Hop Forward: Getting You Ahead in the Brewing and Beer Business

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...! Craft beer is on the rise, queues of beer nerds are lining up for the latest Imperial Stouts and a brave alliance of brewers has formed to bring down the Galactic Empire known as 'Big Beer'.In this last instalment of the Hop Forward Podcast, we sit down opposite Damian Doherty from Emperor's Brewery in The Fat Jedi (aka Damian's truly intergalactic beer cellar!) to chat all things Imperial Stouts, Porters and Barley Wines. We reminisce about the rise of craft beer, what has changed over the past 10-15 years, how to brew a truly great high-gravity beer, and Damian is put through his paces to see whether he truly is a Jedi or is as mediocre as an Untappd score.THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

Established in 2011 by General Manager and Brewster Claire Monk, Welbeck Abbey Brewery is situated on the Welbeck Abbey Estate. Founded as a Premonstratensian monastery in 1153, after the Dissolution, the Abbey was bought by Bess of Hardwick's youngest son, Sir Charles Cavendish.As with many country estates, over time, the house and grounds have become a popular tourist attraction, pulling in crowds of people for a quintessentially English spot of afternoon tea and a gentle potter around. Situated to the rear of the sprawling buildings, you'll find Welbeck Abbey Brewery, set in the heart of an artisan estate-village that produces specialist foods and crafts in a beautiful rural setting. Producing hand crafted ales using the estate’s own spring water and a unique strain of nurtured yeast, the brewery now produces over 17,000 pints of award-winning ales each week, which they supply to local pubs, restaurants, and specialist bottle shops across the region and beyond.In this episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, we talk about the power of place with Claire and how they've built the brewery brand and marketing around the story of the abbey estate, while remaining relevant to drinkers in both the beer and pub space, as well as tourists who don't know the difference between an ale and a lager.We also chat about how swathes of people leaving the hospitality industry are leading to pub closures and how breweries finding it difficult to attract new talent onto their teams.Also on this episode, Nick catches up with David Griggs, Technical Director from Crisp Malt, to discuss malt consistency and the steps brewers can take in the brewhouse before blaming their barley!THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

In this episode, Nick sits down with Dean & Jill Baker, the husband-and-wife team behind Bakers Dozen Brewing. Based in Rutland, the smallest county in the UK, the Bakers have built a lifestyle business from scratch — just the two of them — while balancing the headaches of running a brewery while keeping their relationship sweet.Once landlords of The Jolly Brewer in Stamford, the Bakers share how they cleared out the drug dealers and bad curtains from their pub and turning it into one of the market-town's favourite public houses, before tiring of being landlords and exchanging and beer-engines for mash paddles.Over the course of this conversation, we dig into what it really takes to run a two-person brewery, how they've won national awards like SIBA Golds for Undertow and Bull Run despite being small, and share their insights on running a marriage and a business together.Nick also shares his views on how bucket hats have brought more people out drinking this summer. Also, stick around right to the very end as Dean & Jill contend with what their correct email address is...!FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BAKERS DOZENBUY THE BEER | TRADE INFOTHIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

On the podcast this week, Nick is joined by Craig Thomas, National Account Manager at Abstrax, to take a deep dive into the science, story, and serious hop chemistry behind their innovative hop products—used by some of the most respected brewers in the industry.Craig shares insights into how Abstrax uses cutting-edge technology to isolate and recreate the essential oils and aroma compounds that give beer its characteristic punch and complexity—providing brewers with another layer of precision and creativity.Following this, Nick sits down with Julian Shrago, co-owner and brewmaster of the legendary Beachwood Brewing in Long Beach, California. Together, they talk about how Abstrax fits into the flavour profile of West Coast IPAs and the delicate balance between tradition and technical innovation.The conversation broadens as they explore the current state of the US beer scene—its trends, tensions, and opportunities—and why, sometimes, moving house and judging beer might just be the same thing after all...👉 Learn more about Abstrax: www.abstraxhops.com 👉 Discover Beachwood Brewing: www.beachwoodbrewing.comPlease note: Abstrax have in no way sponsored or endorsed this episode—this is purely a conversation around innovation, aroma, and application.THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

I've stayed in craft beer for over a decade not just for the love of the liquid, but for the friendships. The relationships I've built are what keep me here, the camaraderie amongst brewers and beer professionals. You don’t stick with a job that leaves you soaked in yeast and wrestling with broken equipment unless you’re surrounded by others who have been in the trenches with you. There's nothing quite like trading stories and the mini-dramas over a good, solid pint with your newfound friends at a beer festival or down the local. And when you both wax lyrical about the beer you're sharing, it's pure magic.Sometimes, on the Hop Forward Podcast, the focus and emphasis is on a particular subject. Over the seven years of airing this show, we've covered a vast array of topics - sustainability, financing, business development, wild yeasts, blending to name a few - and yet some of my favourite episodes are the ones that simply just happened. Discussions that ran away with themselves; recordings that sound like you're eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation in the pub.Mostly, the focus of the show is on a particular topic—sustainability, finance, wild yeasts, business strategy, blending, and so on. But honestly, some of my favourite episodes are the ones that just happen. Conversations that meander like a pub chat, full of insight and warmth, where you're almost eavesdropping on two people geeking out over beer, life and their mutual appreciation of Tommy Barnes' A Beer in the Loire.This week’s episode is one of those.I’m joined by the brilliant Kate Hyde, Head Brewer and Product Director at Hand Brew Co., a 25HL brewery based in Worthing. After working in publishing and fashion, Kate moved to France, discovered brewing, and eventually brought her skills back to the UK, joining Hand Brew Co.We cover everything from her role at the brewery and its original tower system, to cask beer, the beautiful artwork and artists that Hand Brew Co showcases, and the everyday joys and challenges of brewing professionally.I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording it.THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

Hopefully, by the end of this episode, we'll have answered the question why Dave Hayward, co-founder of A Hoppy Place and Indie Rabble Brewing Co, is selling a shit load of hazies... but even if we don't, we're sure you'll be thoroughly entertained by our musings on the way!Recorded on location at Sheffield's Indie Beer Feast, Nick is joined by Dave Hayward from Windsor's Indie Rabble to discuss all things setting-up a 20HL brewhouse in a railway arch, business rates, energy costs, the economy, tariffs, beer subscription boxes, New England IPAs and more...!Nick also took his mic around various brewers at the festival for a lowdown on where they're at, what challenges they're facing and what opportunities they're seeing in the market. But don't be too disappointed by the results...!THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

This week on the Hop Forward Podcast, we're diving into one of the most fascinating corners of brewing: blending and wild beers with Dan Wye who oversees Origins, the wild and spontaneous fermentation arm of Fyne Ales. From wild yeast and spontaneous fermentation to barrels, foraging, and time-honoured techniques, this episode is all about the magic that happens when nature takes the lead in beer making. While Fyne Ales is widely known for its flagship pale ale, Jarl, the brewery has been pushing boundaries since launching its wild beer programme in 2017, drawing inspiration from the rugged Scottish Highlands that surround their farm brewery.From tart, funky, and fruity flavours to complex, farmyard-esque depth, Origins beers are a true reflection of place, season, and time. In this episode, we discuss:🍻 The brewing and fermenting process behind wild ales🛢️ Selecting and preparing barrels for aging🌿 Foraging for unique local ingredients📦 Packaging and conditioning wild beers🔥 And so much more!Plus, I was lucky enough to receive a hand-delivered case of Origins beers ahead of this episode – so, naturally, I cracked one open for a little review.🚀 Grab some of the Origins beers for yourself at fyneales.comTHIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

When Buxton Brewery announced it had gone into administration, shockwaves could be felt across the craft beer community. As a pillar of the UK craft beer scene since 2009, setting benchmarks for quality and innovation with beers like Axe Edge, it was unthinkable that a brewery with such a solid reputation could be amongst the casualties of the current economic climate. However, no business is immune, and Buxton Brewery, it appeared, was no exception.After facing the challenges of the pandemic and navigating a pre-pack administration in 2023, the brewery is now under new ownership and back on stable ground.In this episode, Nick travels to the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District to chat with Dominic Metcalfe, Managing Director of Buxton Brewery, in their stunning taproom opposite the brewhouse. Together, they explore the tough realities of running a brewery in today’s climate, the impact of supermarket sales on craft beer, and how Buxton Brewery is forging a path forward in an ever-changing market.Recorded in September 2024, this candid conversation reveals the complexities of pre-pack administrations, the pressures of the brewing industry, and the enduring passion for quality beer that defines Buxton Brewery.THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malting Group (crispmalt.com)Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARDhopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

Liverpool has long been a musical powerhouse. From Echo and the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood to its most famous sons, The Beatles, the City of Pop has shaped global culture. But Liverpool is far more than music and mop-tops.Home to two iconic football teams, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., the city is also a gem for beer and food tourism. The Grapes pub offers cosy vibes and well-kept cask ales. Dead Crafty on Dale Street showcases rare international beers, while Azvex Brewery & Taproom is a must-visit. For amazing vegetarian Indian street food, Bundobust is unbeatable—don’t miss the Paneer Tikka skewers!One of my all-time favourite breweries, now sadly closed, was Liverpool’s Mad Hatter Brewery. Known for unique beers like Tzatziki Sour and the outrageous Smokey Bacon and Banana Rauchbier, they embodied creativity in brewing. Though gone, Mad Hatter remains a legend in the modern beer scene.Today, a lesser-known brewery, Colbier Brew Co, is carrying the torch. Founded in 2024 on a Bootle industrial estate, Colbier is making waves with Proper Sound Beers inspired by music. Founders Mike Corbett, Vik, and Stu have already showcased their brews at top venues like Manchester’s Port Street Beer House and Sheffield’s The Old Shoe.In this episode, I chat with Mike and Stu about launching a brewery with tight budgets, digging drainage channels with jackhammers, and crafting great beers on a DIY setup. I also speak with Sarah Marshall from Crisp Malting Group about the 2024 British malt harvest and what brewers can expect.THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com) Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.Crisp Malting Group (crispmalt.com) Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.FOLLOW HOP FORWARD hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

This episode marks a turning point for the Hop Forward Podcast as it will be the last episode of the show before we go on hiatus (or a 'hop rest' as we prefer to call it) for a while. In this episode, Nick shares his reasons why he's taking some time away from the show.Following this introspection, he dives into a compelling beer conversation with Cameron Brown, the co-founder of Turning Point Brew Co. Together, they explore the brewery's growth journey, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and the exciting transition into Rooster's former brewery.THIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF THE HOP FORWARD PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY CHARLES FARAM.Charles Faram have been sellers of hops since 1865 and hop-growers for even longer.They stock nitrogen-flushed leaf hops, T90 and T45 pellets, and, to ensure their hops remain in optimum condition, they have state-of-the-art cold stores at their sites in Worcestershire and Yakima in the USA.At charlesfaram.com brewers can shop by pay-as-you-go or using agreed credit terms for yeast, malt, fruit purees and other brewing products. In addition to leading varieties from across the world, the Faram’s Family range brings to you Archer®, Emperor®, Godiva™, Harlequin®, Jester®, Most™, Mystic™, Olicana®, and Opus® from their Hop Development Programme right here in the UK.If you would like more information or expert advice visit the brewer’s resources and FAQ pages of the website or contact their technical advisors for different uses, applications and recipes. They’re always really happy to help.Visit www.charlesfarm.co.uk to find out more.Follow Hop Forward:hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Without marketing you may have a flagship beer that no one will ever taste. Marketing is one the most important aspects of your business that often gets overlooked or is grossly misunderstood as merely posting a few images to social media and watching the sales come flooding in.But in a crowded beer market, how should we be marketing our breweries, bars, bottle shops and brands? What can we do to stand out on the bar, pop-out of the fridges and get repeated sales?In this week's episode, we return to Moonwake Beer Co (see episode 108) and catch up with Marketing and Events Manager, Sarah Sinclair. Drawing from a wealth of experience working in beer and hospitality, Sarah took up the position with Moonwake in January 2021, helping the brewery to establish the brand nationally.THIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF THE HOP FORWARD PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY CHARLES FARAM.Charles Faram have been sellers of hops since 1865 and hop-growers for even longer.They stock nitrogen-flushed leaf hops, T90 and T45 pellets, and, to ensure their hops remain in optimum condition, they have state-of-the-art cold stores at their sites in Worcestershire and Yakima in the USA.At charlesfaram.com brewers can shop by pay-as-you-go or using agreed credit terms for yeast, malt, fruit purees and other brewing products. In addition to leading varieties from across the world, the Faram’s Family range brings to you Archer®, Emperor®, Godiva™, Harlequin®, Jester®, Most™, Mystic™, Olicana®, and Opus® from their Hop Development Programme right here in the UK.If you would like more information or expert advice visit the brewer’s resources and FAQ pages of the website or contact their technical advisors for different uses, applications and recipes. They’re always really happy to help.Visit www.charlesfarm.co.uk to find out more.Follow Hop Forward:hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week, we take a trip to Gritchie Brewing Company: a 'beer farm' located on the Ashcombe Estate near Shaftesbury, owned by acclaimed screenwriter, producer and director Guy Ritchie.Drawing from the land that surrounds the farm, their 20BBL brewhouse sits within rustic stone-built barns, overlooking expansive fields where their own Maris Otter barley is grown for malting and beer production.From the intimate setting of the Brewery Lodge, a secluded private tasting space reserved exclusively for invited guests, we sit down with members from the brewery, the vibrant Compton Abbas Airfield taproom and eatery, and Ritchie's London pub, Lore of the Land, before being joined by Guy Ritchie.Our discussion covers everything from the brewery's beers and the cultivation of Maris Otter barley grown on the estate, to the complexities and challenges inherent in running a brewery set in such a rural area surrounded by country pubs. We also explore the unique dynamic of having a high-profile figure at the helm and how it influences the brewery's identity and operations.Guy Ritchie himself explains how growing up in pubs fostered his interest in storytelling and explains why believes that there's no such thing as a bad pub, only different ones, and cherishes the unique character of each one.Find out more about the brewery by visiting gritchiebrew.comTHIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF THE HOP FORWARD PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY CHARLES FARAM.Charles Faram have been sellers of hops since 1865 and hop-growers for even longer.They stock nitrogen-flushed leaf hops, T90 and T45 pellets, and, to ensure their hops remain in optimum condition, they have state-of-the-art cold stores at their sites in Worcestershire and Yakima in the USA.At charlesfaram.com brewers can shop by pay-as-you-go or using agreed credit terms for yeast, malt, fruit purees and other brewing products. In addition to leading varieties from across the world, the Faram’s Family range brings to you Archer®, Emperor®, Godiva™, Harlequin®, Jester®, Most™, Mystic™, Olicana®, and Opus® from their Hop Development Programme right here in the UK.If you would like more information or expert advice visit the brewer’s resources and FAQ pages of the website or contact their technical advisors for different uses, applications and recipes. They’re always really happy to help.Visit www.charlesfarm.co.uk to find out more.

On the Hop Forward Podcast this week, Nick & Sean share their Fermenting Thoughts on all things packaging and sustainability. We discuss everything from the logistics of kegs, supporting venues, the value of cask beer and how simple design elements, such as texture on a label or point-of-sale material - when done properly - can make the difference.THE HOP FORWARD PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY CHARLES FARAMCharles Faram have been sellers of hops since 1865 and hop growers for even longer.They stock nitrogen-flushed leaf hops, T90 and T45 pellets, and, to ensure their hops remain in optimum condition, they have state-of-the-art cold stores at their sites in Worcestershire and Yakima in the USA.At charlesfaram.com brewers can shop by pay-as-you-go or using agreed credit terms for yeast, malt, fruit purees and other brewing products. In addition to leading varities from across the world, the Faram’s Family range brings to you Archer®, Emperor®, Godiva™, Harlequin®, Jester®, Most™, Mystic™, Olicana®, and Opus® from their Hop Development Programme right here in the UK.If you would like more information or expert advice visit the brewer’s resources and FAQ pages of the website or contact their technical advisors for different uses, application and recipes. They’re always really happy to help.Visit www.charlesfarm.co.uk to find out more.Follow Nick:hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | Twitter | InstagramFollow Sean:LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram