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

In this episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, Nick chats with Topher Boehm, co-founder of Australia's Wildflower Brewing & Blending .  We discuss everything from how climate change is impacting beer production and Topher's views on terroir and terminology in beer, after reading an article published by Pelicile Magazine recently titled There is No Such Thing as Terroir in Beer . We also chat at l...

Nick and Sean's Fermenting Thoughts this week look at the current state of the brewing and hospitality industry across the UK and how some businesses are struggling to survive, while others have come out of the pandemic and are thriving.  We explore some of the reasons why this is the case and take a look at some of the things that all businesses can do to ensure they stay lean and invest in the r...

Beverage can painting has been around since the 1930s but due to the intensive offset lithography process, a common method for printing on aluminium packaging, microbrewers have had to sell massive quantities of cans to justify the cost. Historically, the process has involved prepress preparation of the artwork, followed by the creation of separate printing plates for each colour used in the desig...

On 1st August 2023, the United Kingdom will implement a new system for alcohol taxation in a 'radical simplification' (Rishi Sunak' of the system, moving from a percentage-based discount to a cash discount basis.  In addition, various reliefs - including 'draught relief' designed to encourage people back into the pub - have been included in the changes. However, it has already been reported that a...

Nick & Sean discuss business rates this week and how they feel the system is outdated and in need of an overhaul.  They also discuss how everything impacts everything else, so taxes can't be looked at in isolation from the rest of business and life. Follow Nick : hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Follow Sean : LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

The Kings Head in Bristol dates back to the mid-1800s and resides in a building going back to the 17th century.  Over the years, it has seen many landlords and pub companies come and go.  In the 1970's, the pub was saved from demolition as the council sought to regenerate the area, only being saved by a group of dedicated locals who fought to retain the historic pub. After many years of being oper...

Nick Law and Sean Robinson share their latest Fermenting Thoughts as they delve into the world of pre-pack administrations and their impact on the brewery and hospitality supply chain. In this thought-provoking discussion, we explore how pre-pack administrations function, why it's harmful to suppliers, why we feel it is immoral and, ultimately, how it damages the brand concerned looking to save th...

When you hear the word Jaipur, chances are a beer comes to mind before the Indian city. This renowned beer, inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Rajasthan region, recently celebrated its 18th anniversary. Jaipur boasts a spicy hoppiness, firm bitterness, and floral fruitiness, complemented by a robust ABV that adds layers of complexity. Despite Jaipur comprising a significant portion of Thornbr...

Situated in rural mid-Wales, Wilderness Brewery are a small team dedicated to creating and ageing interesting farmhouse-style beers.  Wilderness Brewery was founded by head brewer James in 2017.  Having worked for Howling Hops in the heart of London for several years, James and the family moved to the countryside for a slower pace of life. This attitude is reflected in their beers.  Wilderness Bre...

Co-owners Naomi and Dave Hayward of Windsor and Maidenhead’s multi-award-winning craft beer business A Hoppy Place announce the launch of a new brewery in the heart of Windsor, Berkshire:  Indie Rabble Brewing Co . Recorded at this year's SIBA Beer X, the UK's biggest brewing and beer tradeshow, Nick sits down with Naomi and Dave to chat beer politics and about their latest venture, which seems th...

In this week's episode, we take a drive to the picturesque Yorkshire town of Shipley, where Salt Beer Factory is nestled amidst rolling hills in an old tram shed. The brewery and bar are magnificent, boasting crispy stone-baked pizzas, sleek decor, and fantastic beers, making for a stylish and enjoyable venue. However, our main purpose for visiting Salt was to catch up with Pip Young , one of our...

Hyperlocalisation in craft beer refers to the trend of breweries focusing on creating and distributing their beers within a very limited geographic area, typically within a few miles of the brewery. The idea behind this approach is to create a strong sense of community around the brewery, while also allowing the brewer to experiment with locally-sourced ingredients and flavours that are unique to...

In the latest episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, we are thrilled to have Toby from RedWillow Brewery as our special guest. RedWillow Brewery is a small independent brewery based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK, that has been making exceptional beers since 2010. During our conversation, founder Toby McKenzie shares with us the story behind their renowned Heritage Porter and how they incorporate heri...

In Sheffield, a city that boasts several renowned breweries and is arguably the cask-beer capital of the United Kingdom, is there enough space to accommodate another small, independent brewery specialising in cask-produced beer...?  Well, if Grizzly Grains Brewing is anything to go by, then we would certainly argue there is always room for one more! Sam Bennett, like many brewers, began his brewin...

This week, Nick and Sean discuss neurodivergence in hospitality spaces and chat about some of the things operators and brewery taprooms alike could do to consider those on the autistic spectrum or with any other special needs.  Just a heads up: this is a complex issue that we don't and can't be resolved in 18 minutes, but is a subject close to our hearts. Follow Nick : hopforward.beer | LinkedIn |...

This week, we're taking a departure from beer and diving into the world of cider. Nick shares his personal fascination with cider and his quest to learn more about the fermented beverage.  Joining him is Mike Pomranz , the man behind The Cider Hole in Sheffield and Beer & Food writer, who is on a mission to challenge the negative stereotypes associated with cider, whilst making some fantastic...

In this episode of the Hop Forward podcast, hosts Nick Law and Sean Robertson delve into the controversial world of marketing transparency in the beer industry.  They begin by discussing BrewDog's recent controversy over their decision to partner with ABInBev to brew their flagship brands in China. The conversation then turns to the differences between a brand like Madri vs Guinness and how the la...

In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl and Dan from Somerset's Quantock Brewery to discuss the exciting topic of upscaling your brewhouse. Join us as we dive into the challenges and opportunities of taking your brewery to the next level.  We'll explore the process of expanding your brewhouse, from sourcing new equipment to scaling recipes, and how to navigate the financial and logistical conside...

In this episode, we sit down with George Brook, co-owner of Triple Point Brewery in Sheffield. With a passion for craft beer and a drive for success, George and his dad, Mike, took a risk and purchased the Sentinel Brewhouse kit and took over the space.  George shares the story of how they turned the struggling brewery into the thriving business it is today, with a focus on selling beer to trade c...

This week, Nick & Sean take a quick look at sales and some of the considerations breweries of any size should make when it comes to selling their beer.  Is there a 'silver bullet' when it comes to selling craft beer to publicans, operators and retailers...?  You'll need to listen to find out! Follow Nick : hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Follow Sean : LinkedIn | Twitter | Inst...

In this episode of Hop Forward Podcast, we sit down with John and Ollie from Great Beyond Brewing Company . These two industry veterans have a wealth of experience in the world of beer, having previously worked for Fourpure Brewing Company before branching out on their own to start Great Beyond Brewing Company in Hoxton. Join us as we hear about their journey from corporate beer to independent cra...

Bad puns aside, on the Hop Forward Podcast this week we're excited to welcome Karl Boon of Belgium's Brouwerij Boon , who shares his expertise on all things Gueuze and Lambic. Karel is well-known for his passion and commitment to creating high-quality, authentic Belgian beers, taking on the role alongside his brother Jos, from his father Frank, who set the brewery up in 1978. We discuss the unique...

In our Fermenting Thoughts this week, Nick and Sean discuss the Wild Beer Co buyout by Curious, the resurrection of Kelham Island Brewery and ask the question, 'Do consumers really care about transparency?'. We also discuss how supermarkets have massive amounts of leverage over our lives and explore why working on your vision, values and core philosophy is a much better foundation for your brewery...

January is a time for self-reflection, focus and setting goals and targets for the new year that lies ahead.  So, in the spirit of the season and asking questions about the future of my own brewery ( www.emmanuales.co.uk ) I thought it time to crack out a discussion I had with George Collins of Cornwall's Bluntrock Brewery a few months ago. All Bluntrock beers are designed, brewed & sold on si...

Happy Christmas everyone!  We've got some great full length episodes coming in the New Year (stay tuned to the end to find out more!) but we thought we'd throw in some Fermenting Thoughts on live music venues, lo-to-no ABV beers and why venues should feed their damn musicians! Follow Nick : hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Follow Sean : LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram