What’s your favourite hop?
Although I appreciate modern US varieties, my preference is certainly more traditional, so East Kent Goldings or Hallertauer Tradition.
What’s your favourite beer?
I’d have to go with three! Schonramer Hell, Sierra Nevada Pale ale, or Landlord on cask.
Favourite Food & Beer pairing?
Cheese every time! Tallegio or Gruyere probably.
Favourite beer destination?
Bavaria.
What’s your favourite pub in the UK?
The Market Cat in York.
What’s the one item in the brewery you couldn’t live without?
Oxygen meter or yeast propagation vessel.
Favourite music to play during a brew day?
I’m too old for music, I just let the younger guys choose. We have a great speaker system here at Riverside and helps them get through those long packaging days.
If you weren’t in the brewing industry, what would you be doing?
A professional dog walker or pizza chef.
What got you into brewing?
I have always had an affinity with food and drink, so homebrewing at 16 really.
What’s your favourite beer festival?
GBBF.
What’s your favourite hobby outside of brewing?
Brazilian Jujitsu.
Who is your biggest inspiration in brewing?
I think what Ken Grossman at Sierra has achieved is out of this world. Eric Toft and Matt Brynildson are two guys I certainly turn to for advice when I am stumped!
What’s the last beer you brewed?
Necessary Evil. Which is our 13% barrel aged stout.
Fuggles or Goldings?
Goldings.
What’s next for Thornbridge or what can we look forward to from you in the future?
Well, we are at capacity again, so we will just be managing growth to make sure the beer is still at the highest standards our drinkers expect. We also have a beer club now, which means we are increasing the amount of styles of beers we brew. It’s a great opportunity for the brewing team to be able to experiment.
