrepreneur behind Bumble Beer: a premium, pilsner-style craft lager that is fully vegan on a mission to save our nation’s bees, provided sustainability within the entire supply chain for both his brand and other brewers to build upon, and promote eco-conscious causes.

At the heart of Bumble Beer are a set of founding principle that all brewers and people in the business of beer could learn from.

Jason shares his experiences as a marketer and brand builder on contract brewing, generating press, bringing his product to market and the securing sales, without being able to brew himself.

For more information visit http://www.bumblebeer.net/

The Queer Brewing Project is a new non-profit collaborative brewing initiative led by artist and beer writer Lily Waite.

Inspired by the likes of Denmark’s Hops Not Hate and People Like Us, and London’s Craft Beer Cares festival, the project hopes to use collaborative brewing as a vehicle for fundraising and conversation, raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.

In this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, Nick chats to Lily around some of the issues that our LGBTQ+ friends face in daily life, down the pub, and in the beer industry.

For more info on The Queer Brewing Project and to support the good work Lily is doing, visit https://www.thequeerbrewingproject.com/

Designating himself as driver, he taxied a group of friends around a variety of brewery tap rooms - everything from craft upstairs Wild Weather and Siren Craft, to the well-established West Berkshire Brewery and Wytchwood, famous for their beer Hobgoblin - allowing them to experience the full pallet of offerings from a range of breweries, all heralding different styles.

In this episode, we ask Carl what he took from the experience and talk all about how taprooms now are a must for breweries to succeed.

If you’re in Coventry, make a point of visiting Twisted Barrel Brewery to sample their wide range of exciting beers and soak up the atmosphere. Visit https://www.twistedbarrelale.co.uk/ for more info.

Follow us on social media at @hopforwardbeers and hit the SUBSCRIBE button for fresh content each and every week.

Award-winning writer Melissa is widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s leading beer & food experts. In this episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, Nick invites Melissa to share her experiences as a beer writer and what it takes in today’s digital age to make a living from beer journalism, alongside other creative endeavours.

Melissa also shares how her face ends up on a pint of Guinness!

And Nick shares an interesting story about how a Budweiser reject has become the new jingle for the podcast.

Music by Mark Stoney, under license to Hop Forward Ltd.

For more info on Melissa Cole follow her on social media @MelissaCole

Visit www.hopforward.beer for more podcasts like this one and a range of services aimed at getting you ahead in your beer business.

There are so many issues surrounding cask beer, everything from low margins and dodgy pump clips, to bad cellaring and badly brewed beers.

The list is seemingly endless.

However, for all it's negative points, there is nothing quite like a pint of cask ale when stored and served correctly.

This week on the Hop Forward Podcast, we talk to veteran brewer Shane Swindells from the Cheshire Brewhouse to discuss what ails cask ale.

For more information on the Cheshire Brewhouse visit www.cheshirebrewhouse.co.uk/

In this week’s episode, Nick ventures over the Pennines to one of the leading breweries in contemporary beer: Cloudwater Brew Co.

However, if you’re expecting an episode about Cloudwater rise to success or how they obtain bold, punchy flavours in their beers, then think again!

We caught up with founder and director, Paul Jones, in Cloudwater’s Unit 9 Tap Room to chat about mental health and the impact of negative social media - a.k.a Beer Twitter - on brewers in today’s industry.

Paul shares his first-hand experience the triumphs and the criticisms Cloudwater have faced over their relatively short history, and how he and the team have managed to keep their head in the game.

Today’s show is proudly sponsored by Brew Broker - the marketplace for the brewing industry. With over 500 traders already on board, BrewBroker will find you buyers for your spare capacity, or the perfect brewery to create, contract or white label a beer. Create a supplier profile to fill capacity or sign up as a buyer to start your tender with their easy to use platform.

JOIN TODAY FOR FREE at BrewBroker.com

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week, we mix skateboards with brewing as we talk to Beer Riff's Rhys Pillai all about the Swansea based brewery and tap room.

We discuss everything from building a brand and a business in a coastal city far from the UK's brewing and beer hubs such as Manchester, Newcastle and London; through to recent the crowdfunding woes consumers have faced when their favourite breweries have failed to deliver.

Nick also shares some musings from his recent race around Sheffield over the weekend and applies it to running a beer business.

Today’s show is proudly sponsored by Brew Broker – the marketplace for the brewing industry. With over 500 traders already on board, BrewBroker will find you buyers for your spare capacity, or the perfect brewery to create, contract or white label a beer.

Create a supplier profile to fill capacity or sign up as a buyer to start your tender with their easy to use platform. Join today for free at brewbroker.com

Nestled in a railway arch down in Ardwick, Manchester, is a brewery doing things differently to its next door neighbours.

Within a stone's throw of Wander Beyond, Alphabet Brewing Company and Track Brew Co - and a mere walk from Cloudwater - Manchester Union Brewery are not turning out big juicy DIPAs or thick luscious imperial stouts, but have turned to traditional central European lager brewing techniques with a modern local twist to create a unique legacy beer that the people of Manchester can be proud to call their own.

Talking to Will Evans - an employee of Cave Direct in the North and one of the four directors of Manchester Union Brewery - we discuss some of the challenges Will and his business partners have faced in running a lager brewery, including being muscled off taps by multinationals, fermentation times vs. cash flow, and running a tap room bar next to some of the UK's hottest craft breweries.

Although we didn't record sampling the lagers themselves, they were utterly sublime!

Check out https://manchesterunionbrewery.com for more details.

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Today’s show is proudly sponsored by Brew Broker – the marketplace for the brewing industry. With over 500 traders already on board, BrewBroker will find you buyers for your spare capacity, or the perfect brewery to create, contract or white label a beer.

Create a supplier profile to fill capacity or sign up as a buyer to start your tender with their easy to use platform. Join today for free at brewbroker.com

On this week's episode of the Hop Forward podcast we catch up with owner of Bath's Chapter One, Michael Heap, to discuss setting up and running a bar, what considerations bar owners make when purchasing beers to sell, and how to handle the beer bros who want the latest, craziest beers available.

Today’s show is proudly sponsored by Brew Broker – the marketplace for the brewing industry. With over 500 traders already on board, BrewBroker will find you buyers for your spare capacity, or the perfect brewery to create, contract or white label a beer.

Create a supplier profile to fill capacity or sign up as a buyer to start your tender with their easy to use platform. Join today for free at brewbroker.com

On the podcast this week, we talk to Dan, Pip and Lizzy from Eyes Brewery about something BIG that is brewing in Bradford:

There are some amazing beers being produced in the UK at the moment. However, not everyone gets the praise they deserve for one reason or another.

BIG is our opportunity to put that right!

BIG is a beer festival celebrating the new wave of UK craft breweries destined to grow large; we’re personally inviting breweries we believe are delivering diverse, complex, amazing beers but aren’t invited to some of the well-known festivals because, well… they’re not ‘big’ yet!

Taking place on Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd September, come and meet the brewers as they pour their beers in the recently opened EYES Haus brewery tap room, based in the heart of Bradford.

Come on down and discover your new favourite beer from a brewery you can truly say, "I knew them before they were BIG".

Listen to Nick and Eyes Brewery talk about the forthcoming beer festival, take on the chocolate bar challenge, hear horror stories about 'The Hell Room' and discuss how localised beer is making a positive impact in cities like Bradford in this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast

Tickets to the festival are available now! ** TICKET http://bit.ly/EYESBigfest **

Ric Womersley runs a social enterprise with the aim of raising awareness one beer at a time.

Spotlight Brewing, based on the outskirts of Snaith, aims to produce top class beers along with providing a tailored workplace for people with learning disabilities; all while trying to educate and raise awareness surrounding disabilities.

Running a social enterprise comes with its challenges though, especially when producing beer. Ric has to keep an eye on the team and on the beer, working at a different pace to many of his contemporaries.

His enthusiasm and love for the people in his care are evident has he draws alongside people, offering engagement and teach them skills in the brewing industry.

Nick and Ric discuss the first year of Spotlight Brewing, and the future of the beer industry in general on a warm Monday afternoon in Nick's new favourite pub: The Crown Inn.

Visit http://spotlightbrewing.co.uk to find out more about the brewery.

BrewBroker are a company that connects brewers to breweries, brands to beers within the global marketplace.

Whereas contract brewing once had - and some would argue, still does - a stigma attached to it, many brands and breweries are turning to resources much larger than their own to have their beers brewed on their behalf.

For many breweries with spare capacity, it also offers a good opportunity to maximise potential and generate income rather than allowing tanks to remain idle.

Though some may hold onto the courage of their convictions to roll up their sleeves and don their Marigolds for themselves, others are perfectly happy to have someone mash in for them.

This week, we talk to Daniel Rowntree from BrewBroker to discuss how their company is helping unite the beer industry and fill the need, wherever it is found, through contract brewing and white labelling.

Visit www.brewbroker.com for more details.

This week on the Hop Forward Podcast we are joined by Five Points Brewing Company Marketing Manager, Claudia Mayne, in the Pembury Tavern, Hackney, talking all about core range beers, branding, cask beer and cellaring, and the future of the British pub.

Nick also shares on the importance of taking a break every once in a while.

Today's episode is sponsored by BIG: a beer festival celebrating the new wave of UK craft breweries destined to grow large; we’re personally inviting breweries we believe are delivering diverse, complex, amazing beers but aren’t invited to some of the well-known festivals because, well… they’re not ‘big’ yet!

For more info and tickets, visit https://eyesbigfest.eventbrite.co.uk/

This week on the Hop Forward Podcast, Nick shares some of his personal journey as to why he left the megachurch to start a microbrewery and visits a brewpub based in the heart of Hackney, associated with the local parish church, Hackney Church.

General Manager, Luke Scanlon, and Head Brewer, Ryan Robbins, and the team have created a welcoming space that everyone can enjoy that gives back to the local community - beer for all sorts.

Luke and Ryan talk about leaving their desk jobs to start the brewery with no industry background, working with investors who challenge them to brew world class beers, the challenges of setting up in a railway arch, and how they are serving the folk in the surrounding area with good food and great beer.

For more info on the brewery to pay them a visit, check out https://www.hackneychurchbrew.co/

Today’s episode is sponsored by BIG: a beer festival celebrating the new wave of UK craft breweries destined to grow large; we’re personally inviting breweries we believe are delivering diverse, complex, amazing beers but aren’t invited to some of the well-known festivals because, well… they’re not ‘big’ yet!

For more info and tickets, visit https://eyesbigfest.eventbrite.co.uk/

Independence. It's a word that conjures up lots of emotions.

When independent breweries sell-up to global beer businesses, many supporters and followers feel a wide range of feelings; everything from a slight tinge of sadness to complete and utter betrayal.

But is independence really that black and white? How can we fully know where our produce comes from? Can we really slam a business for selling out to a world-wide conglomerate from the comfort of our Nike shoes whilst using our iPhones?

In this episode, Nick talks to independent bottle-shop owner, Jules Gray of Hop Hideout and Sheffield's Indie Beer Feast, about the importance of independence within the trade, and why transparency is the key to maintaining good relationships throughout the customer journey.

Today's show is sponsored by BIG: a beer festival celebrating the new wave of UK craft breweries destined to grow large; we’re personally inviting breweries we believe are delivering diverse, complex, amazing beers but aren’t invited to some of the well-known festivals because, well… they’re not ‘big’ yet!

Book tickets today at https://eyesbigfest.eventbrite.co.uk

On the Hop Forward Podcast, we travel to Notting Hill, London, to meet Nick Dolan and Tim Peyton from independent bottle shop Real Ale Ltd.

Having been running shops across London for 14 years, Nick and the team have been championing locally brewed, high quality beers ever since and were one of the first shops to stock Punk IPA in can, which - at the time - seemed like a novel idea.

It’s hard to imagine as little as 6 years ago where flavour profiles, packaging formats and the microbrewery boom would take British beer, let alone running shops back when the term ‘real ale’ was the descriptor for what we now call ‘craft beer’.

Founder Nick Dolan has had a front seat whilst navigating the landscape since the early days of driving across the country in his van picking up bottle conditioned beers direct from the brewer, to now sourcing and supplying beer for one of the UK’s largest retailers, Marks & Spencer.

In this episode, we tackle a variety of topics - ranging from quality, branding, pricing and supermarkets, right through to the future of the beer industry.

Make sure you tune in to this fantastic episode.

Brewery travel writer, Joel Geier, shares his observations and thoughts from his travels across America, sampling everything from 30L commercial home brewers selling from a residential property, through to breweries with a national footprint.

Joel talks about the trends in American craft beer and why the USA is so diverse when it comes to its beer selection and tap room offers.

And Nick shares his Hopes & Beers bringing the lowdown on his brewing journey.

Today's episode is sponsored by SSV Limited.

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited have got you covered. In just five short years SSV Limited have established themselves as the go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit and the knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their recently opened parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to keep your brewery up and running.


Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk and check out their latest projects.

Gazz Prescott - formerly of Hop Craft - and Sue Hayward, from the now closed Waen Brewery in central Wales join us on the Hop Forward Podcast this with, along with a cameo appearance from Dave Unpronounceable, to discuss the realities that face many small brewers in the UK.

Over shots of rum in the Harlequin, Sheffield, Gazza, Dave, Sue and Nick dissect the industry, beer trends, and the ingredients required to keep the beer flowing.

For anyone starting out in the industry with high hops (hopes - sic), this is a must listen!

Today’s show is sponsored by SSV Limited.

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited have got you covered. In just five short years SSV Limited have established themselves as the go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit and the knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their recently opened parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to keep your brewery up and running.

Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk and check out their latest projects.

Cask beer: there really is nothing quite like a sparkling pint of the creamy headed golden stuff.

And yet, why does it suffer so much from bad press and Untappd reviews that make reviews in the Sunday Times look moderately tame?

Why can you visit one pub and have a luscious, flavoursome experience, yet walk several hundred yards to the next venue, drink the same branded beer and be served with a pint of vinegar that wouldn't even be worth of a Chip Butty?!

This week on the Hop Forward Podcast, we talk to beer sommelier Nigel Sadler about the quality of cask beer in the United Kingdom and take a look at some simple things that many brewers can do to improve this time-honoured tradition.

This week's sponsor of the Hop Forward Podcast comes from Niche Solutions: suppliers of cleaning products to dairies, breweries, bakeries and the hospitality industry throughout the UK.

Visit http://www.nichesolutionsgb.co.uk to find out more about their bespoke solutions and products.

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week, we sit down with Lincoln Green Brewing Co. owner and SIBA Chair of the Midlands Region Anthony Hughes to talk about how partnering with an established pub company has helped build a sustainable business, which predominantly - but not exclusively - produces cask beers.

Anthony also talks about the role of SIBA in today's landscape and shares his thoughts on how CAMRA members are possibly hindering cask beer more than they are helping it.

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Today's episode is sponsored by SSV Limited (www.ssvlimited.co.uk) with additional support from Nichesolutions GB (www.nichesolutionsgb.co.uk).

In 21st Century life, we are becoming increasingly conscious about our plastic consumption and our carbon footprint upon the earth. Yet, for many of us, we don't stop to think about another source equally as damaging to the planet: food waste.

Toast Ales are playing their part by creating beers brewed using surplus and wasted bread, partnering with other breweries to breakdown the loafs, mash in, and create some wonderful beers.

This week, we talk to co-founder, Louisa Zaine all about sustainability and food waste in the food and beverage industry.

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This week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast is sponsored by Nichesolutions GB...

One of the biggest challenges faced by the brewing/ beverage industry is environmental sustainability. NicheSolutions are promoting new ways to do business by investing in innovative, energy-efficient projects with low impact on the environment.

Their Nc6 can holders are just one new, cost-effective way for brewers to make a difference - and they're already proving popular. The UK’s first 100% eco-friendly six-pack holders are made from 100% recycled wood pulp, which in turn is 100% biodegradable. We're proud to say they have earned the prestigious DIN CERTO certificate of compostability.

Whether you’re a brewer producing cans of beer or a consumer drinking them, it surely makes sense to stop using plastic can holders. Why add needlessly to the planet’s mounting plastic waste problem, and create a long-term threat to the environment, to birds and sea life?

Even beyond the problem of landfill sites and oceans filling up with plastic, the old-fashioned plastic 6-pack holders pose an extra hazard to birds and animals. That’s why many consumers now snip them with scissors before disposal.

NicheSolutions’ new Nc6 six-pack can holders fit 330cl, 440cl and 500cl cans, and are priced at only 23p each. Ask about the can holders when you're placing your next order with www.nichesolutionsgb.co.uk

Is there anything more alluring to a brewer than shiny stainless steel? We think not! But where should you start when looking to purchase equipment or upgrade your existing brewhouse?

Should you go steam powered, direct gas fired, or electric? Do you go RTJ, Tri-camp or DIN? And what are the essentials you need to include in your budget and the nice-to-haves you can live without for a while?

While costing up brewery essentials may seem like a minefield - let alone installing it in that railway arch! - it need not be.

This week, we talk to comissioning brewers James Campbell (formerly Marble and Cloudwater) and Venkatesh Iyer (ex-Leeds Brewery) of SSV Limited all about brewery vessels and equipment for you and your brewhouse.

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Follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers

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Check out www.hopforward.beer for more podcasts like this one and a range of services to help you get ahead in your beer business.

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Today's episode is proudly sponsored by NicheSolutionsGB www.nichesolutionsgb.co.uk

Try Enzybrew10: the eco-friendly dettergent that beats biofilms. Enzybrew 10 is the all-in-one, eco-friendly cleaning product from Realzyme, available now from NicheSolutions.

It’s an enzyme-based powdered detergent rather than a traditional caustic-based cleaning solution – and it provides an effective weapon against biofilms and brewery contamination.

This week, we head over to the dark side with Wander Beyond Brewing's Head Brewer, Mat Breslin, as we talk about brewing and barrel aging high gravity beers such as Imperial Stouts, Milkshake IPAs and fruited Berliner Weisse.

Mat talks about some of the techniques behind creating such big beers, along with pitching their beers to consumers in and beyond Manchester.

Follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers
Check out the website at hopforward.beer
Leave us a review on iTunes, Spotify and the like

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Today's episode is sponsored by SSV Limited...

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited have got you covered. In just five short years SSV Limited have established themselves as the go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit and the knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their recently opened parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to keep your brewery up and running.

Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk and check out their latest projects.

Roger Protz is one of the world's leading beer writers, historians, lecturers and tasters

With over 20 books under his belt on the subject, he has also edited more than 20 editions of the annual CAMRA Good Beer Guide, given many public tutored beer tastings, including the annual Great British Beer Festival among many others, and campaigned tirelessly for CAMRA in the fight for cask conditioned real ale.

In this episode, we talk to the man himself at the recent Sheffield's Steel City Beer & Cider festival about how he has seen the beer industry and culture change, and his opinions on everything from what makes a good beer to whether hardcore CAMRA members should be concerned with their CO2.

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- Follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers
- Leave us a review on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play
- Find out more about how we can help you and your beer business at www.hopforward.beer

Today's show is sponsored by Premier Systems, creators of BrewMan, the UK’s No.1 brewery management software, used by over 200 breweries and distilleries of all sizes. The end-to-end system covers all back office functions such as CRM, stock control, distribution, cask tracking, reporting, raw material purchase ordering and traceability. BrewMan helps brewers focus on making great beer, not doing paperwork.

BrewMan is a cloud-based subscription service with no long term contracts or any upfront set up fees and starts from just £20 a month.

If you would like more information about BrewMan, or book a demo of the software, please get in touch at 02380 811 100, email at sales@premiersystems.com or visit premiersystems.com.

Ask any brewer in the industry about a near-miss they've had in the brewhouse and you'll be met with countless stories, some told as anecdotes and some recounted with tentative trepidation, most of all ending with the sentence, 'It could have been so much worse!'

But for some, unfortunately, near-misses aren't misses at all: they are fully fledged accidents and incidents, often resulting in life-altering injuries, hospitalisation and debilitation.

In the worse case scenarios, even death.

Health and safety is paramount in the beer business. Whether you're a distributor operating a folk-lift truck to take a delivery of badly strapped kegs, or a brewer making do with *that* ladder up to the brew kettle (again!), it only takes a moment - a flash - for such an accident to happen.

American brewmaster [Teri Fahrendorf](www.terifahrendorf.com) knows this all too well. In 1989, she suffered 3rd degree burns on 11% of her body on account of a badly designed brewhouse and lived to tell the tale.

Some of the others, as she recounts in this episode, weren't so fortunate.

This is episode is pivotal listening for all involved in brewing and manual handling; a stark reminder that it's better to put procedures and practices in place *now* before it's too late.

For more information on Teri and her work in the American beer industry, visit her website at [www.terifahrendorf.com](www.terifahrendorf.com)

---
Today’s show is sponsored by Premier Systems, creators of BrewMan, the UK’s No.1 brewery management software, used by over 200 breweries and distilleries of all sizes.

The end-to-end system covers all back office functions such as CRM, stock control, distribution, cask tracking, reporting, raw material purchase ordering and traceability. BrewMan helps brewers focus on making great beer, not doing paperwork.

BrewMan is a cloud-based subscription service with no long term contracts or any upfront set up fees and starts from just £20 a month. If you would like more information about BrewMan, or book a demo of the software, please get in touch at **+44(0)2380 811 100**, email at [sales@premiersystems.com](mailto:sales@premiersystems.com) or visit [premiersystems.com](http://premiersystems.com).

---

- Follow us on social media
[@hopforwardbeers](www.twitter.com/hopforwardbeers)

- [Subscribe to the Hop Forward Podcast on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/hop-forward-getting-you-ahead-in-brewing-beer-business/id1441536587?mt=2&ls=1#episodeGuid=http://hopforward.beer/?p=1990) and leave us a review
- Visit our website [www.hopforward.beer](www.hopforward.beer) for more articles, podcasts and insights like this one, and see how you can get ahead in the brewing and beer business through one of our services.

“50 episodes? That’s one more than 49!” observes The Sheffield Brewery Company’s Paddy Spencer in this week’s anniversary episode of the Hop Forward Podcast.

To celebrate episode 50, Nick and guest presenter Paddy Spencer travel deep into the rolling hills of Derbyshire for an extended episode, sampling smoked beers at Torrside Brewing’s annual Smokefest, catching up with Peter from the small team to chat about the history of smoked beers and his take on the wider industry today.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Ecokeg - the strongest, most versatile and eco –friendly one way keg on the market today.

Ecokegs can be racked just like a cask or counter pressure filled like any traditional steel kegs.

Made in the UK using 70% recycled materials and fully recyclable to industrial recyclers, they can be 100% recycled by Ecokeg themselves into new kegs, they also offer free collection for empty Ecokegs.

Used extensively across the brewing industry by cask brewers looking to access the keg market without needing any expensive equipment, as well as macro/micro brewers distributing across the UK and throughout the rest of the world, particularly because they are available in not only Sankey valves but Grundy, A and D type also.

For more information you can speak directly to Lewis on 01656 725799 or email info@ecokeg.com, or visit ecokeg.com

Hailing from Barnsley, South Yorkshire (UK), beer illustrator and artist Lewy Lewy discusses what it takes to create bespoke artwork for craft breweries in this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast.

Having undertaken an art degree in Birmingham, Lewis Ryan moved into a role as a creative director for a marketing firm before realising his passion lay with illustrating for breweries and musicians.

Lewy took the jump by creating a stunning portfolio of work and connecting with breweries through Brew Dog's bars, getting his first big break with Sheffield's Abbeydale Brewery.

Since then, his designs have become hot property, working with companies such as London's Hammerton Brewery and Rock Leopard, as well as Oslo based brewery, Amundsen Bryggeri .

If you've never encountered his artwork before, head over to www.lewisryanart.com and check out www.hopforward.beer/podcast to see some of the rough sketches.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Ecokeg - the strongest, most versatile and eco –friendly one way keg on the market today.

Ecokegs can be racked just like a cask or counter pressure filled like any traditional steel kegs.

Made in the UK using 70% recycled materials and fully recyclable to industrial recyclers, they can be 100% recycled by Ecokeg themselves into new kegs, they also offer free collection for empty Ecokegs.

Used extensively across the brewing industry by cask brewers looking to access the keg market without needing any expensive equipment, as well as macro/micro brewers distributing across the UK and throughout the rest of the world, particularly because they are available in not only Sankey valves but Grundy, A and D type also.

For more information you can speak directly to Lewis on 01656 725799 or email info@ecokeg.com, or visit ecokeg.com

After seeing a decline in milk sales from local customers and being hit hard by supermarket pricing, the Sheffield born and bred Gill family looked for an alternative to dairy farming, including furniture making. In an epiphany moment, they decided to take their love of beer, sell their cattle and, in 2005, with help of government funding, start Bradfield Brewery.

Since then, Bradfield Brewery has become a much loved institution both in Sheffield and regions reaching up the North coast and down into the heart of the midlands.

Their beers may not be dry hopped within an inch of their life, you can guarantee that you’ll be served a crystal clear pint of traditional cask ale with a thick creamy head that displays beautiful lacing all the way down the glass; as appealing to the eye as it is to the pallet when you return for a third of fourth pint.

Around the festive season every year, Belgium Blue - a traditional bitter infused with elderberries - has become one of Sheffield’s most consumed beers.

Deliciously velvety in colour with a slight residual sweetness balanced beautifully with fruity tartness, the beer - named after a breed of cow - is now one of the hallmarks to kick start the festive season.

And while their beers may not appeal to the Untappd massive, they’ve won countless awards over the years and continue to dominate tap handles in both metropolitan and country pubs.

We recently caught up with Jon Gill and Jackie Helliwell from the brewery to talk all about what makes the taste of tradition a success in today’s beer market.

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Today's episode is sponsored by Ecokeg - the strongest, most versatile and eco –friendly one way keg on the market today.

Ecokegs can be racked just like a cask or counter pressure filled like any traditional steel kegs.

Made in the UK using 70% recycled materials and fully recyclable to industrial recyclers, they can be 100% recycled by Ecokeg themselves into new kegs, they also offer free collection for empty Ecokegs.

Used extensively across the brewing industry by cask brewers looking to access the keg market without needing any expensive equipment, as well as macro/micro brewers distributing across the UK and throughout the rest of the world, particularly because they are available in not only Sankey valves but Grundy, A and D type also.

For more information you can speak directly to Lewis on 01656 725799 or email info@ecokeg.com, or visit ecokeg.com

HOPPY CHRISTMAS everybody! We'll be taking a short break over the festive period for some much needed rest, time to regroup and let the creative juices flow again, and tuck into a bottle of 2018's Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.

In this short mini-episode, Nick shares a few pearls of wisdom from his experience in the beer industry over Christmas time, and several things to look forward to in 2020 with Hop Forward.

Merry Christmas!

As an industry, we’ve come a long way over the past 10 years. But at the start of a new decade, there's no denying that British beer has a tough job ahead of it.

Whereas many of the slogans and marketing phrases that small, independent brewers used to pride themselves are now, sadly, meaningless; and as consumer demand for newer, bolder, wilder and more extreme beers only increases, solely relying on brewing a ‘great product’ and ‘letting the beer talk for itself’ simply won’t cut the mustard anymore.

This week, we're joined by beer writer and host of the Craft Beer Channel, Jonny Garrett, to discuss what lies in store for the future of British beer as we head in the roaring 20's.

Nick and Jonny talk about everything from GMO yeasts, the implications of Brexit, which brewers will be vulnerable to the market changes, and why marketing will be more important than ever for brewers looking to distinguish themselves in an ever crowded landscape.

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Today's show is sponsored by Premier Systems, creators of BrewMan, the UK’s No.1 brewery management software, used by over 200 breweries and distilleries of all sizes.

The end-to-end system covers all back office functions such as CRM, stock control, distribution, cask tracking, reporting, raw material purchase ordering and traceability. BrewMan helps brewers focus on making great beer, not doing paperwork.

BrewMan is a cloud-based subscription service with no long term contracts or any upfront set up fees and starts from just £20 a month. If you would like more information about BrewMan, or book a demo of the software, please get in touch at +44(0)2380 811 100, email at sales@premiersystems.com or visit premiersystems.com

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @hopforwardbeers

SUBSCRIBE to the show on iTunes/Spotify

GET AHEAD IN YOUR BEER BUSINESS at www.hopforward.beer

Coming from a traditional sales background where he learned the ropes, David Laird - also known as the Bearded Beer Baron - moved into the beer industry working for Beer52, helping to retain customers and develop and grow Ferment magazine.

Having done a stint at Cara Technology - working with yeast - David is now a consultant working with brands such as Flavourly and breweries like Loch Lomond up in Scotland to develop their offering and increase their sales.

In this episode we look at everything from beer subscription models and mail order, the challenges that many brewers face when it comes to sales, and take a general look over the industry as it stands today at the start of a brand new decade.

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Today’s show is sponsored by Premier Systems, creators of BrewMan, the UK’s No.1 brewery management software, used by over 200 breweries and distilleries of all sizes.

The end-to-end system covers all back office functions such as CRM, stock control, distribution, cask tracking, reporting, raw material purchase ordering and traceability. BrewMan helps brewers focus on making great beer, not doing paperwork.

BrewMan is a cloud-based subscription service with no long term contracts or any upfront set up fees and starts from just £20 a month. If you would like more information about BrewMan, or book a demo of the software, please get in touch at +44(0)2380 811 100, email at sales@premiersystems.com or visit premiersystems.com

---

Follow us on social media Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through brand development, digital marketing, and brewery and business consultancy.

Imagine having a mystery shopper come into your brewery tap room or shop and assess how you and the team are doing from a customer experience perspective.

Well, that's what Andrew Coplan who runs The Secret Hopper does for brewers across the United States of America.

With over 8000 breweries now in operation - and that figure still steadily rising - it is no longer enough just to 'brew great beer', though that certainly is a key factor. The modern drinker now wants the experience to go with it.

In this episode, Nick and Andrew discuss the merits of providing your customers with a great experience and how it can enhance your brewery, brand and business through adopting a few simple changes to how you operate.

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Follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through our branding and marketing services.

Recorded live at the January SIBA North & East Region meeting at Rooster's Tap Room in Harrogate, Hop Forward's Creative Director and podcast host - Nick Law - gave a presentation on why he thinks great beer needs both a great brand and a great business to back it up.

To accompany this episode, download the brand audit sheet.

Follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

Cast your mind back to the first ever pint of Landlord from West Yorkshire brewery Timothy Taylor’s.

What was it like?

I'm sure there's not a beer drinker out there who hasn't experienced the delightful tingle of a cask conditioned pint tingling on the tongue with zety notes, a thick creamy head; the unique taste pulled together from the Knowle Spring well; Simpson's Golden Promise malt; zesty and grassy notes from Fuggles and Goldings hops; and the a yeast strain that compliments all these flavours with a bready, nutty taste of its own.

First introduced in 1952, the beer has gone on to be Champion Beer of Britain and Brewing Industry International Award winners over 25 times, and that’s just between the 1980’s to date.

What makes Landlord so prestigious is their attention to detail and quality assurance; not just in the brewhouse but running throughout the entire business and brand.

To find out more about one of Britain's most loved and respected family brewers, we sat down with Chief Executive Tim Dewey and Head Brewer Andy Leman to chat about the history of the brewery and Landlord, what makes their brewery process and beers unique, where they see British pubs and cask beer heading over the coming years, and some of the challenges that a brewer such as Timothy Taylor’s face in today’s market.

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Today’s episode of the Hop Forward podcast has been brought to you by Simpsons Malt, the UK’s independent Home of Good Malt.

Founded in 1862, Simpsons Malt is a fifth-generation family-owned business which has a passion for making malts with taste, flavour and consistently high quality with the world’s best brewers and distillers in mind, helping them to craft the finest beers and whiskies.

From grain to glass, the company’s malts are certified and fully traceable, produced only from certified seed of the finest UK two-row barley that have been procured by the company’s agricultural trading division, McCreath Simpson & Prentice, which has farming partners across England and Scotland.

After more than 155 years in business, Simpsons Malt continues to invest in state-of-the-art equipment at its two maltings in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland and Tivetshall St Margaret, Norfolk. This constant innovation and drive to improve processes ensures the consistent production of malts with character.

For more information on Simpsons Malt, visit simpsonsmalt.co.uk. To enquire about the company’s malts, call 01289 333300 or email orderoffice@simpsonsmalt.co.uk

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Follow us on social media Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

The heart and soul behind every brewery are its people. Whether that’s the Head Brewer, shift brewers, the sales force, marketing departments, accountants, cellarmen, the dray runners, tap room staff, administrators, and all the other weird and wonderful characters that make up a brewery operation - they all contribute to that tingling taste that tantalize the taste buds at the end of the working day.

It was these people that owner of Marble Beers, Jan Rogers, wanted to celebrate when inviting Hop Forward to the recently rehoused Manchester brewery on a cold January morning.

Brewing up a storm since 1997, Marble Brewery was originally housed in the rear of the flagship pub, The Marble Arch Inn. Moving to a railway arch in Williamson Street - or should that be literally squeezed in - the brewery has spawned many of the UK’s brewing alumni, such as James Campell - formerly of Cloudwater; Dominic Driscoll of Thornbridge Brewery; and Colin Stronge at Salt Beer Factory amongst others.

It’s easy to focus on the names in the world of brewing - and we should celebrate these individuals that have spearheaded contemporary British beer in the 21st century. But there are many more people who contribute towards the creation, distribution and dispense of the beers we know and love today from our favourite breweries.

Sharing their stories and experiences from working within a close-knit team, Joe, Carl, Paul and Plougers share the highs and lows of working in a small production brewery with a big reputation.

This episode may be about Marble Beers but it's dedicated to all the unsung heroes working tirelessly in the beer industry to brew and deliver fantastic beers.

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TODAY'S SHOW IS SPONSORED BY SSV LIMITED. From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited has got you covered.

In just 5 short years SSV Limited have established themselves as your go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit and knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their newly launched parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to ensure your brewery is kept up and running.

Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk or visit them on stand 11 to 13 at BeerX on the 11th and 12th of March at the ACC Exhibition Centre, Liverpool.

---

Follow us on social media Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

On this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast we talk to Master Brewer, Paddy Johnson, from WeBrew - home to the Windsor & Eton and Uprising brands - all about brewing and some of the challenges the industry faces in 2020.

Having been in the brewing industry for over 40 years, my guest today has worked at 9 breweries in the UK, Australia and Canada.

He was Area Production Director at the large Royal Brewery, Moss Side for 5 years producing over 3 million Hls of beer per annum at that site as well as also operating Newcastle brewery and Theakstons in Masham at the same time within what was then Scottish Courage.

Prior to this he also held jobs such as General Manager at the Courage brewery in Bristol and Head Brewer at the Berkshire Brewery for Courage - Europe’s largest brewery at that time; and also spent time as a brewer with Bass at several breweries.

But Master Brewer - Paddy Johnson’s impressive resume doesn’t stop there!

The first view he ever saw being made whilst at Courage Brewery was the infamous ‘Imperial Russian Stout’; he helped to set up Innserve - an independent Trade dispense technical services, which services around 100,000 pub/bar accounts in the UK.

Amongst other things, including being a seasoned beer judge and father to Kieran Johnson of Blackjack Brewing in Manchester, he is one of the Director of WEBREW which, as well as operating an 8,500Hl/annum brewery that was designed and built by the Board team, has two brand - the more traditionally positioned Windsor & Eton brand, producing an array of cask and bottled beers; and Uprising - a more craft, focused brand creating Imperial Stouts, Double IPAs and the kinds of beer styles we all know and love to see on keg lines.

To say Paddy is knowledgeable is an understatement - he’s a well seasoned veteran of the brewing industry and has been around the block.

So, where do you start when interviewing such a well seasoned brewer?

When we met at Manchester’s Marble Brewery, who were kind enough to allow us use of the facilities for hosting and recording this week’s show, I wanted to ask about brewing beer from a master brewer’s perspective.

And, although you might expect some deep cuts from a conversation like this - such as the complex chemistry that occurs when infusing hops with boiling worts at certain temperatures, or the effects of yeast fermentation under different pressures - it’s having knowledge-based firmly rooted in fundamentals and nailing it time and again which sets a Master Brewer apart… plus demonstrating their skills building and commissioning a brewery and being able to explain why you did it that way…!

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TODAY'S SHOW IS SPONSORED BY SSV LIMITED. From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited has got you covered.

In just 5 short years SSV Limited have established themselves as your go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit and knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their newly launched parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to ensure your brewery is kept up and running.

Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk or visit them on stand 11 to 13 at BeerX on the 11th and 12th of March at the ACC Exhibition Centre, Liverpool.

---

Follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

The old adage goes that brewing is 90% cleaning, 10% paperwork. Like all sayings, there's an element of truth hidden within.

Brewer's spend vast amounts of time cleaning vessels, packaging lines, containers and just about anything that comes into contact with wort and beer.

And with good reason.

Lurking between those heat exchanger plates, elbows, valves, and just about anywhere that's everywhere, is a world of microbiology - wild yeasts - all hungry for a sugary feast to multiply and rock their world.

But it doesn't stop there. Within your brewhouse are biofilms: a thin but robust layer of mucilage clinging to a solid surface containing a community of beer spoilage microorganisms.

In this episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, we were invited to sit down with Paul Browning - an independent hygiene consultant to NichesolutionsGB, amongst other food and beverage companies - to chat about why brewery hygiene is essential to your beer business.

This episode contains some deep cuts into the world of microbiology, so make sure you grab a pen and paper, and take notes!

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Today’s episode has been brought to you by NichesolutionsGB

For all of your brewery cleaning and biofilm queries, contact NicheSolutionsGB where Paul Browning is a consultant.

NichesolutionsGB can advise you on the use of all their cleaning products, can organise site visits and staff training days. Enzybrew 10 is an effective way to combat biofilms, used occasionally as part of your regular cleaning regime.

Make sure you visit their website nichesolutionsgb.co.uk to find out more and connect with the team at this year's SIBA Beer X at Liverpool Exhibition Centre on Stand 99.

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Follow us on social media Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

This month, the Society of Independent Brewers Association - SIBA - celebrates its 40 year of championing independent beer in the UK.

SIBA has achieved some monumental things, including lobbying for SBR (Small Brewers Relief), helping independent brewers sell their beers into PubCos through Beerflex, and gathering beer professionals from all corners of the industry for Britain's largest brewery trade show - Beer X.

SIBA have not been without their troubles over the last 40 years, receiving their fare share of flack when purchasing a major stake in beer supplier the Flying Firkin, as well as grumblings from members and former members over the ABV branding pricing structure when selling to estates such as Greene King and Admiral Inns.

However, optimism is on the rise in the relatively newly appointed Chief Executive - James Calder - who has taken a much needed hands on approach with its members, bringing a breath of fresh air to many of its members.

It’s been a road of ups and downs for the Voice of British Brewing. Considering the length of time the body has been established in contract to the US equivalent, the Brewers Association, though SIBA does not have the same level of resources at its disposal, the membership and supplier associates club together in regional meetings to offer advice, debate and comradery.

So, this week, on the Hop Forward Podcast, we are joining the festivities and wishing SIBA a Hoppy Birthday, bringing an interview with Rooster’s Brewery owner and National Chairman, Ian Fozard.

Ian has an extensive history in the beer industry, running various pubs and a large brewery and taproom based on the outskirts of Harrogate. In this episode, we discuss many of the issues SIBA members - and any independent brewer - faces on an everyday basis: beer duty, pricing, running a business, developing a brand, and making beer!

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Follow us on social media Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

How can breweries, bars and pubs survive the Coronavirus outbreak in the United Kingdom? That’s the burning question that is on everyone’s lips at the moment.

The hospitality industry has been quick to react to Boris Johnson’s government statement urging Britons ‘to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys in the “national fightback” against coronavirus’.

Without closing these spaces, many have been unable to claim on their insurance, if they were ever able to at all.

And what of the supply chain? Cloudwater’s Paul Jones took to Twitter to demonstrate the sheer amount of people and hours involved in the supply chain that goes in every single pint.

On the podcast this week, we talk to Chris Wright from the Pubs Advisory Service and get Emily Heward‘s – Manchester Evening News’ food & drinks editor – take on the situation and what pubs, bars and breweries can do throughout these challenging days that lay during the COVID19 outbreak.

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Have a nice cold pint and wait for all this to blow over…

In addition to this week’s episode, we are launching The Winchester Beer Business Survival Pack.

By signing up to our mailing list, you will receive over the course of 7 days (and a bonus day, afterall, in brewing it’s 8 days a week!) insights and advice on how you and your beer business can survive the coronavirus outbreak.

Click here to get The Winchester Beer Business Survival Pack

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The history of pub ownership is a long, complex one, as you will no doubt hear from today’s episode with long standing publican Mark Dodds will attest.

Mark, who once ran the Sun & Doves in Camberwell, South London - Time Out Magazine’s runner up for Best Bar of the Year in 1996 as well as a string of other awards - is no stranger to the tied pub system.

Having first hand witnessed the effects of the corporate boot, including being evicted and declared bankrupt, Mark has been passionate pursuing the People’s Pub Partnership - the dream of an ethical and sustain pub company that gives full autonomy to the licensee while maintaining a clear set of values that allow the publican to reinvest into the pub and pull pint after pint of perfectly kept beer.

Sounds utopian doesn’t it?

Pubs have been slowly but surely closing their doors for one last time. And while some have found a new lease of life from local breweries, many have sadly shut up shop, only to become a Metro supermarket or converted into flats.

And with beer cellars literally battening down the hatches and front doors firmly closed for who-knows-how-long due to the global pandemic that is sweeping across the world, how many of our pubs will be wiped off the face of the earth over the coming months and years?

Because if the coronavirus doesn’t kill the vibrant independent pub trade, then perhaps pub companies will!

In this episode, Mark breaks down the complexities surrounding why tenanted pub companies are so bad for the humble pub and offers a more ethical, sustainable alternative.

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Sign up to our 7 day mini-podcast series The Winchester Beer Business Survival Kit. Head over to thewinchester.hopforward.beer to download your kit today.

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How do we make sense of a world suffering a health pandemic and economic recession?  Will the beer industry ever recover from this?  What will happen to my business, my job, my family, my income...?

These are the kinds of questions we find ourselves asking at the moment during these unprecedented times.

I'm sure you're probably sick of having your pint glass filled daily with the latest COVID19 news cycle, but it is impossible to escape the questions that haunt each one of us on both a global and personal level. The ramifications are huge!

I've been pondering the balance to strike with the Hop Forward Podcast.  Should I persist in covering the pandemic through the lens of the beer industry (or bottom of a pint glass) or plough on as normal, delivering the great content I'd amassed before all this happened? The answer is both.

So, while I'll be giving space to many of the stories and discussions that took place before the coronavirus outbreak in the coming weeks, I wanted to turn over the podcast to some of our listeners to share - in their own words - the challenges and the positives that are coming out of the current climate for their business and the wider industry.

In this episode, we explore the supply chain, speaking to brewers, bar and bottle shop owners, and suppliers, to get a flavour, perspective and overview of what is happening out there whilst we’re all in isolation.

Today's show features Karl Morris from Oasthouse Engineering; Sienna O’Rouke from Pressure Drop, Columba Cryan from Round Corner Brewing; Ricardo Cacildo from Cerveja D'os Diabos; Marie Selnes from Taproom Social; and Dave Hayward from A Hoppy Place.

I hope this gives you some encouragement in your situation.

Our brewery shoutouts this week go to Ride Brew Co, Utopian Brewing and Redchurch Brewery. Make sure you check them out and listen to the show for discount codes on their delicious beers!

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I

this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, we catch up with Redchurch Brewery's Head of Operations, Rachael Reynolds, to talk about recovering from crowdfunding and the troubles that plagued the brewery in 2019.

In essence, crowdfunding is a great idea, allowing die-fans and casual followers the opportunity to make a difference to a project; to do good while allowing others to brew good.

As a relatively new practise, those looking to crowdfund have largely had to navigate through uncharted water.

Although crowdfunding finds an unlikely beginning in 18th century Germany, where German authors would take cash pre-orders for books they had yet to write, it wasn’t until 2001 when a website called ArtistShare became the internet’s first fan-funding platform and became the blueprint for today’s modern crowdfunding sites, such as IndieGoGo and Kickstarter.

For a season, it seemed as if crowdfunding was the golden ticket to securing the growth capital required to kickstart or take a brewing venture to the next level. Brewers across the globe took to platforms such as Kickstarter, Crowdcube, and Seedrs to reach out directly to their fans and ask their communities for cash in exchange for perks and merch, and - as time went on - shares and part ownerships, many of which came with inflated valuations.

But what happens when crowdfunding leaves a sour taste in people’s mouths?

Most notably in the UK, when people think of brewery crowdfunding, two names often arise - Woolwich based Hop Stuff Brewery, which raised over £1.5m through investors only to have the brewery seized by the landlord after failing to make rent on account of unpaid debts, delayed accounts and other financial difficulties.

The second is Harlow based brewery, Redchurch.

But after the social media storm has died down, what becomes of a business like Redchurch Brewery? How do the news owners or the staff, the few faithful who endured the chaos, re-emerge and pick up the pieces?

How do you go about rebuilding damaged consumer and customer relationships and tell them things are different now?

How do you rebuild trust in a brewery and brand that’s had its name tainted and dragged through the mud by the actions of individuals who no longer represent the business? How do you reassure those who had their fingers burned first time around?

This is one of the many challenges that the team at Redchurch have been asking as they look to re-establish themselves in the market.

I was fortunate enough to get some time with Rachael at BrewLDN in February, to drink some beer and to hear their side of the story - casualties themselves of the poor decisions made by the original founders, albeit in a much different way.

But I don’t want to give too much away…!

What I want to do is to allow them to tell their side of the story, because there is always another side to the story...!

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BREWERY SHOUTOUTS

Every week, we're giving brewery shoutouts and exclusive offers for our podcast listeners to some of the UK's best brewers and beer businesses. These are breweries we've known and loved, or have supported the podcast in some way. Make sure you check out their beers...!

THE CHESHIRE BREWHOUSE - Fantastic beers with brilliant artwork from Shane and the team. Get an exclusive mixed case from their webshop using the code HF12 from this link: Click here to shop now

FULL CIRCLE BREW CO - New beers from Newcastle upon Tyne's newest brewery. Great collab series, specials and core range not to be missed. Click here and use the code HOPFORWARD

TURNING POINT BREW CO - Disco balls and more, including a range of collaboration with some of the UK's biggest names in beer. Use the code APRIL20 for 15% off your order on their webstore.

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Every April, people from across North America and around the world flock to America’s largest craft brewing industry gathering: the Craft Brewers Conference.

Sharing education, knowledge and ideas, the trade show is led by the top minds in the world of beer and business.

For many brewers and beer professionals, this is an annual pilgrimage to not only consume information but to sample great beers. It’s evident when you look at the wealth of resources for brewers to come out of the States how passionate Americans are over craft beer. The CBC is just one example, but you don't have to look far to see evidence elsewhere.

One such forum aimed at promoting and protecting American craft brewers is none other than the CBC's hosts, the Brewers Association.

The Brewers Association is a not-for-profit trade association comprised of over 5,400 brewers members, 46,000 American Homebrewers Association members, and allied trade, beer wholesalers, retailers and other associate members.

However, the Brewers Association isn’t just a resource for America alone. Brewers and beer professionals from other countries and continents, including the UK & Europe, are able to join and enjoy member benefits. These include articles, access to seminars online, education publications, and their magazine, The New Brewer.

How America will fare during the current climate is anyone’s guess, especially without getting too political. However, the land of the home and brave and its beer professionals will have to band together more than ever to see its 8000+ breweries come through the other side.

The landscape of US craft beer has been changing of late anyway. The keynote talk at the CBC Online from Bart Watson entitled The State of the Craft Brewing Industry, highlights many of the changes.

However, it will no doubt will look very different in the months and years that lay ahead as it picks up the pieces of their broken economy.

So, in some ways, it’s hard to publish today’s episode - recorded at BrewLDN in February this year - and discuss with Lotte Peplow what makes American craft beer and their brewers great and the reverence for many beer drinkers across the world.

Lotte Peplow, is the Brewers Association American Craft Beer Ambassador for Europe. She’s a certified Cicerone®, Beer Sommelier, beer judge, beer writer, homebrewer, beer & food pairer!

As you can tell, she’s really into beer…!

It was a privilege to sit across a table with her backstage at BrewLDN and share some fresh beers to come from the States, to talk about American craft beer, why independence is so important, equality in the industry, and a wide range of other topics that - at the time of recording - seemed like the most important thing.

Hard to believe now as our focus is redefined on merely surviving with our health, our business, and our industry intact.

Any events that Lotte and I discuss on the show have been cancelled up until September. After that, who knows what might happen… both with the immediate events as hosted by the Brewers Association and the future of American craft beer.

What is the deposit return scheme? On this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, recorded in March at Beer X, we discuss with SIBA Head of Public Affairs, Barry Watts, and Scottish brewers Ride Brew Co and Loch Leven Brewery about how the proposed Deposit Return Scheme will affect brewers from across the country.

While the focus and emphasis for the industry and the wider world is fixed upon dealing with the COVID19 outbreak, a larger emergency is looming over the face of the earth: climate change.

If action isn't taken, the global impacts of climate change will overshadow a health pandemic, dwarfing it in terms of impact and day-to-day living.

The Deposit Return Scheme is one of the many ways in which the UK government seeks to encourage recycling on a wider scale. But who is truly impacted here? The consumer or the producer, that is liable for the additional cost and management of putting containers into the market?

A complicated and confusing topic at best, we sit down over a few beers to try to unpick the scheme, let alone the implications!

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BREWERY SHOUTOUTS

Every week, we're giving brewery shoutouts and exclusive offers for our podcast listeners to some of the UK's best brewers and beer businesses. These are breweries we've known and loved, or have supported the podcast in some way. Make sure you check out their beers...!

McColls Brewery

Get an exclusive Hop Forward 10% discount McColls range of beers using the code HOPFORWARD (1 per customer). Check out their divine Beet de Garde, 7.0% Beetroot Biere de Garde.

Budweiser Budvar

Become the Budweiser Budvar UK Larger Champion with their newly launched Stay at Homebrew competition.  Listen to the episode or click the link to find out more!

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring the lesser savoury part of the beer industry that are less obvious to most while searching through Instagram or discussing their favourite beers over Twitter.

I am, of course, talking about The Under Beer Belly of a #BrewersLife.

We’ll be taking a deep dive into topics such as mental health, well-being in the workplace, sexism, alcoholism and more as we re-imagine what the beer industry might look like post COVID-19.

This week, we catch up with Wild Card Brewery’s Jaega Wise and Dent Brewery’s Lauran Hardkness at SIBA Beer X in March to talk about sexism within the beer industry and how marketing plays a big role in how women are perceived, not just in beer but throughout wider society.

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This week’s brewery shoutouts go to our good friends at Neptune Brewery (www.neptunebrewery.com) and Heist Brew Co in Sheffield (www.heistbrewco.com). Make sure you check our their wonderful beers and order them online.

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

When I floated the idea of doing a mini-series exploring some of the underbelly of the beer industry back in January, I was flooded with private messages from brewers and bar staff sharing their personal stories, many of whom started with the prerequisite: ‘I'd like to share anonymously…!’

It seems that discussing topics such as workplace treatment, remuneration for overtime, expectations from business owners, and general emotional and physical well-being seems to be something that we talk about in hushed tones.

As I alluded to in last week’s into to The Under Beer Belly of a #BrewersLife, while these examples certainly don’t exist across the board, they present themselves under the cover of darkness.

Beneath the veneer of an X Pro or Valencia filter, you will hear stories of low pay, long hours, feeling undervalued and excessive drinking.

Allow me to emphasise, I know many brewery and bar owners who run companies that treat their employees with respect and due care, rewarding them with good pay, flexible working hours, the correct training and PPE, and token gestures such as growler Fridays or team pizzas.

But there are examples of inexperienced people entering the industry and working for peanuts because they’re desperate to get their foot on the brewing professional ladder, working for £12K per annum as a head brewer, with minimum pensions contributions and not much else to show for the long, tireless hours.

The moral of the story is simple - for both employer and employee alike: “do to other people as you would have them do unto you”.

Having put this contentious topic out there, I was contacted by a fellow Brit and former brewing professional - now living in America - who was worked for numerous breweries, both large and small, to discuss some of the issues surrounding well being and mental health in the beer industry.

Mike McGuigan, who was worked for various breweries throughout 20+ years, left the industry little over a year ago having had the last straw working for a small, startup American craft brewer.

He shares his personal story and reflection on - what I consider to be - one of the main issues that the beer industry is not facing up to: how many of its workers - the heart and soul of many brewhouses (it’s operatives) - are not tenderly cared for.

In this episode, we look at some of the mental and emotional impacts of working in brewing, the financial ramifications for many of its operatives, the two way support that needs to take place between employee and business owners alike, and the excessive drinking that can creep in just to keep a lid on it all.

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This week’s brewery shoutout goes to our good friends at Lord's Brewing Co in Huddersfield. Get their latest Handbook Session IPA - Pride Before The Fall - and more great beers from their webshop www.lordsbrewing.com using the code #hopforward for £5 off your order.

It's no secret that the hospitality industry, in places, has a problematic consumption of alcohol.

Day for some are casually accompanied by beer from dawn till dusk, and excessive consumption of alcohol for those who work in brewing or hospitality is just one Imperial Stout away at the end of a long shift packaging or dispensing beer.

But how does being around and working in beer and hospitality work when it comes to self-discipline and moderating your consumption?

What’s an ‘appropriate’ level of weekly alcohol intake?

Obviously, there are official medical guidelines issued, which you will find on packaged beer and - if you’re in the UK at drinkaware.co.uk - but also, without living in a totalitarian state, questions like these are up to each individual to answer for themselves.

This is a subject that many brewers, bar-staff, and those in the business of beer sometimes shrug off. But deep down, we've all had darker moments when confronted by the reality that perhaps we are drinking too much.

In today's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast - recorded during Dry January - I sat down with then-brewer for John Harvard's Brewery in Framingham MA, USA, Mike Souza, to have a frank and open conversation about alcoholism in the craft beer sector, and how some of the labels, which evoke powerful if somewhat negative images, are unhelpful when dealing with excessive consumption.

If you are effected by today's episode and feel you need help, take a moment to visit The Drinks Trust; a charity that provides care and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce.

In light of our mindful drinking topic, today's brewery shoutouts go to two breweries who we believe are creating some of the best low-to-no ABV beers around:

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BIG DROP BREWING COMPANY

Founded In 2016, Big Drop was the world’s first company to focus entirely on brewing Alcohol-Free craft beer. It’s all 0.5% ABV and they are now selling over 1 million bottles annually worldwide.

Big Drop has so far picked up 26 international beer awards, including twice being judged the ‘World’s Best’ at the World Beer Awards, winning Gold at the US Open Beer Championship and, the ‘Holy Grail’ of any non-alcoholic drink, winning medals against full-strength rivals in blind tastings.

The Core Range (Lager, Stout, IPA and Pale Ale) are now available in 330ml cans as well as bottles but they are also about to launch (1st June) two Summer Specials in 440ml cans – Poolside DDH IPA and Kodama IPA.

Check out their website www.bigdropbrew.com for more or you can go straight to their webstore by visiting https://shop.bigdropbrew.com where you can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount for our listeners by using the code HopForward10

NIRVANA BREWING
Nirvana Brewery was launched in 2017 by a family of beer lovers with a simple mission; to dedicate itself entirely to the creation of quality alcohol-free craft beers. Coming from a family of beer lovers, when founder Becky’s dad Jim went teetotal, she wanted ensure that he would carry on feeling included socially and see his face light up again when handed a bottle. Since then Nirvana has opened up a whole new world of great tasting alcohol free beer for a growing movement of folks that like to have a good time but keep their senses intact.

From familiar styles of beer such as stout, IPA and pale ales, to experimental brews including the world’s first kombucha beer, our tried and tested recipes produce quality alcohol-free alternatives, ready to be appreciated by craft beer enthusiasts and casual beer drinkers alike!

Made with 100% natural ingredients, our fantastic full-flavoured beers come with their own distinctive personalities and benefits. Enjoy them to your heart’s content without compromising your state of mind. Just goes to show that life – and beer – tastes better when you do things your way.

Whether you’re drinking alcohol, staying sober or shooting for somewhere in between, Nirvana is the common ground that unites all. Join the journey with Nirvana.

Use the code HOPFORWARD at www.nirvanabrewery.com/shop for 10% off orders of their award winning lager.

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

On days like today, where the sun is shining, the weather is sweet, there’s nothing that people from Australia to Zimbabwe like to drink more than cold, refreshing, crisp lagers.

Despite the FHM, lad’s mag, lager drinking culture of the mid-90’s being long lost and mostly forgotten.

Although many certainly wouldn’t give a Castlemaine XXXX for the hangovers that accompanied the hedonistic aspects of the 90’s, lager still remains the world’s most popular beer style by a clear mile.

Even though I once took a world lager to a bottle share, only to receive low scores from many of the participants who brought lambics, lambics and, oh look Mr Frodo… more lambics, lager has also seen a resurgence amongst a growing number craft beer drinkers too.

While IPAs and New England style IPAs dominate the craft beer category, many drinkers are starting to re-appreciate the subtle flavours and nuances of lager, while brewers pour over the technical wonders of decoction mashes and cellaring the beer just right to create stunning flavour profiles for all to enjoy.

Modern craft breweries in the UK such as Manchester Union Brewery, Donzoko, and Devon’s Utopian Brewing are amongst some of the newer brewers to be producing this historic beer style with their own twist to create some outstanding examples within the category.

However, many of these modern breweries probably wouldn’t exist without standing on the shoulder of giants such as the Czech Republic’s nationally owned Budweiser Budvar.

In many ways, Budvar has reinvented itself over the last 125 - though the history of the brewery itself in one form or other dates back to 1265 and the city of Budweis itself was the imperial brewery of the Holy Roman Empire - and yet, at the heart of this iconic brewery is one thing: it’s lagered beer.

Budweiser made such an impression on one American brewer that he decided to even name his own beer Budweiser and both breweries have tussled over trademark disputes and the right to use the word Bud, Budvar or Budweiser in various territories ever since.

Imagine what it was like for Josh Smith, a beer professional and fan, to land a new found position as UK marketing manager - having previously worked for the likes of Chicago’s Goose Island - to find himself in the beer cellar of Budweiser Budvar drinking Budvar Dark, straight from tank.

Tick that one off the bucket list!

And so, armed with a case of both the Original Budweiser Budvar and Budvar Dark, I set off on a personal quest to find out more about this timeless beer from Josh and the brewers themselves - Adam and George.

In this episode, we discuss everything from the production process, decoction mashing, cellaring and common off-flavours found in lagers, right through to the ongoing trademark disputes, cultural contexts surrounding lagers, and how the brewery is managing to produce and package its beers while its staff safely social distance.

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This week's brewery shoutout goes to our good friends at Spotlight Brewing, who are raising awareness one beer at a time about learning disabilities.

Make sure you check out their fantastic beers, which have just made it into can, at www.spotlightbrewing.co.uk

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Is there any other country quite as revered in the world of beer as Belgium?

While many start their continental beer journey in their local supermarket with commercialised brands such as Leffe and Duvel, it’s usually only a matter of time before they’re booking Eurostar tickets to Bruge, taking a pilgrimage to Brasserie d'Orval, before visiting the Lamic mecca: Brasserie Cantillon.

There is something to be holy revered about Belgium beers, though we often reserve such reverence for Quadruples that have been bottle conditioned and cellared for several decades, many of its everyday styles such as the humble saison or witbier carry equal levels of complexity, albeit in a more subtle, understated way.

You’d be mistaken to think all Belgium beers a banana-bubble-gum sweet: many beers from one of our nearest European neighbours manage to create freshing, acidic balance through mixed fermentation provided by cultures of lactobacillus and brettanomyces, while riding the undercurrents of a gourmaine kitchen spice rack.

Swirling flavours that dance around your tongue when sampling some of these world-class beers leave you both refreshed and pining for more.

Fortunately, you don’t have to take a trip to West Flanders to sample fine examples of Belgium beer styles (though it helps… not that you’re getting there anytime soon thanks to Brexit and COVID-19, so it’s just as well!).

UK brewers such as Saint Mars of the Desert often brew farmhouse styles, while Mount Saint Bernard Abbey - Britain’s only trappist brewery - are renowned for their highly sought dubbel Tynt Meadow.

And while other breweries - such as Unity Brewing Co and Derbyshire’s Buxton Brewery - sometimes turn their hand to brewing these styles, it’s East London’s Solvay Society that solely focus on the brewing Belgium beer styles.

And with good reason.

Roman Hochuli - Head Brewer and co-founder of Solvay Society - hails from Brussells and brings vast technical knowledge to his craft, creating some fantastic beer styles, some of which we will delve into further in this episode.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUT

This week's brewery shoutout goes to our good friends over at Yeastie Boys. Enjoy their range of core and seasonal beers with a special 10% disount for our listeners by using the code HopForward when placing your order

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

Craft… was there ever such a word in the English dictionary that has divided opinion in the world of beer as the C word.

For some, it defines what it means to be a small, independent brewer.

For others, it symbolises a revolt against the globalisation of big business and putting profits before people.

While for others, it’s the smaller beer selection in their local supermarket with all the colourful cans on, sandwiched between the cases of Carlsberg to the left and the bottles Black Sheep to the right.

According to Pete Brown, it is a term that is completely undefinable, hopelessly misunderstood and absolutely essential.

In our discussion, we discuss everything from terminology, brewery buyouts, why independence is such a hotly contested topic in the world of beer, and how everyone plays into the hands of marketing in one way, shape or form.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUTS
Wild Card Brewery - Wild Card Brewery has released a new batch of their seventh beer as a part of International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day. This year Wild Card Brewery chose to brew an IPA in tribute to Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and writer, who is widely celebrated as the first computer programmer.

The Cheshire Brewhouse

- Pick up award winning heritage IPA 'Govinda' a whole range of other amazing beers from the team at The Cheshire Brewhouse.

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

The Pub: two humble little words in the English dictionary that conjure up memories of friends, near and far, steadfast and forgotten; a phrase that is every bit as warm and inviting as you last remembered it (even if that last experience wasn’t necessarily a good one!); a soundtrack to accompany every moment, ranging from staring space at the rain through the window after a humdrum day at work, to the intense emotions of happiness on a crisp summer’s evening to celebrate a special occasion, the victory of a football team, or ‘just because!’.

As a staple institution of society, the pub has survived multiple world wars, various plagues, economic downturns, and the temperance movement, what pubs and drinking establishments will look like several decades from now may be unrecognisable, even to modern eyes.

As restrictions are eased and our world tries to pick up the pieces shattered by COVID-19, our pubs and other hospitality venues are unlikely to resemble any sense of ‘normality’ for sometime.

I recently spoke with journalist and beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones on his reflections as to what pubs may look like going forwards and how the industry is likely to fare as a result of COVID-19 and moving into the next phase of life.

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This week's episode is sponsored by...

TEP Machinery Movement

TEP Machinary’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time - give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on 01937 558203.

Brewery Shoutout

Duration Brewery - Join Miranda & Bates for a Virtual Tour & Tasting from 1.30-3pm on Saturday 4th July, or request tickets to the BYOB virtual industry party with Hop Burns & Black later that evening between 7-9pm, as they show press and trade around their brewery and a do a first pouring of their fantastic Classic Wit, Quiet Song.

To join in the launch event simply pick up some beers and email info@durationbeer.com for access. The event will use hashtags #quietsong #hereforindiebeer

Mental health has long plagued many sectors, but particularly those who choose to talk the path of hospitality.

And - as we discovered from our recent mini-series The Under Beer Belly of #BrewersLife - there are many black dogs on the shoulders of bar staff, brewers and business owners alike. Throw an unprecedented global pandemic into the mix of a pre-existing storm and who knows what the long term prognosis will be for the well-being of those who choose to make and serve alcohol for living.

Having had several rounds of counselling myself and being fascinated with human physiology, the topic of mental health in my line of professional work has been close to my heart for many years.

I’ve both experienced the effects of mental ill-health and been a front seat spectator of colleagues and friends who have both suffered at the hands of depression, anxiety, and the like over many years.

Whenever I’ve heard people speak out on the subject, which - let’s face it - often gets swept under the rug, I’ve said a yes and amen to anyone championing that cause.

One of such people is none other than Stu McKinley from the Yeastie Boys.

Stu is the kind of person you want to work for. Friendly, approachable, down-to-earth, and mindful about mental health, workplace well-being, and cultivating an environment by which you would willingly give above and beyond to.

Stu is also a big advocator of mental health over the years, and in this episode - a discussion we ran out of time for during our last podcasting, which took place on a cold, dark evening within the womb-like taproom belonging to Saint Mars of the Desert - we talk about everything from the coronavirus pandemic and pubs reopening, to mental health, working remotely, and adopting good communication skills.

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TODAY'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY SSV Limited

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited has got you covered.

In just 5 short years SSV Limited have established themselves as your go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery. High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit, knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their online parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to ensure your brewery is kept up and running with the majority available on next day delivery.

Visit their web shop on store.ssvlimited.co.uk and place your order today.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUT

Led by founders Sam McGregor and Tom Bott, the Signature Brew team is made up of musicians and music fans alike and – with an unwavering commitment to quality – Signature Brew has channelled the spirit and energy of live music into a brewery that stands for craftsmanship, artistry and passion. Brewed in Walthamstow, enjoyed by beer lovers and music superfans globally, their beers are of unrivalled quality, and they were crowned SIBA's highly prestigious Brewery Business of the Year 2018.

Head over to www.signaturebrew.co.uk and try Pink Vinyl as well as their other fantastic beers!

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

Beer fans in the 21st century have never had it so good!

Go onto Untappd and you'll find everything from the Pomegranate Berliner Weisse, Double Peach Candy Popcorn Sour, and Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, right through to a Macadamia White Chocolate Stout or the Yorkshire Pudding Best Bitter.

And whenever - fill in the blank - brewery makes a DIPA with the sexy new hop variety or releases their barrel aged blended mixed ferms, you can guarantee without a shadow of a doubt that the Untappd massive will be pushing little old ladies out of the way just to be seen with the latest wax topped bomber.

But why do beer styles and breweries like these command such reverence among a faithful few? Why are certain breweries upheld as the saviour’s of craft beer, while others - who make equally good if not better beers - not get a look in?

And what makes one brewery seem more appealing and desirable over another?

All the while, beers you drink rather than beers you experience, go quietly unnoticed, just… doing their thing. These are the accompaniment to conversations rather than the focus of it.

It’s funny how there is a sense of frustration among many brewers surrounding hype beers. While on a deep, intrinsic level we all know that hype is just that - hype! - a vacuous here-today-gone-tomorrow, and yet somehow we still get sucked into its vortex.

How do you separate the beers that are really worth celebrating from the noise? Because some breweries really are worth talking about.

One brewer who has been around the block and witnessed this first hand is American Beau Schinner. Beau is a brewer at Norway’s in Trondheim.

Having worked at breweries, including Lervig and a variety of craft breweries, he has been subject to it all!

In this discussion, we dig down deep into why certain brewers and their beers receive over-attention and are hyped, while others go largely unnoticed; we talk about the habits and behaviours of avid beer fans; and throw around ideas about how marketing plays into all of this.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...

TEP Machinary’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time - give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on 01937 558203.

BREWERY SHOUTOUT

Check out some of the best beers you'll ever try from a pair of the most modest people you will ever meet. Our shoutout this week goes to our good friends Dann and Martha over at Sheffield based Saint Mars of the Desert.

Buy their beers from www.beersofsmod.co.uk

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Check out our work and website at hopforward.beer

In this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, we catch up with founder and CEO of Big Drop Brewing Co: an award winning craft brewery that exclusively makes low alcohol beers, under 0.5% ABV.

Former lawyer, Rob Fink, who - on the pursuit of being the 21st century dad - laid aside lunchtime pints and sought an alternative, started the brewery with his former school friend James Kindred - an acclaimed designer – after quickly discovering that they couldn't find a good craft beer that contained no alcohol.

Avid listeners to the Hop Forward Podcast will remember Episode 3, where we interviewed Head Brewer Jonny Clayton, not long after the brewery had established itself.

This episode takes a deep dive into the backstory behind Big Drop and looks at what lays ahead for the award winning brewery.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUTS

This week's shoutout goes to our good friends over at Tripel Point Brewing in Sheffield.

Make sure you check out their New World Tripel, alongside their fantastic lagers and various other beers.

Visit their online shop and enjoy FREE DELIVERY on orders of £50 using the code OVER50

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THIS WEEK'S SPONSOR...

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited has got you covered.

In just 5 short years SSV Limited have established themselves as your go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery. High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit, knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their online parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to ensure your brewery is kept up and running with the majority available on next day delivery.

Visit their web shop on store.ssvlimited.co.uk and place your order today.

This week, we're joined by Utopian Brewing's Managing Director, Richard Archer, to talk all about how the pandemic has helped them reach a wider audience. Documenting their journey from humble beginnings in picturesque mid-Devon as a brewery serving the local market, Utopian Brewing have expanded their consumer-base through a grassroots marketing campaign by sending out their 100% British ingredient made lagers.

To find out more about Utopian Brewing, head over to http://www.utopianbrewing.com

This week's episode is sponsored by TEP Machinery Movement

TEP Machinery’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time – give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on 01937 558203.

Brewery Shoutout

Lincoln Green Brewing Company takes its name from the colour of dyed woollen cloth worn by the legendary Robin Hood well known for championing the rights of everyday working folk. And like Robin Hood we believe in putting people at the heart of everything they do.

The words ‘quality’ and ‘consistency’ resonate throughout their business. From their brewery team who deliver beers that always taste great, through to our pub teams who ensure that they are served in the best possible condition. They offer outstanding service and products that bring people back time after time.

By knowing that every sip and visit is important their multi-award winning ales and pubs are becoming legends in their own right. Make sure you visit their website to find out how you can get hold of their fantastic beers: Lincoln Green Brewing Company

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In this week's episode, we catch up with Neil Walker, Head of Comms & Marketing for the Society of Independent Brewers Association (

In order to support growth, boost productivity and remove ‘cliff-edges’, the scheme’s taper will be smoothed. It will take effect more gradually over a wider range of production, starting at 2,100 hectolitres per year, and be converted to a cash basis. A technical consultation will be brought forward in the Autumn.

The Government will also consult on the potential for a grace period for small breweries that decide to merge."

The announcement has caused alarm and disgust amongst independent British brewers, who now face the prospect of an unknown duty hike should they fall between the annual hectolitreage, with no further details availing themselves until the Autumn budget announcements in October/November.

Naturally, opinions have been divided and the discussions on the subject divisive.

Many small independent breweries and commentators from within the UK industry, including ourselves, their dismay at the Small Brewers Duty Reform Coalition who have supported this change.

And yet, on the other hand, breweries such as Timothy Taylor’s Chief Executive Tim Dewey has made an open statement on their website as to why they agree with the changes in beer duty.

Further still, Oakham Ales - a member of SBDRC say that they ‘certainly do not agree with the reduction of the Small Brewers threshold – this is an unwarranted, punitive and unnecessary step.’ A position North Yorkshire's Black Sheep have also taken.

This is all in a day's work for Neil and the team at SIBA, who have been also tackling reforms to licensing laws, working with the Northern Ireland Executive to see retail reforms there, and organising SIBA's first digital beer competition.

For more information on SIBA and to find out how you can become and benefit from being a member, visit

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to attend the Thursday trade session of BrewLDN - a festival and trade show in The Old Truman Brewery; a welcoming emporium of game changing beers, high quality street food, good-time DJs and general festivities.

Although COVID-19 was making headline news here in the UK, edging its way ever closer from far distant lands such as China and the-not-so-far-flung-Italy, talks of the novel virus in conversations were fleeting at best, usually sandwiched in-between casual chit-chat about the beers and atmosphere.

I’d attended the festival with several hats on - my networking hat, to hook up with business owners I’d arranged to meet; my podcasters hat - to record episodes I’d previously lined up (you can go back and listen to those if you wish); and my party hat on - to sample some of the finest beers London had to offer.

Having a young family means I don’t always get out to the latest beer festivals, trade shows, or even down the pub on a regular basis. So whenever I do get the opportunity, I saviour the experience even more so than I do the drinks.

On this particular occasion, I went with my good friend Darren from the Industry Tap in Sheffield. Darren’s a quality bloke and can definitely give me a run for my money as far as beer consumption is concerned.

(I have to confess, it was quite funny… having spent a couple of hours podcasting I’d probably had around a pint in total. But by the time I bumped into Darren around 3pm - baring in mind doors only opened at 1 - he was already slurring his speech and reminding me (yet again) to go and visit Round Corner Brewing’s stand. This was to become a common theme of the day, as we’ll soon see).

I ran into lots friendly faces from the industry, many of whom I’ve had the good pleasure to podcast with. And yet, it seemed, that in between every social interaction, Darren popped up asking the same question: ‘Has tha’ been to Round Corner Brewing yet?’.

After a while, it was difficult to elude the question. And, with my defences being down on account of a beautifully smooth yet 14.4% whisky barrel aged scotch ale (courtesy of Glen Affric), I finally succumbed and followed Darren into the throng of bodies all packed like sardines in a can… not a sentence I’ll be using to describe a bar or any other social event this side of COVID any time soon!

Darren introduced me to Combie Cryan, a larger than life Northern Irelander who - as his first gesture of kindness - offered me a beer and, as his second, a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie.

Not only were the Round Corner team very accommodating, but they were also highly entertaining. I don’t know whether the market town showmanship has rubbed off on them, but it seemed to be attracting a lot of people to their bar.

If their reputation precedes them, then - on account of their beers - I could see why. I was poured a plantation rum oak barrel aged dark lager pretty much instantly upon being introduced to them by Darren.

And I can tell you… the sheer flavour of this thing, I wish I could describe to you - magnificent! Deep, rummy, warming, and yet crisp, smooth and rich.

As we parted ways, Combie invited us to visit the brewery - a trip me and Darren intended to take this Spring until, lo and behold, we spent the warmest month of the year so far firmly not going anywhere.

But I was still keen to get Round Corner on the podcast, albeit virtually. They’d struck a chord with me and I couldn’t quite put my finger on why.

Not until the days that followed the recent death of my father-in-law.

On the evening he died, Combie and I were due to record the following episode you’re about to hear. However, with 25 minutes to spare, I had to postpone the recording last minute until after the funeral.

Within a couple of days, the landlord of my former office called me to say that a package had arrived from Round Corner Brewing… ‘That’s funny’, I thought, ‘I haven’t ordered anything from Round Corner Brewing... and the episode beers Combie had sent ahead of time for us to chat about had long been in my fridge tempting me every time I opened the door!’

After some wrangling with the courier to get the package redirected to my home address, my wife and I opened the box to discover the same plantation rum oak barrel aged dark lager in a 750ml waxed topped bottle, accompanied a note of condolence from the team, suggesting we use the beer to raise a toast to my late father-in-law’s life.

(Needless to say, it is being saved until the family can be safely reunited to crack it open and do so).

We were both extraordinarily touched by this gesture of kindness.

And that’s when it hit me...

Beer really is by-the-by. We drink it today and piss it away tomorrow. Likewise, breweries and brands we adore today for the values they represent... and hate tomorrow when they disown us and sell-up to a global corporation.

Because it’s the people that make up our industry. The people are what makes the beer industry so great to work in.

Yes, there are some dickheads out there… but, for the most part, you don’t come across the same kind of sociable, creative, friendly, open and honest folk that you get beer and hospitality.

In retrospect, I think that’s what made that particular beer festival so special for me: the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and get well acquainted with and introduce our listeners to people as warm-hearted, real and dedicated as the team at Round Corner Brewing.

After a stop off Brick Lane’s Kill The Cat, we floated back to the train station and parted ways… Darren to St Pancras, me to Kings Cross… only… I wasn’t at Kings Cross when I came to board my train. In my pissed up little mind, I was in the right location. Only, the Fat Controller wasn’t convinced when he said, ‘No… this is St Pancras International. You want Kings Cross’.

Needless to say, it was as if the guard at the ticket gate could see the confusion in the eyes of someone who’d had an Old Chimneys imperial stout, a Glen Affric imperial stout and a plantation rum oak barrel aged dark lager from Round Corner Brewing (on top of all the other beers) and simply said nothing and opened the gate.

The whistle sounded and I floated onto the train, picking a random carriage when nature called. Shit… someone’s in the loo and I need it. After what felt like an age to my weak, frustrated bladder, the flush went, the door swung open… and out popped Darren!

Talk about a coincidence.

And what’s more, he’d left his phone in there! (Nob head!)

It was as Nissaki herself was watching over us, guiding us to the seats and table of two very poor, unsuspecting charity workers who had to endure these two piss-heads all the way home, with their craft beer talk!

Upon arriving in Sheffield, we parted ways and vowed to visit Round Corner Brewing… until we do (which will make an interesting episode in and of itself), you’ll have to satisfy yourself with this virtual discussion and beer tasting, recorded a few weeks ago, between me and Combie talking about how COVID-19 has impacted their business, how they’ve found reopening their tap room since social distancing measures have been relaxed, and taste some of their fantastic beers.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUT:

This week, we're giving a shoutout to our good friends over at Huddesfield's Beer Ink. Check out their recently rebranded range of beers and bag yourself a discount throughout August using the code HOPFORWARD at the checkout. Visit beer-ink.co.uk

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...

Brewing Jobs the UK's only FREE dedicated brewing jobs board brought to you by Brew-School your No.1 for brewing and distilling courses.

Advertise your jobs for free or join up to receive your personalised brewing job alerts at www.brewing-jobs.com TODAY.

Amy Brookes is the co-founder of Content on Draft, a company that works with brewers and drinks manufactures on creating content marketing with a view to growing their businesses.

In this episode, we discuss some of the mistakes breweries, bars and bottle shops make when it comes to social media and provide a wide range of insights, tips and guidance for any business looking to improve their online marketing for very little expense.

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THIS WEEK'S BREWERY SHOUTOUT...

Pipeline Brewing Co crafts small batches of vibrant, hoppy, juicy beers on the North Cornwall coast. Using fresh ingredients and Cornish water, they create craft beers that showcase the best of New World hops.

Brewing in small batches frees them to experiment with blending the four ingredients, carefully selecting from the range of fresh hops, yeasts and malts they add to soft Cornish water to create exciting beers. Look out for their constantly changing line up of interesting, batch crafted beers.

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Check out our friends over at www.brewing-jobs.com to find out how you can apply for this week's spotlighted brewing job.

The apprentice: what comes two mind when you hear these words?

Perhaps the first image you conjure up is of some wide-buoi in a suit who isn’t just a one trick pony, but is a whole field of ponies and would crawl over his dead grandma for Lord Sugar’s lucrative investment and business insights.

Or perhaps, on the hand, it’s the young whipper-snapper that’s super keen to learn their craft on the job and expected to be doing yeast cell-counts or putting together their own HACCP but instead finds themselves making tea and playing solitaire on the office computer all day, while overlooked by those who are busy doing the real work.

We all have our preconceptions about what an apprentice actually does. And, in a day and age that values knowledge work over physical labour, those preconceptions about apprenticeships have driven hoards of young adults (in particular) to enroll in university degree courses.

Not that there’s anything wrong with all that, but - as me and my wife often say - you don’t call a biochemist when your boiler dies… you call a plumber.

But if you visit the National Apprenticeship website, you’ll be quickly met with an extensive list of schemes ready to train people in some a vast array of jobs.

Apprenticeships often get a bad-wrap, particularly when it comes to wages, the quality of the apprenticeship schemes offered, or employers who take on apprentices for the sole benefit of cheap labour and a £1500 payout from the government.

But land yourself a good apprenticeship scheme and you can gain insights and knowledge from some of the top professionals in the industry, who have worked for some of the world’s largest breweries.

And - whatever you think of big beer - their standards and training often far outstrip the independent micro-brewing sector.

These are some of the topics I discuss with brewery consultant Mark Tetlow.

While apprenticeships generally offer good training, certification and the potential to carve out a long lasting career, there’s no getting around the UK governments’ current national minimum wage for an apprentice, which is £4.15 per hour.

And that’s not just for the 16-18 year olds - this applies to anyone 19 and over in their first year of apprenticeship.

While Mark and I don’t discuss any specific events or conversations that have been taking place within the industry, we do talk about some of the underlying issues surrounding pay vs experience, ethical and living wages, and - ultimately - valuing people that often drives these conversations.

And as taboo as it can sometime be to talk about money and earning, it’s a conversation that the brewing and hospitality sector desperately needs to contend with.

But the main bulk of our conversation focuses on the positive aspects of apprenticeships, which Mark is the Brewing Lead at HIT Training, which is working with the University of Nottingham.

Many who know Mark will attest to his care and dedication to the industry, and he has certainly earned his stripes in the world of brewing as you’ll hear from his impressive resume.

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THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

Brupaks have been providing microbrewery supplies in small and manageable sizes for over 25 years, acting as agents and resellers for some of the world’s best producers of ingredients, sundries and equipment.

With some of the industries lowest minimums and lead times, Brupaks aim to make their products as accessible to all.

They have recently also ventured into canning, partnering Oasthouse Engineering, by releasing a small can seamer at a cost effective price, while also providing cans in the smallest minimums as possible, making the introduction to canning as easy as possible.

For further info, visit brupaks.com or better call Paul on (01709) 780 888

BREWERY SHOUTOUT
Check out steamtownbrewco.co.uk to try their fantastic range of beers.

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

On this week's episode we're joined by David McGowen from Broughton Ales talking all about their campaign to save the brewery.

There’s not a brewery or business out there that hasn’t been hit hard by the global pandemic. No one could imagine an entire industry being put on pause for weeks, months even, on end.

But now that pubs and bars have started to reopen around the world, furloughing schemes reach their natural conclusions and businesses restart on a rather unsteady footing as everyone tries to find ‘the new normal’, the pending months ahead offer uncertainties that equally need figuring out as we head into a looming recession.

What kind of state will the industry be in when the banks start reclaiming those bounce back loans? What will the Small Breweries Relief reform tapering actually look like, and how will it affect monthly cash flow?

And, as we head into autumn with schools reopening and the darker, colder winter months - still, at this point, without a proven vaccine - will we be plunged into further lockdowns throughout the UK, Europe and the rest of the world?

I don’t envy anyone running a brewery at the moment.

Cash margins are fairly tight at the best of times and those relying mostly on the hospitality trade to sell their produce may be in for further turbulence yet.

I often find myself wondering what it would have been like had I taken out the lease on a railway arch I was looking at in Sheffield back at the start of 2018 to kickstart Emmanuales as a fully independent brewery and autonomous business.

Where would I be now? What would that mean for my family and our livelihood.

If a business goes under because of bad management, poor products and procedures, and just a general lack of care, then that’s sad on one level, but at least there’s an opening at the bar for someone else.

But whenever I see an independent business in trouble for reasons through no fault of their own, with good people at the helm, fighting to stay afloat like a trawler on stormy seas, my heart genuinely goes out to them.

This is what happened when I came across a video from a Scottish brewery I’d never heard of before.

Broughton Ales, based in Scotland south of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, are on a mission to save their 40 year old brewery.

Established in 1979, the brewery has weathered many storms in that season, but none as detrimental to the business as the impacts of COVID-19.

But, as we’ll hear from David McGowen, the owner since 2015, they’re reaching out to fans - old and new - to raise funds through crowdfunding to save the brewery and release innovative new products to market, and - ultimately - making sure they reach the end of this pandemic with as many employees in the ship as they set off with.

You can play your part in helping to save the brewery by visiting broughtonales.co.uk and pledging an amount to their crowdfunding campaign.

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THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...

Brupaks have been providing microbrewery supplies in small and manageable sizes for over 25 years, acting as agents and resellers for some of the world’s best producers of ingredients, sundries and equipment.

With some of the industries lowest minimums and lead times, we aim to make all of our products as accessible to all.

We’ve recently also ventured into canning, with our partners Oasthouse Engineering, releasing our smallest can seamer at a cost effective price, while providing cans in the smallest minimums as possible, seeking to make the introduction to canning as easy.

For more details call (01709) 780 888 or visit our website brupaks.co.uk

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FIND OUT AND HEAR MORE AT hopforward.beer about how you can get ahead in the brewing and beer business

CHECK OUT brewing-jobs.com FOR ALL THE LATEST JOBS ACROSS THE UK BEER INDUSTRY.

Barrel ageing and mixed fermentation. Are there any two phrases that evoke curiosity and create excitement for brewers and beer lovers more than these? You’d be hard pressed to find a brewer who is not fascinated with the art of blending beers stored in wood or the mixed cultures of Brettanomyces and lactic acid, which spawn bacterias such as lactobacillus and pediococcus.

Sour, mixed fermentation and barrel aged beers do hold a certain level of reverence amongst beer fans on parr with even the finest vintage wines and fine ciders, retailing with higher prices, presented in slender elegant glass bottles, and evoke feelings of opulence.

By virtue of these beers spending prolonged periods stored in wood, you just instinctively know that these have been crafted with care by people who are passionate about making them, not to turn huge profits, but as a labour of brewery love.

One such brewery, known for their excellent barrel project, is London Beer Factory.

Established in 2013 by brothers Ed and Simm Cotton, London Beer Factory found success as part of the South East London beer scene.

Since then, they’ve grown to an output of 50HL per day from their 25HL brewhouse, with a team of 6 brewers producing 500,000 litre of beer per annum across a wide range of styles, including hazy IPAs, imperial stouts, lagers and more.

Their Bermondsey based Barrel Project serves house barrel aged & craft beers across 24 taps and contains 200 oak barrels, all nestled under a Victorian rail arch, blending the traditional & modern. Each release is a unique expression of time, place, provenance, and attention.

As you’ll hear in our discussion on all things barrel aging and mixed-ferm with brewers Brayden and Brett, they even have a mobile coolship - the UK’s first purpose built vehicular coolship - that travels the UK capturing wild yeast and bacteria that naturally occur all around us.

Every beer they make is a living record of the areas they visit and captures some of the essence of the friendships made along the way.

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THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...

Brupaks have been providing microbrewery supplies in small and manageable sizes for over 25 years, acting as agents and resellers for some of the world’s best producers of ingredients, sundries and equipment.

With some of the industries lowest minimums and lead times, we aim to make all of our products as accessible to all.

We’ve recently also ventured into canning, with our partners Oasthouse Engineering, releasing our smallest can seamer at a cost effective price, while providing cans in the smallest minimums as possible, seeking to make the introduction to canning as easy.

For more details call (01709) 780 888 or visit our website brupaks.co.uk

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BREWERY SHOUTOUTS

Iron Pier Brewery & Taproom are based in Gravesend, Kent.

They are locally focussed, providing refrigerated deliveries of our cask & keg beers throughout Kent and South London.

This year they are just starting to see the fruits of our barrel aged programme, and have a range of bottle releases coming up, including plenty of imperial stouts and their first mixed fermentation beers. They also can some of our regular keg range, all of which are available on their webshop.

Hop Forward listeners can enjoy a 10% DISCOUNT by using the discount HOPFORWARD at the checkout.

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @hopforwardbeers

FIND OUT AND HEAR MORE AT hopforward.beer about how you can get ahead in the brewing and beer business

CHECK OUT brewing-jobs.com FOR ALL THE LATEST JOBS ACROSS THE UK BEER INDUSTRY.

In this week’s episode, we’re talking all about brewing IPAs with Pipeline Brewing Co’s Jonny Cooper.

There’s not a shadow of a doubt that the craft beer revolution owes much of its success and prominence due to the humble India Pale Ale.

As we all know through historians and beer writers, the passage to India back in the 18th century was a lengthy excursion, giving the beer ample opportunity to change in its qualities while stored in wood for prolonged periods.

But there’s no denying that the humble IPA has long since been on an equally unparalleled voyage ever since.

Rescued from closure in the 1960’s, Anchor Brewery - arguably one of American’s first craft breweries of the modern era - released Liberty Ale in 1975 and was the archetype for the modern day IPA.

America’s love of extravagant flavours and hop-bills of biblical proportions counteracted the myriad of bland lagers offered from the same handful of multinational drinks corporations.

Taking inspiration from English brewers such as Fullers, Smith & Turner breweries such as Sierra Nevada, Goose Island and Stone drove the IPA craze to dizzy new heights, showing us Brits what brewers could really do when unleashed with hops flowers and pellets.

Whereas we gave the USA the template for the IPA, our Stateside cousins gave us Cascade, Chinook and the revered Citra.

In an Atlantic rivalry that can only be matched by The Beatles and The Beach Boys, it wasn’t long before British brewers were taking American hops and smashing out punchy IPAs such as Jaipur, Gamma Ray, Cannonball and Punk IPA.

And thus the cycle continues.

When juicy, hazy IPAs came onto the scene several years back, Manchester’s Cloudwater Brew Co rode the crest of the wave producing bigger, bolder, fruiter IPAs - setting a new precedent for the capabilities of hop infused beers in this country.

Most contemporary breweries of notoriety have largely gained their success off the back of a flagship IPA. (I’ve yet to meet a brewer who does not have several variations in their core range and plenty more in their back catalogue).

The types of IPA are endless… check out this article by Matthew Curtis written for Mash Marketing about IPA styles and how a Session IPA is an oxymoron:

https://www.mash.marketing/ipa

IPAs sound easier to brew than they actually are… the good ones at least!

One brewer who is making waves in the world of IPAs right now is Cornwall based brewery, Pipeline Brewing Co. Should their beers be placed in a blind tasting lineup with the usual suspects, it would be hard to tell the real Keyser Soze apart: they’re that good.

There’s lots to be learned from Jonny - a passionate brewer with an insatiable thirst for juicy IPAs. I would highly recommend getting hold of his beers to taste and see for yourself that he certainly knows his stuff when it comes to brewing.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUTS

Fierce & Noble are based a Bristol based brewery defined by independence, committed to brewing modern, seasonal beer, with a fierce intuition that makes them unemployable anywhere else.

Though they never sought to be traditional, they still respect the nobility of craft. In fact, tradition is part of the adventure, helping them explore what great brewing means today.

Fierce & Nobel look to discover the extraordinary, to make beer that stimulates creativity and makes us all smile. Their path is their own, but you are welcome to join them on their journey and pick up from beer from fierceandnoble.com

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @hopforwardbeers

FIND OUT AND HEAR MORE AT hopforward.beer about how you can get ahead in the brewing and beer business

CHECK OUT brewing-jobs.com FOR ALL THE LATEST JOBS ACROSS THE UK BEER INDUSTRY.

On this week’s almighty yeast of a show we are talking all things fermentation and dried yeast with Lallemand Brewing’s Technical Sales Manager for the UK and Scandinavia, Andrew Paterson.

I doubt there is a topic that genuinely gets brewers out of bed more than yeast.

Just ask them a question like, ‘How does chronically depleted oxygen resources affect fermentation across yeast generations?’, or better still, get them to recall anecdotally a particular problem they had with their yeast that they finally resolved after sleepless nights churning it over in their mind or pouring through text books troubleshooting... and watch their eyes light up in wild excitement.

Many brewers, even some large ones, rely on the variety of dried yeast available for both consistency and to add to their palet and repertoire.

And what a day and age to live in as a brewer where we have access to dried yeast varieties that are able to produce moderate amounts of lactic acid in addition to ethanol in one simple fermentation step, or provide prominent notes of apricot and undertones of tropical fruit and citrus that merge seamlessly with hop aromas perfect for big, juicy IPAs.

Brewing better beer ultimately comes down to how well you’re able to control your fermentation profile.

A beer may have IBUs might be in endless harmony with a perfectly malty backbone like a classic Beach Boys, but underpitch, overpitch, don’t oxygenate enough at the start, introduce oxygenate later on, crash too early, raise the temperature too late; cap the beer with CO2 too early towards the end of fermentation, and just about anything else yeast cells don’t like and a whole myriad of problems is enough to keep any brewer awake at night.

We hope you get a lot out of this week’s episode with Andrew; we certainly did... and with good reason. Having cut his teeth at BrewDog he went on to become the Head Brewer for West Sussex’s Dark Star for 6 years before moving into technical sales with Lallemand.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...

Lallemand Brewing’s presence in the brewing industry dates from the early 1970s when the company started producing dried pure culture brewing yeasts for beer kit manufacturers in Canada. In subsequent years, this activity was expanded to the production of other specific ale and lager beer yeast strains for different clients in the United States, Europe and Australia and Asia.

Supported by decades of long-standing industry experience, an extensive support network and strong technical expertise, Lallemand Brewing is positioned to help your brewery achieve its growth and quality goals. Beyond an unparalleled global technical support and expertise, we offer an extensive range of products, services and education.

Whether you are a startup, a global leader in beer production or anywhere in between, we have something for you.

At Lallemand Brewing… WE Brew with you! Visit www.lallemandbrewing.com for more info.

BREWERY SHOUTOUTS

Truth Hurts Brew Co are a great little brewery based in South Leeds with a cool little independent bottle shop and tap room called Beer Thirty. I’ve had the privilege of designing their recent cans and clips and wanted to introduce to you a collaboration of intergalactic proportions with ”>C84 Brew Co.

Head over to beer30.selz.com and pick up some straight-talking beer from the North along with a whole host of other great craft breweries from the region and across the country.

Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week, we catch up with Jason Bayliffe: founder of Wiltshire's Broadtown Brewery.

A railway engineer by trade, Jason took his passion for home brewing to the next level by converting an old, derelict coach house from the 1830’s, which once held the dray horses of the old Hart ‘Brewing Family’ of Broad Town and Royal Wootton Bassett, bought not one, but two 500L German engineered Braumiesters - the only two in the UK, might I add, and started Broadtown Brewery.

Jason now employs a small team of people to help run the brewery, including a full time brewer Nathan Beet, formerly senior brewer at Cotswold Brewery and Head Brewer at the White Horse Brewery in Oxford, to help produce and develop the core range and speciality beers.

Recently, Jason hosted a socially distanced beer festival called Alpaca Fields, which drew a significant following of locals into the family grounds for beers, bands and artisan food.

It’s easy to think beer is all about the latest hipster brewery in some urban area smashing out hazy IPAs, when - in fact - Broadtown Brewery have huge appeal from locals in an area just outside of Swindon that you wouldn’t really associate with beer at all.

So much so, that Jason and the team are working on The Hop Chapel; the Broadtown Brewery tap room with reclaimed stained glass windows, pipe organ and wooden chapel doors.

In this conversation, we talk about what it’s like coming into the brewing scene relatively late the party and just before coronavirus; how having a different background in a different industry has shaped the brewery, and how the growth of the brewery has largely been fuelled by local people wanting local beer.

Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


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• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week, we are talking all about business with Kelly Sidgwick from Bristol based brewery Good Chemistry Brewing.

Unfortunately, many business owners have had a rough ride throughout 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. While it’s usually enough in and of itself to deal with the myriad of issues that arise on a daily basis while running a business, the national lockdowns and resulting economic impacts have caused wave after wave of anxiety and fear.

Somehow, we’ve all muddled through, and each of us has our own story to tell.

The story this week comes from Kelly Sidgwick - director and co-founder of Bristol based brewery Good Chemistry Brewing.

Good Chemistry Brewing turned 5 this August past and have had to negotiate many difficult decisions due to COVID-19, one of which was the internal battle surrounding whether it was ethical to press on with mobile canning or not in order to stem the spread of the virus.

Difficult decisions to say the least.

In this episode, Kelly and I discuss all things business, everything from hiring staff, keeping them motivated, how to grow your business, vision and values, wages and attitudes towards money and so much more… all to the backdrop of a global pandemic.

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Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


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This week's episode features Alan Mahon, founder of Brewgooder and Work In Progress.

Work In Progress is an open to all breweries that aspire to build a more inclusive and representative beer industry.

The breweries involved - including everyone from London’s Mondo Brewing Company, Liverpool’s Neptune Brewery, Bristol’s Left Handed Giant and many more, are committed to taking action in their businesses, forging links with communities to increase opportunities and promote collaboration between brewers and under-represented groups in our society.

As a non-profit, decentralised movement driven by the members, Work In Progress is establishing a steering committee of trusted industry and non-industry voices to help guide and unify the collective voices and actions to create greater inclusivity in the beer and wider drinks industry.

A few months back, I caught up with Alan to discuss Work In Progress and what breweries can do to create a more diverse, unified workforce and industry that covers the entire colour spectrum, in both the physical. cultural and metaphorical sense.

We caught up with Alan to talk about the new initiative, discuss some of the issues that still plague the beer industry, and what we can do to combat those issues.

If you’d like to sign up then I’d highly encourage you to head over to workinprogress.beer where you can find out more information and become a member.

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Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week we talk with Greg Avola, CEO of the popular beer check-in app, Untappd, which celebrates its 10th birthday this week, discussing everything from big data, review culture and why 4pm is officially Beer O’Clock.

Twelve years ago, my wife and I started a list that we stuck to our fridge called ‘Beers We Have Known and Loved’.

The idea was simple: for every beer we’d purchased from The Dram Shop, a small independent retailer of microbrewed beers, fine wines and world whiskies, we’d write down the name of the beer, a comment and rate the beer out of 10.

Needless to say, that piece of paper has long disappeared but the memory of one particular German beer remains etched on my mind over a decade on.

Simply called Beer Rauchen, or ‘Smoke Beer’ in English, this black liquid did not have the sublime subtle smoked-sausage-meets-breakfast-ceral taste often associated with the style, but rather - as my scathing review testified - ‘tastes like fag ash!’ 0/10.

You could argue that this humble lined-sheet of A4 was a precursor to websites such as RateBeer or apps such as Untappd.

The idea of keeping a log of things you love - or, in this case, loathe - isn’t new. Beer tickers throughout the years have journal after journal entries containing reviews of the latest guest ale down the local, beers revered at festivals and casual comments from evenings in by the fire on a cold winter’s night with a bottle of something dark and heartwarming.

In the privacy of, to keep such a record of my personal opinions is neither here nor there. But how does that translate in the digital age where reviews are open to interpretation, public for all to see, and grant direct access and dialog to the producers themselves?

These are questions Greg Avola, CEO of Untappd, has had to wrestle with for the last ten years.

Untappd is an app that allows users to keep track of their beers and allows for open conversations surrounding those check-ins, familiar to most brewers and beer fans alike for a variety of reasons.

I’ve yet to meet a brewer who hasn’t felt the eurphic hit as a shot of dopamine pulses through their veins due to a string of positive reviews, and then - in the next instance - has been hit in the gut by a punchy offhand comment that seems unjustified on every level.

Whatever your relationship with Untappd, there’s no denying that it does what it does very well and is collecting vast amounts of data regarding worldwide beer trends, which will prove invaluable over the coming months and years.

And who hasn’t enjoyed reading some of the worst reviews from keyboard warriors and armchair detectives as featured on the Worst Beer Blog.

In honour of Untappd turning 10, we’ve introduced a little feature we think you’ll enjoy…!

Stay tuned.

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Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


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• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

In this week’s episode of the Hop Forward Podcast we talk to Jack Hobday, co-founder of London’s Anspach & Hobday about the proposed beer duty reform and how it will affect small independent craft breweries, hindering growth rather than promoting it.

The first in a two part series looking at SBR, we are on a mission to give an overview of the reforms, presenting arguments from both sides (those in favour and those opposed. While this week’s episode investigates the vantage point from breweries that fall under the 5000HL annual output mark, next week we’ll be talking to Timothy Taylor’s Chief Executive, Tim Dewey, about their stance on SBR and the blog post that cause a stir in the brewing community.

Nick gives a brief history and overview of the beer duty system here in the United Kingdom and samples the Ordinary Best Bitter from the brewery.

If you’re in favour reversing the changes to SBR, then make sure you sign the petition which can be found at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/334066 (link in the show notes) and make your voice heard in Whitehall.

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Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


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• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

This week on the Hop Forward Podcast we reconnect with Timothy Taylor’s Chief Executive to discuss their stance and statement on the reforms to Small Breweries’ Relief.

When calls to boycott breweries and pull of out of pints ensued like a cascade of beer flowing from a DVP with an open dump valve, many of the breweries who form part of the Small Breweries’ Duty Reform Coalition (SBDRC) scrambled to clarify their position on social media with a variety of statements condemning the lowering of the duty threshold.

Timothy Taylor’s on the other hand didn’t.

In this episode, we look at why Timothy Taylor’s are holding their ground in order, as they put it, to save cask beer from becoming even more commoditised; we talk about how the brewery sits within the tension of being both a member of SIBA while actively disagreeing with SIBA’s position and lobbying government on the reforms, and Tim explains how the they dealt with the backlash of consumers, craft beer fans and brewers across the board.

While I may not agree with the brewery’s position on the issue personally, I want to publicly thank Tim for taking part in the podcast and agreeing to come on the show to have a frank conversation and answer some tough questions.

The purpose of this and last week’s episode was to highlight both perspectives to help facilitate healthy discussion and debate rather than reopen a can of worms. We hope you’ve done that and - if you disagree - please do so in a respectful manner.

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Northern Ireland’s Licensing Bill is currently going through the Legislative Assembly and brewers are seeking an amendment to allow them to finally sell their own beer in taprooms as well as off-sales.

All the good bars as well as the most of the breweries in Northern Ireland have grouped together to create The Northern Ireland Brewery and Independent Pub Association, and Hop Forward is joining the fight to raise awareness surrounding the issue.

Visit craftbeerni.com to find out how you can stand alongside your fellow brewers and support them during this difficult time.

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Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


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This week we turn our attention to Southampton’s Unity Brewing Co, who recently celebrated their fourth birthday this October past with the release of a special four-pack of collaboration beers.

Unity is a 20 hectolitre craft brewery known for its modern, hop-forward craft beer including Conflux Pale Ale and Collision IPA.

In the past 12 months the team have expanded into larger premises, taken delivery of their own in house canning line and have recently launched a side project May Provisions which focuses on continental and traditional style beers, which we taste and discuss on the podcast with founder and head brewer, Jimmy Hatherley.

We chat about the four different collaboration beers made with Duration, Howling Hops and Verdant to mark the occasion, their side brand May Provisions, Small Breweries’ Relief; we also touch upon various technical brewing topics such as water profiles and hops; and we get on our soapbox about growth and capitalism.

For those familiar with the show, the conversation is a little more free flowing than perhaps you may be used to listening to this podcast (The Imperial Stout is to blame!). Either way, Jimmy is a cracking guy and smashing out some fantastic beers, and we highly encourage you to seek them out from your local bottle shop or by visiting their online store at unitybrewingco.com

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THIS WEEK’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY…

Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

This week on the Hop Forward Podcast we are talking all about beer and music with Sam McGregor from Signature Brew.

Like many musicians, founders and cousins Sam and Tom left the touring circuit back in 2011 to set up Signature Brew with the same DIY spirit that most artists and musicians adopt to creating and releasing their records.

Signature Brew channels the spirit and energy of live music into a brewery that stands for craftsmanship, artistry and passion, and has won us praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Kerrang!, NME and MTV as well as the wider UK beer press, the Morning Advertiser, The Independent and Channel 4's Sunday Brunch.

Whereas most breweries collaborate with other breweries, Signature Brew have teamed up with musicians including Mogwai, Alt-J, Slaves, Drs and Dynamite, and - most recently - The Darkness.

Signature Brew are on a mission to bring great beer to music venues by promoting live music to the accompaniment of great beer.

Hop Forward Podcast Exclusive...

This week also includes the first play of Nick Law’s forthcoming single, Leave A Little Room, taken from his forthcoming album The Whispers and the Rumours of War, available Spring 2021.

This Week’s Episode is Sponsored by...

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited have got you covered. SSV Limited have established themselves as the go to partner to help you grow your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit coupled with the knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion whether its equipment supply, fully turnkey or anything between.

Their parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to keep your brewery up and running many available on next day delivery.

Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk

Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

There are countless stories of brewers, cider and wine makers across the world who have abandoned city life and the smell of smog for the countryside and the aroma of freshly malted barley and green hops.

One such couple to take such a bold step are Miranda Hudson and Derek Bates, founders of Duration Brewing.

Leaving a brewing post at Brew by Numbers and architects in London respectively, Bates and Miranda covered a majestic site in West Acre, Norfolk, rooted amongst the ruins of the 12 century priory.

Duration is nestled in ancient woodlands midway along the Nar Valley Pilgrim Trail. In the ruins of an old priory and by the banks of a chalk river, with seasonal camping and a variety of accommodation close by.

Having worked tirelessly on planning applications to convert a 16th century barn on a site that holds the same Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas protection as Stonehenge was a massive undertaking in and of itself, let alone the conversion and construction of the site from a derelict ruin to brewhouse containing a near-fully automated German brewhouse and all mod-cons while retaining its charm and character.

Fortune favours the brave and Bates and Miranda brewed their first beer on 23rd October 2019.

Beers such as the piney West Coast IPA, Remember When the Pub, and the juicy, soft, tropical APA called Turtles All The Way Down are a shining example of the quality that craft beer geeks and local residents alike could look forward to for many years to come.

The future was looking bright.

Then, Covid-19 would plunge the brewery into uncertainty. Times like this really are make or break for people, especially those who have put their heart and their soul and much on the line to accomplish their goals and see their vision fulfilled.

In this recent conversation with Miranda, you’ll hear in detail about the challenges she and Bates have experienced over the years of putting together Duration. We discuss their story, their ethos, and share some experiences of pre and post covid times, while looking to a promising future and remaining thankful, regardless of the current circumstances.

Perhaps things may not have transpired for Duration as they’d originally planned, but the best laid plans of mice and men can’t keep Miranda and Bates from doing it anyway…!

This Week’s Episode is Sponsored by...

TEP Machinery Movement’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs.

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time – give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on +44(0)1937 558203.

Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

Chris Hodgetts, founder of Levithan Brewing, worked in management consultancy for almost 20 years, often spending large portions of time away from home. As an avid beer lover, it was only after being diagnosed with cancer in 2017 that Chris decided to do something that would enable him to be at home with his family each night - brewing.

Although Chris was given the all clear, in June 2018 he was struck with the bad news that his illness had returned. Still determined to turn his hand to running a commercial brewery around 5 months of successful treatment, Chris pushed on to make his dream a reality, buying a 5BBL brewhouse.

Chris is unapologetic in his passion for music and beer. The look and feel of the labels blurs the lines between craft beer and vinyl artwork.

In our discussion, we talk about everything from setting the brewery up, the challenges of scaling up from homebrew to commercial sized kit, Chris’s season of ill-health and take a deep dive into the world of music and beer, all to the soundtrack of trying and chatting about Chris’s beers.

Hop Forward Podcast Exclusive...

This week also includes the first play of Nick Law’s forthcoming single, Leave A Little Room, taken from his forthcoming album The Whispers and the Rumours of War, available Spring 2021.

This Week’s Episode is Sponsored by...

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited have got you covered. SSV Limited have established themselves as the go to partner to help you grow your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit coupled with the knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion whether its equipment supply, fully turnkey or anything between.

Their parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to keep your brewery up and running many available on next day delivery.

Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk

Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

One of the privileges I had while working in the brewing industry is meeting and working with some fantastic individuals, one of which is Christian Barden from Kegstar.

Coming from a background in brewing and hospitality working with companies such as Whitebread, AB InBev and Cott Beverages, along with active involvement in companies such as BrewBroker and Kegstar, Christian is an entrepreneur who is a keen advocate for creating a working culture that aims to get the best out of a team and maintain a healthy, dynamic, honest and open working environment.

While this episode touches upon a few beer industry points, such as SBR and alcohol consumption, we mostly center our conversation on leadership skills, personal development and creating the kind of atmosphere and teams where people feel valued, known and rewarded fairly for their contributions.

Personal development and betterment is key to hiring people, gracefully letting people move on, building a successful business, motivating people, understanding them, communicating clearly and well; the most successful businesses and organisations I’ve ever been privy to have leaders who embody both humanity - in its most virtuous sense - and draw the best out of people by challenging them.

This conversation I had with Christian a few weeks back is a bit different than you may be used to on this podcast; in its simplest form, it’s two mates discussing a topic we’re both passionate about… but if you allow yourself to really think through what you’re hearing - to look at our own behaviors and mentality and take note - I think together we can build a better, brighter industry for everyone involved.

You might not be into ‘all that “management crap”’ but if bettering yourself and building a healthy and dynamic team doesn’t have anything to do with brewing or being involved in a beer business, I genuinely don’t know what does!

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This week’s show is sponsored by SSV Limited

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited have got you covered. In just five short years SSV Limited have established themselves as the go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery.

High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit and the knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their recently opened parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to keep your brewery up and running.

Visit their website on www.ssvlimited.co.uk and check out their latest projects.

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Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week, we take a look over the past year and our experiences of the brewing industry throughout the global pandemic, before turning our attention to the story of brewer Donncha Bruke.

Donncha has worked for a variety of brewers and has experienced a variety of ups and downs, including having to close a brewery, throughout his years of brewing beer.

We hope you have a Hoppy Christmas and want to tank all our listeners for supporting the show!

THIS WEEK’S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY…TEP Machinery Movement

TEP Machinery Movement’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs.

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time – give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on 01937 558203.

---

Find out more from Hop Forward and our partners…

• Follow is on Social Media: Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn


• Visit hopforward.beer for more insights and a range of branding, marketing and business development services to help you and your beer business get ahead.


• Join our Facebook Community to connect with other industry professionals from across the globe


• Check out brewing-jobs.com for all the latest jobs and careers across the brewing and beverage industry