Points Of Brew

Cannonball Run? Or Cannonball Done? In this episode of the Points of Brew podcast, Stephen and Aaron digest the news that Lion is selling Magic Rock and Fourpure to Odyssey Inns with immediate effect. They also drink and rate the recently released 2022 Cannonball Run beers alongside the original and try to stay relatively sensible along the way, despite their ABV. The pair also discuss Magic Rock'...

In this episode, Stephen and Aaron drink and rate the new Life & Death series from Vocation Brewery in Hebden Bridge. Called the Life & Death festival, these beers were brewed in celebration of the original's 7th birthday, first being brewed back in 2015. Since then, Life & Death has gone on to become Vocation's best-selling beer with the brewery now selling over 10 million pints in to...

In this episode, Stephen is joined by Paul Spraget, head brewer of Orbit beers who are based in Walworth London. Stephen recorded this show as part of a mini series over the course of summer focussing on some of the UK's best sour beer producers, which Paul & Stephen discuss during the show. Paul discusses his employment history with numerous different breweries, and how he came to be at Orbit...

In this episode of the Points of Brew podcast, Stephen & Aaron head over to the Gaping Goose in Garforth as this was Aaron's first place of employment during his school years. The Gaping Goose has a great local reputation for its community-led approach and its well-kept cask ales, being recognised for its excellence by Timothy Taylor's themselves. During this show we drank Theakston's Best Bit...

In this episode, Stephen is joined by award-winning author Pete Brown as part of the launch of his new book, Clubland. Stephen had the pleasure of meeting Pete recently at the Robin Hood in Pontefract where he did a talk about his new book and this conversation is a continuation of that talk. Having read Pete's previous books, it was a privilege to have Pete on the show. Pete explains how this boo...

In this episode, we wade into the muddy waters of discussing supermarket craft beer after Salt Beer Factory kindly sent us their latest addition to ASDA's shelves out to try; NFT IPA. A 6.5% IPA which incorporates the latest trend of buying and collecting digital assets also known as NFT's, this beer got people talking upon its press release being sent out and the beers being received. We try this...

In this bonus episode, I chat with Chris & Ben from Pastore Brewing & Blending and Lee from Brew York as part of their collaboration brew day. The guys from Pastore travelled North to collaborate on their now released Berliner Weisse, Papaya Don't Preach, made using papaya, lemongrass and ginger. The beer is available from Brew York directly here . As part of this special episode we discus...

In this continuation of the new format podcast, Aaron and Stephen visit the Market Tap in Castleford. Established between lockdowns in 2020, the Market Tap has successfully negotiated obstacles placed in its way and continues to serve a great selection of beers to its customers. Drinking from the bar this time, we drink two different beers whilst attending with Aaron drinking Cloudwater's 'Happy!'...

Welcome to the first in a new series and direction for the Points of Brew podcast as I am joined by new co-host Aaron Getliffe, brewer from Quirky Ales in Garforth. As part of this new direction and series of regular shows, we will be drinking beers out and about at various pubs, bars and breweries across Yorkshire and beyond (hopefully). This first episode sees us recording at Yorkshire Craf...

In this episode I am joined by Josh from Turning Point Brew Co, who heads up their sales & events team. Josh has been with the Knaresborough outfit since 2019 and he tells me his history before joining them, and how his role has been in recent times.  Whilst the event was before the recording, and has since passed, we talk about their Stout Walkabout in York which they had organised. A st...

In this episode I am joined by Mike Hampshire, founder of Leeds Beer Tours and current chairman of the Leeds CAMRA branch.

In this episode I am joined by Adam Robertson, co-founder of Verdant Brewing Co. in Penryn, Cornwall. I took a different approach in this episode, and avoided the usual questions posed to Adam about their back story and formation, focussing on other topics.   Instead, we chat about the recent opening and launch of their new taproom, this year's Putty launch and how they are starting to produc...

In this episode I am joined by Paul Grenier, co-founder & CEO of Mortalis Brewing in Avon, New York. Paul kindly agreed to be on the show after I made contact with the brewery, as he is keen to share their message and spread their brand further afield.  In this episode we chat about how the company was started after winning a local business contest, the popularity of their heavily fruited...

In this episode I am joined by Sam Bennett, owner and brewer of Grizzly Grains in Sheffield. Sam is a small-batch producer in the heart of Sheffield, producing predominantly cask beers and a range of experimental beers utilising produce from local suppliers.  Sam and I have a chat about how he started his journey in the beer world, and where he hopes to take the brewery in 2022 and beyond. Sa...

In this episode I am joined by Alex Millhouse-Smith, Brand Ambassador for North Brewing Co. In a first for the podcast, we recorded this show together on site at North's new production site and taproom, Springwell in Leeds.  Alex kindly showed me around the site before we sat down on the mezzanine, overlooking the bar area and alongside the catwalk of the brewery itself. In this show Alex tells me...

This week I am joined by very special guest co-owner and brewer of Russian River Brewing Co. Vinnie Cilurzo. Vinnie kindly took some time in the brewery to have a chat about all things Russian River and how things have been for them in recent months.  Vinnie shares his background and how he came to first work at Russian River before taking over the business and how it has grown since he first...

In this episode I am joined by Tommy Barnes, the author behind recent release Trouble Brewing In The Loire. This, Tommy's second book, is the sequel to A Beer In The Loire, continuing his journey of moving to France and establishing his own craft brewery, Braslou Bière.  I have a chat with Tommy about his time there and some of the troubles he faced including heatwaves, COVID, Brexit and some less...

In this episode I am joined by returning guest George Collins and fellow owner of Bluntrock Brewery, Hugo Roads. On this, his third appearance, George tells us how things have gone since he left Padstow Brewery alongside Hugo as one of the latest breweries to the craft beer scene.  Hugo and George tell us about their recent legal struggles after facing a cease and desist order and how they are sti...

In this special edition of the podcast I am joined by both Laura & Dan from Abbeydale brewery who are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. We have a look at the beers which they have brewed to celebrate reaching this milestone along with the processes, ideas and history behind them. The pair give us an insight of what it's been like to work for Abbeydale over the years they have both...

In this episode I talk to Andy, founder of Elusive Brewing, as we discuss all things Elusive as they celebrate their fifth birthday this year. Andy tells us how he came to found Elusive, what he did beforehand and their five collaborations they have in the pipeline as part of their ongoing celebrations. Elusive also kindly offered listeners a 10% discount until the end of June (POB10) should they...

This time I am joined by Simon, Ricky and George of Padstow Brewing Co as we discuss their latest beer which we drink on the show; Pockarillo. A single-hop West Coast IPA showcasing Amarillo hops which has launched to coincide with this podcast We discuss this, compare it to Pocket Rocket before moving onto the sad news that George is leaving Padstow! He explains his new venture, Lowlands Brewing,...

I join returning guest, Aaron from Quirky Ales as we pull up microphones once more to discuss their latest can launch. Hopped In 60 Minutes is their latest effort in can which is a Turbo Charged Pale clocking in at 6.2% hopped with Green Bullet, Centennial and Taiheke Aaron explains how they are planning on opening and serving outdoors now pubs are able to have outdoor seating and how their schedu...

This time I am joined by Jack Roberts; the mastermind behind Tartarus beers. Jack talks us through his brewing journey with Northern Monk and Brew York before starting up his own brewery, Tartarus. We drink two of his beers on the show; Hel, Black DIPA, and Cthulhu, Triple West Coast IPA, which are a staggering 8.9% and 12% respectively. We chat about those and his other high percentage beers he i...

This week I am joined by Sean Robertson, Commercial Director, of Gwei Lo in the UK. We have a chat about Gwei Lo's history and how they started in Hong Kong, and their plans to bring Asian inspired beers to the UK. Sean also explains their current contract brewing arrangements whilst we discuss some of our favourite drinking spots and festivals.  We also have a giveaway running in this episod...

This week I am joined by Tori Powell (@adventures_in_hoptimism) as we meet virtually on this; the first video and audio podcast! We drink three beers American Hopster in Leeds (Quirky Ales), Elf (Tartarus Beers) and The Heatings On (Three Hills Brewing) and share our thoughts on each.  Tori tells us how she got into craft beer and how she came to be a co-host of A Woman's Brew alongside Joanne Lov...