THE MAGAZINE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL BREWING INDUSTRY
BREWERS
J O U R N A L
MARCH~APRIL 2021 | VOLUME 7, ISSUE 2 ISSN 2059-6669
BEAK BREWERY Looking to life beyond lockdown in Lewes, East Sussex
17 | BREWERS CHOICE: THE LOWDOWN ON 2021 AWARDS
58 | SUSTAINABILITY: MORE THAN JUST A BUZZWORD
78 | LAGER YEAST: A NEW WORLD OF FLAVOUR?
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T
here are certain words and
about the brewery’s ethos and com-
terms that have been left
mittment to educating the scientists of
ingrained in the collective
tomorrow.
consciousness during the last 12 months. Social dis-
Elsewhere, we take an in-depth look at
tancing, self isolating and vaccine efficacy
the issue of sustainability and ask how
to name but a few.
breweries can move beyond it being a buzzword used to sell beers.
And at the time of writing, almost overnight, you can add some dates to
We also hear from Renaissance BioSci-
that particular mix. From 12th April we’ve
ence, which says a non-GMO lager yeast
learned that, in England at least, that
strain development could open up a new
outdoor hospitality can resume.
world of lager flavours and possibilities.
This is followed little more than a month
The global bioengineering company
later with the reopening of pubs and
has developed an innovative approach
bars indoors on the 17th May (nice of the
in creating novel non-GMO lager yeast
government to mark this particular writer’s
strains that are immediately suitable for
birthday in such fashion). And by 21 June,
lager beer production, and which will
all legal limits on social contact will be
help broaden the diversity of commercial
lifted if strict conditions are met.
lager beer strains for both major global beer producers and smaller craft brewer-
If we’ve learnt anything in the last year is
ies. Very exciting, indeed.
to take nothing for granted. It’s easy, and understandable, to greet these latest
I’d also like to draw your attention to
dates with a healthy dose of cautious
the 2021 iteration of the Brewers Choice
optimism, or even sceptism.
Awards; designed to recognise the pinnacle of UK brewing, and to put the best
And by June, it would have been a
of the best in the spotlight. We’re proud
long and winding road that many of our
that the Brewers Choice Awards return
breweries, bars, bottleshops, restaurants
this year and of course, they’re bigger
and distributors will have travelled. The
and better than ever!
LEADER
longer-term effects of the pandemic, by
brewersjournal.info
their very nature, will take longer to show
You can enter one, or all of the
and there will, no doubt, be more casual-
categories. Or nominate a brewer for the
ties as there will in every industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards will be presented during
But, for now, I feel that it’s important to
the industry party taking place at The
embrace the promise of more positive
Brewery on 8th December and also
times ahead with brewing schedules
announced online and in the print edition
returning to a semblance of normality
of The Brewers Journal. Check out
and beers leaving site in something other
awards.brewersjournal.info for the full
than a case of bottles or cans. After all,
lowdown on all of the categories
I’m sure, we could all do with a pint. I wish everyone the best of luck in the In this issue of The Brewers Journal, we
months that lie ahead, but have full con-
speak to Beak Brewery of Lewes, East
fidence that the industry, as always, will
Sussex and learn about how they are
bring its A-game.
looking to life beyond lockdown. Tim Sheahan We catch up with Allan Rice, co-founder
Editor
of Hull-based Atom Beers, to hear more
MARCH~APRIL 2021
|
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
CONTENTS
Brewers Choice Awards | 2021 The full lowdown on the Brewers Choice Awards
17
Dear John John Keeling asks if regionality still exists in beer
20
Comments Perfect storm - Why it’s time to come together Malting - Rob Moody bids farewell to the industry Mental health - Building a resilient workforce
23 27 31
Meet The Brewer | Beak Brewery Sussex-based Beak looking beyond lockdown
32
Trending | Pastry Beers Charting the rise of decadent pastry beers
44
Focus | Hygiene Maintain impeccable standards during lockdown
48
Sector | Trademarks Why acting now can pay dividends later on
50
Meet The Brewer | Atom Beers Making science approachable for everyone
52
Sector | Sustainability Stroud Brewery - Doing things the right way Renewables - The benefits of renewable energy Humidity - Tackling the condensation challenge Packaging - Taking a holistic approach
58 64 69 72
Focus | Packaging A new top-end packaging line for Aston Manor
74
Science | Yeast How a new non-GMO lager yeast strain development could open up a new world of lager
78
44
Trending | Pastry Beers
We look at the on-going rise of pastry beers and ask just what makes them so popular.
6
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
BREWERS JOURNAL
CONTACTS Tim Sheahan Editor tim@rebymedia.com +44 (0)1442 780 592 Velo Mitrovich Deputy Editor velo@rebymedia.com +44 (0)1442 780 591 Josh Henderson Head of sales josh@rebymedia.com +44 (0)1442 780 594
32
Jon Young Publisher jon@rebymedia.com
Meet The Brewer | Beak Brewery
Reby Media 42 Crouchfield,
How Lewes-based Beak Brewery are looking towards life beyond lockdown.
Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP1 1PA, UK
78 Science | Yeast
A new non-GMO lager yeast strain development could open up a new world of lager flavours and possibilities.
58 Sector | Sustainability
Why sustainability in the world of brewing should be more than a simple buzzword.
brewersjournal.info
SUBSCRIPTIONS The Brewers Journal is a published six times a year and mailed every January, March, May, July, September and November. Subscriptions can be purchased for six issues. Prices for single issue subscriptions or back issues can be obtained by emailing: subscribe@rebymedia.com
UK & IRELAND £29 INTERNATIONAL £49 The content of The Brewers Journal is subject to copyright. However, if you would like to obtain copies of an article for marketing purposes high-quality reprints can be supplied to your specification. Please contact the advertising team for full details of this service. The Brewers Journal is printed at Manson Group, St Albans, UK.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The Brewers Journal ISSN 2059-6650 is published bimonthly by Reby Media, 42 Crouchfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1PA. Subscription records are maintained at Reby Media, 42 Crouchfield, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1PA. The Brewers Journal accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of statements or opinion given within the Journal that is not the expressly designated opinion of the Journal or its publishers. Those opinions expressed in areas other than editorial comment may not be taken as being the opinion of the Journal or its staff, and the aforementioned accept no responsibility or liability for actions that arise therefrom.
MARCH~APRIL 2021
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BRIXTON BREWERY FULLY ACQUIRED BY HEINEKEN
B
MICROSTAR AND KEGSTAR MERGE MicroStar and Kegstar, the two leading providers of drinks industry keg services through the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, have announced that they will combine their businesses. Following the merger, the combined entity will be owned 15% by Brambles and 85% by MicroStar’s current shareholders. The merger is subject to foreign invest-
rixton Brewery has been fully acquired by Heineken, just over three
ment approval in Australia and New Zea-
years after the global brewer took a minority stake in the business.
land and is expected to complete during
Heineken UK has built on the 49% stake it took in Brixton Brewery in
the first half of this calendar year.
November 2017. That deal enabled the brewery to press ahead with
The MicroStar and Kegstar merger will
opening a second site in Brixton, boost capacity nearly tenfold from
leverage the best of both parties’ exper-
its 3,000hl site to up to 30,000hl, and significantly grow its team as a result.
tise and employees, to create greater
Brixton Brewery was started in a railway arch in 2013 by two couples who met in a
customer experiences with accelerated
Brixton bar. Jez and Libby and Mike and Xochitl worked hard to build a successful
global growth, through quality local
brewery and sustainable local business in the heart of Brixton.
execution.
The brewery said in a statement: “Our team now includes 25 talented and dedicat-
The merged business will be led by
ed people. We are a proud London Living Wage employer and members of the
Michael Hranicka, MicroStar’s CEO and
Living Wage Foundation.
president, with Christian Barden remain-
“Our growth and expansion are a source of huge pride to us – we’ve always been
ing as the global managing director of
ambitious for our team and for our business. Over the past three years of working
Kegstar, through the Kegstar and Keg-
together, we’ve built a strong relationship with Heineken, who share our commit-
Lease brands and solutions.
ment to quality and responsibility.”
“We have watched Kegstar closely and admired the way Kegstar have helped their customers grow by simplifying brewers’ keg supply chains,” said Hranicka. “Our cultures, geographies and capabilities are highly complementary allowing us to add strength to strength and open up significant growth opportunities in existing and future markets.” Barden, who started Kegstar in the UK in 2016 commented: “This is terrific news for our people, customers, partners and ambitions. “It’s testament to the eight-fold growth the team have delivered across ten countries in the last four years, and we’ve only just got started. Becoming part of the MicroStar family with our shared people, quality, innovation and sustainability values, is awesome.
“We have benefited from the Heineken team’s expertise and market reach, and we
“This merger keeps the best bits of our
want to build on it.
journey so far and will bring new levels
“There’s no denying the fact that the next few years will be challenging for many
of energy, global know-how and singular
reasons, so we’re happy to have the opportunity to secure the future of Brixton
focus on keg management.
Brewery for our team, our families, our community and fans of our beers, who’ve
“In this next phase of our growth, we get
been hugely supportive of our success.
fresh support, different perspectives and
“The industry has changed massively since we started, and we want nothing more
new investment, with Brambles remain-
than to continue to be a positive part of it.”
ing a 15% shareholder.”
brewersjournal.info
MARCH~APRIL 2021
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9
LOST AND GROUNDED BREWERS EXPAND CORE RANGE WITH HELLES
Lost and Grounded Brewers has expanded its core range with the addition of Helles – Unfiltered Lager Beer. The Bristol-based brewery’s new release is available in 440ml can, 500ml bottle and on draught. The beer is available for direct trade orders in Bristol and London, as well as via their wholesale network, which covers the entire U.K. mainland. Commenting on the new release, co-founder and head brewer Alex Troncoso said: “It is no secret we love lager: we operate a state-of-the-art brewhouse, complete with a lactic acid plant (traditional German method for naturally adjusting acidity), to produce beers with balance, nuance and depth of character. Gentle and balanced, our Helles exemplifies everything we aim to achieve as lager brewers.” Co-founder and creative lead Annie Clements added: “In 2021 we are excited to add our first new core beer since 2017, a soft, bready and floral version of an unfiltered Helles at 4.4% ABV. “We’ve been trading for four years and feel it is a natural progression to add a light, easy-drinking lager to the core range, to stand alongside our flagship beer, Keller Pils – Hop Bitter Lager Beer.”
PAKTECH LAUNCHES CBD PACKAGING
is removable by adults. “With the cannabis extract market growing rapidly across the world, we started to receive inquiries about whether we had any child-resistant or tamper-evident packaging,” said Lloyd McGriff, director of Sales at PakTech.
PakTech has announced the release of its latest packaging innovation for the CBD
“That was when we realized we could
beverage market.
leverage our experience from our Pak-
PakLock is made from the same 100% re-
Tech can carriers and meet this new mar-
cycled and 100% recyclable HDPE as its
ket need.” Indeed, the UK CBD market is
popular multi-packs, is a child resistant
projected to be worth £1bn by 2025 – an
cap designed for CBD infused beverages.
opportunity that the company could not ignore.”
The new packaging is designed to be
Developed by PakTech’s engineering
Like all of PakTech’s products, the Pa-
a safe, secure, and simple solution to
team, it provides a cost-effective solution
kLock is sustainable, made from 100%
allow responsible adults to enjoy their
to child resistant packaging needs that is
recycled HDPE plas-tic. This means
CBD infused beverages worry-free while
easy to apply, fits perfectly on all stand-
every PakLock is produced from existing
ensuring the safety of children.
ard 202-260 aluminum can formats, and
recycled plastic.”
10
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
BREWERS JOURNAL
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ST PETER’S BREWERY SOLD
S
POLYKEG LAUNCHES NEW PRO ONE-WAY KEG Polykeg has launched a new range of one-way kegs. The new Pro range includes a host of new features centered around safety, recycling, and logistics. Tony Hird, Polykeg UK managing director
t Peter’s has been bought by a group of private individuals for an
said: “Polykeg is a design led company
undisclosed sum.
focused on the needs and opportunities
St Peter’s was founded in Suffolk by John Murphy, who developed
of our customers. We are passionate
and ran the business for 23 years.
about understanding our customers and
He has now taken the difficult decision to retire and sell the business.
continually improving our products to
In a statement, the brewery said he is delighted to have found a team that will con-
improve their business.
tinue his legacy and continue to make high quality, traditional beers.
“Polykegs are already regarded as the
The new owners are friends who have worked together and share a passion for
best kegs on the market because they
beer. The new team will be led by Derek Jones, CEO.
are high quality, safe and so easy to use.
Jones has 20 years of global beer experience, including at MolsonCoors and SAB-
However, we wanted to take the product
Miller. “This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for St Peter’s Brewery,” he said. “St
to a new level. Our design team focused
Peter’s has strong roots and a very distinctive identity. It is a powerful platform from
on 3 key areas of improvement, safety,
which to grow the business into the future.”
recyclability, and stability.
“John Murphy had a clear vision for the brand, and we want to build on that. We will
“The new Polykeg Pro’s features an Au-
invest in the brewery in Suffolk from the outset to maintain quality while meeting
tomatic PRV which is built into the top of
growing demand.
the main valve. The PRV has 2 functions. “If the pressure inside the keg exceeds 5.5 bar, it will automatically vent the excess pressure preventing any further buildup of pressure. “Then once the keg is empty and is ready for recycling, the valve can be manually broken using a red lever. This will automatically depressurize the keg completely rendering it safe for dismantling. The construction of the new Pro now allows it to be very easily dismantled in minutes. No glue is used in the assembly, the valve screws off from the top and the base and handle now simply pull apart. This makes disassembly and therefore recycling of the keg much easier.” The Pro has a new soft touch carrying handle to make it more comfortable to carry. The Polykeg Pro retains all the existing features and benefits of the previous
“We believe the staff St Peter’s have contributed enormously to the company’s
Polykegs. Customers can choose any
success and are key to its future. We look forward to working with this excellent
one of 6 valve types, A,S,D,G,M & K, with
team and making some really good British beer.”
or without inner bag.
St. Peter’s is located in the grounds of the ancient moated St. Peter’s Hall, deep
All kegs have an inner dip tube to prevent
in the Suffolk countryside. It creates truly distinctive ales and alcohol-free beers
fobbing, can be filled upright or inverted
in the iconic oval bottle, and in casks and kegs. It also owns and runs the historic
and they are de-livered pre-purged so
Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell, London.
are ready to fill straight away.
12
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
BREWERS JOURNAL
MOONWAKE BEER CO OPENING IN LEITH A new upcoming brewery, Moonwake Beer Co, will open in Leith, Edinburgh with a vision to produce precision brewed beer for easy enjoyment. Already a year in the making, Moonwake Beer Co. spent the January lockdown awaiting delivery of their 35hl three-vessel brew kit that has been delayed due to a backlog of containers at the Port of Felixstowe due to issues stemming from Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. They’re now planning to commission their brew kit in April 2021 with their first brew being a lager brewed with all
being halted due to the March lockdown,
decision to trade under Moonwake Beer
Scottish malt and all New Zealand hops,
however, the founders did not let this
Co after extensive market research as
tying together the rich brewing history
stop them and instead took on a lot of
they deemed the name ‘Origin’ as simply
of their location and their Head Brewer’s
the demolition and painting of their mural
not original enough. The term is too
Kiwi roots.
themselves.
common and is used by several breweries and other businesses in one form or
Director Finlay Heslop said: “Delays in
another.
Felixstowe have prevented our kit from
Head brewer Vinny Rosario added: “My
arriving as planned but the silver lining
enjoyment of brewing grew as it allows
is that we’ll hopefully put our first beers
me to have a creative outlet. Both Fin & I
For the time being the registered com-
out into a more hospitable landscape
want our brewery to be an open and cre-
pany name will remain unchanged, but
for brewing and hospitality after this
ative space for our team and customers
they will trade and brand under the name
lockdown.
alike to enjoy. We believe there is a beer
Moonwake Beer Co. A trademark process
“It also allows us to focus on adapting our
out there for everyone.”
is underway.
business model to suit the ever-changing
They look to brew with mindful intent
Moonwake means “the moon’s reflection
market and build more resilience into
using modern kit and quality ingredients.
in a body of water”. This speaks to the
Moonwake Beer Co. We can all learn
Reflecting a rich brewing history and over
brewery’s location on The Shore in Leith,
from these testing times.”
a decade of collective experience.
Edinburgh, the importance of water as a
Demolition in their Tower Street unit
Originally, and still officially named, Origin
brewing ingredient, and our beer’s reflec-
commenced in January 2020 with work
Beer Co Limited the company made the
tion of our collective experience.
UK MANUFACTURER CARBOTECH ENJOYS SUCCESS IN BREWING Carbonation Techniques, a UK manufac-
from 2000 litres per hour up to 40,000
forms a controlled size droplet which
turer of carbonating machines and sup-
litres per hour.
then falls through the carbon dioxide
pliers of bottling and kegging equipment,
The machines can be used for carbon-
layer and by absorbing the C02, it deaer-
is enjoying ongoing success with the kit it
ating alcopops, beer, cider, soft drinks,
ates at the same time. The droplet size
supplies to the brewing industry.
water and wine. These machines are
control ensures consistent carbonation
designed to be inline, the product is car-
and the champagne bubble is produced.
Each of their systems are bespoke, indi-
bonated and can go direct to ei-ther your
The now carbonated drink is transferred
vidually designed for the product range
filling, canning or kegging machine.
to filling station which is harmoniously
required and pro-duction volumes speci-
From the receiving vessel the liquid
programmed with the carbonator.
fied; starting with the economic machines
is handled very gently by the positive
which produce up to 200, 500 or 1000 li-
displacement pump, into the carbonating
For more info, visit: www.brewersjournal.
tres per hour. For the larger breweries, we
vessel. The liquid enters the tank through
info/tag/carbotech/
manufacture fully automatic machines,
a specially designed spray head which
14
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
BREWERS JOURNAL
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2021
Brewers Choice ENTER FREE AT:
awards.brewersjournal.info Deadline: 31st August 2021 Winners announced: 7th December 2021 Full terms and conditions available at awards.brewersjournal.info
BREWERS CHOICE AWARDS
WILL IT BE YOU? SUPPORTED BY:
I
n 2019 we launched the Brewers Choice Awards; designed to recognise the pinnacle of UK brewing, and to put the best of the best in the spotlight.
We’re proud that the Brewers Choice
CATEGORIES New Brewery of the Year Brewery of the Year
Awards return in 2021 and of course, they’re bigger and better than ever!
New Beer of the Year
You can enter one, or all of the categories. Or nominate a brewer for the
Beer of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards will be presented during
Young Brewer of the Year
the industry party taking place at The Brewery on 8th December and also
Brewer of the Year
announced online and in the print edition of The Brewers Journal.
Branding of the Year
New Brewery of the Year A raft of excellent new breweries have opened in the last 36 months. Each tread
Young Brewer of the Year
their own different path in the industry of brewing. We want to hear about those
For the purpose of this category, a young
early landmark points for the business.
brewer is anyone under the age of 30.
Brewery of the Year To contend this award, we want to see
Tell us about your responsibilities and successes in last 12 months.
Brewer of the Year
a detailed overview of the business success you’ve had in the last 12 months.
New Beer of the Year We can think of countless fantastic
We want to acknowledge a brewer that is truly an industry tour de force. What sets you, or them, apart from the rest?
Branding of the Year
beers that have been produced in recent months. In your entry, tell us the name of
From the striking to the subtle, modern
the beer, the style of the beer, ABV%, and
beer is blessed with some truly
also any tasting notes.
impressive branding. Show us what you
Beer of the Year We want to celebrate the very best
got!
Lifetime acheivement
the UK has to offer. We’re not looking
18
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
at dozens of different categories here,
We will recognise a brewer that has
instead recognising one beer: The
played an incredibly important part in the
Brewers Choice Beer of The Year.
UK brewing industry.
BREWERS JOURNAL
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12/02/2021 16:32:08
DEAR JOHN
THE BEER SCENE
DOES REGIONALITY STILL EXIST IN BEER? IS IT ON THE WAY BACK? AND HOW MUCH OF IT IS DOWN TO THE BREWERY’S HOUSE STYLE? JOHN KEELING, THE FORMER HEAD BREWER AT LONDON-BASED FULLER’S, LOOKS AT HOW REGIONALITY IN BEER HAS CHANGED THROUGH THE LENS OF HIS OWN JOURNEY IN BREWING.
20
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
I
have been working in the beer
Although Bass had taken over Cornbrook
industry since the age of 17 and
and Watney’s. Wilsons and most other
have been both a keen observer
family brewers were left alone. Which left
and participator in the delights of
the Manchester drinker with a fantastic
the “beer scene” since.
range of beers to try.
When I started drinking, the beer of choice was cask bitter in its myriad of
It was about this time that my career in
forms. I was also an underage drinker
brewing started and I joined Wilsons,
so beggars can’t be choosers on where
which gave me an insight and an interest
I had to drink, so that meant I also had
in how beer was brewed as well as how
to drink keg bitter, Guinness and the
it tasted.
occasional lager (usually after playing
Also, with my friends, we started
football, mainly to quench my thirst
travelling up and down the country
before going back to ale).
indulging our fast-growing love of beer.
I never really got on with Guinness and
Naturally we tried the cask bitter, but
found it very heavy to drink but could
they did not taste the same as any of the
manage a couple or so. Later in life I
Mancunian versions.
discovered London Stout (thank you
I enjoyed this variation and can
craft) a much better beer in my opinion.
remember memorable trips to London, trying Fuller’s and Young’s, a great trip to
After my early foray into beer, I settled
Cambridge where Greene King and Tolly
down into mainly drinking cask bitter and
Cobbold were tried.
acquired a taste for Boddingtons and
We’d also go over to Yorkshire to try
Robinsons Best. Both bitters and both
Tetley’s and Timmy Taylors. For me, the
very different.
most surprising area was the Midlands
I then tried Holts (truly a “bitter” bitter),
where mild was so popular!
J W Lees Bitter, Hyde’s, Marston’s and
The next phase of my career was to go
Oldham’s bitter. Marston’s introduced me
to Heriot Watt in Edinburgh and there I
to the “Burton snatch” and on form was
was introduced to another ball game -
truly magnificent.
Scottish Beer!
Well, you could say that about all cask had to be on form for it to earn the
It was of course during that period we
description magnificent. I was lucky that
saw the rise of CAMRA.
throughput in my local pubs meant that
Now we all know that the work that
nearly always, the beer was on form.
they did to rescue cask beer but they also promoted discussion about beer
The other thing worth noting, is that I
and began to approach beer with the
could drink all those beers simply by
seriousness that wine experts talked
drinking in my local pubs.
about wine.
Indeed, I could have also tried Allied, Whitbread, Bass, Wilsons (owned by
One of these discussion points really
Watney’s) too, but rarely did.
intrigued me which was the regionality of beer. Why did London bitter taste
Manchester was very lucky in its choice
different to Manchester beer, why did
of beer in that it was the last major city to
Yorkshire beer taste different to Midland
be targeted by the so called “big six”.
beer?
The big six were Whitbread’s, Allied,
This discussion coupled with my
Bass, Guinness, Watney’s and Scottish
new-found knowledge in how beer
& Newcastle. They had been busy in the
was made led to me spouting many a
sixties and in the seventies buying up
rubbish theory about beer in the pubs
breweries mainly for their pubs and then
of Manchester. Nothing changes then, I
closing the brewing side of the business.
hear you say.
BREWERS JOURNAL
Now just recently I have been reading
was that all London beer was weak and
Matt Curtis’ views on regionality in craft
watery.
beer and using the excellent beers of
I managed to disabuse my friends of
Thornbridge as an example of regionality
this notion one evening, during the early
in craft beers today. As all good writers do, it made me think. The first thing I thought was I hope that it is true. I could then travel up and down the country and relive my youth trying to find the new regionality in beer. A bonus would, of course, be still to drink the old regionality in the form of the family brewers. I can’t wait for that pint of Landlord in Yorkshire or Harvey’s in Sussex.
Eight pints later my friends had come to the conclusion that London beer wasn’t so weak after all”
I would say that a major contributor to the
months of my career at Fuller’s. A bunch of my friends had come up for the match at Spurs and were staying in my flat. We decided to go for a few beers on Friday, the night before the game on Saturday. Walking in the pub they asked me what do people drink in a Fuller’s pub? I replied “light and bitter”. They did not know what a light and bitter was, I explained that it was half an ESB topped up with Golden Pride.
differences in beer is the yeast but is that
Don’t get me wrong, craft has been
The drink I declared the locals referred
more to do with house style rather than
fantastic for the beer industry but not
to as “blood and bitter”. I also explained
regionality.
everything in the garden is rosy.
to them that because I was a Fuller’s
I also think we have entered a new
brewer, I had to drink the Chiswick. Eight
Indeed, when does house style become
phase of craft beer where beers are not
pints later my friends had come to the
regionality? One of the problems with
overwhelmed by one big flavour and
conclusion that London beer wasn’t so
craft beer is the dominance of the hop in
perhaps Matt is right, regionality in beer is
weak after all.
the flavour. That has led to a lot of beer
re-emerging.
with very similar tastes.
In fact, I was the only one who ate
This has led to no discernible house
Growing up, one of the popular
breakfast the next day or bothered to get
character between breweries.
misconceptions amongst us Mancunians
out of bed before midday.
brewersjournal.info
MARCH~APRIL 2021
|
21
COMMENT
GROW THROUGH THIS PERFECT STORM
AS WE PROGRESS THROUGH THE UNKNOWNS OF 2021, THE BREWING INDUSTRY MUST COME TOGETHER TO SURVIVE AND GROW THROUGH A ‘PERFECT STORM’ OF CHALLENGES, SAYS COLIN WILSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TOTALLY NATURAL SOLUTIONS
T
he UK’s brewing industry is
we have experienced challenges over
under more pressure than
the last few years in growing from a start-
ever before as it faces a
up to a successful business.
perfect storm of disruption from Covid-19 and Brexit.
One of the most important factors in our
The past decade has been boom time
success to date has been collaboration.
- with new breweries and taprooms
From the beginning we have focused
springing up, new suppliers and many
on collaborating with academia, hop
jobs being supported in product design
growers, brewers, equipment suppliers
and equipment supply.
and packaging and design companies.
A lot of businesses have invested across
Across the supply chain we have
the supply chain and created jobs locally.
delivered value add and focussed on
And, of course, a dynamic craft brewing
sustainability, rather than treating various
scene also supports tourism.
parts of the industry as silos.
But now the whole supply chain from
And we are keen to continue working
farmers to pubs – as chef Tom Kerridge
with the wider brewing industry to
highlighted in his ‘Saving Britain’s Pub’s’
ensure its survival and growth in the next
TV series last year - is feeling the strain.
decade.
As we remain in lockdown supply chains are being further disrupted and raw
But, firstly, what are the deep-seated
materials are becoming more expensive
challenges facing the brewing industry,
as currencies fluctuate and tariffs are
including the hops sector, that have been
applied.
exacerbated by Covid-19 and Brexit? In broad terms the challenges are
This is happening at a time when
around raw material sourcing, taxation,
consumers are likely to face more
awareness and infrastructure.
financial struggles as the economy tries to recover from the global pandemic.
If you go back about 100 years, the
But rather than focus on the doom and
world’s hop industry was dominated by
gloom I strongly believe there is a silver
the UK, covering more than 100,000
lining – if we act quickly together as an
hectares of land.
industry.
Today it is centred in Germany and the US and hop growing and supply is
I’m calling on stakeholders across
controlled by a handful of multi-national
the UK brewing industry to return to
businesses.
its philanthropic, co-operative roots to create an inspirational vision for a
The UK lacks modern infrastructure
sustainable, innovative future fit for the
for drying and pelleting hops and for
challenges ahead.
extracting and storing them. There is also a need to elevate the grower base to
brewersjournal.info
At Totally Natural Solutions (TNS), a UK-
grow varieties with hop character for the
headquartered provider of natural hop
beer styles consumers want to drink.
extracts to the global brewing industry,
As regards hop research, the large
MARCH~APRIL 2021
|
23
brewing groups, once a source of
Finally, brewers need to engage with
fermentation. Innovation like this can take
technical innovation, have virtually
the supply chain investing in long term
place if we all put our minds to it.
stopped experimenting because they
relationships rather than just buying on
have to focus on shareholder value.
price alone.
PureMalt, an East Lothian-based
Research and development is focussed
All of this needs to be incentivised by
manufacturer of malt-based ingredients
on breeding new hop varieties with
government funding for innovation
for brewing, including non-alcoholic
intellectual property rights and restricted
that supports the development of
beer, works with TNS on various projects
supply to create demand.
infrastructure and manufacturing.
and agrees that change is needed to sustain the industry.
If we get this right we can create a Over the past year, Covid-19 has
better industry that is more efficient and
Ross Turner is PureMalt’s deputy
disrupted the global supply chain and
cost-effective. It can insulate itself from
managing director, and Chairman of
forced many businesses, including small
such risks as relying on imported hops
Conscious Leaders Scotland – a new
breweries and local pubs to close.
from the US and Germany, fluctuating
collective of business leaders taking
Brexit has happened with no clear
currencies and disrupted global supply
inspiration from Conscious Capitalism.
strategy of how the brewing industry
chains. He says: “Fundamentally Conscious
will be affected, for example in terms of getting supplies and products in
And, most importantly, the industry can
Capitalism looks at the power of business
and out of the country, efficiently and
adapt to better meet consumer demand
to serve humanity and prioritise all
competitively.
when it comes to the types of beer
stakeholders. It focuses on building
people want to drink.
industries and communities that endure. Our mission at Conscious Leaders
In my opinion the solution is that stakeholders must create a plan for
One example of successful innovation is
Scotland is to bring together purpose-
the future of brewing as an innovative,
our work, collaborating with partners, to
driven, stakeholder-first businesses, that
sustainable industry.
develop HopZero® hop oils that ensure
believe people and prosperity should be
UK-based manufacturers need to focus
0% alcohol doesn’t mean 0% taste.
harmonious.
on value add-investing in assets to dry
This allows brewers to meet the
and process hops, malt and yeast into a
increasing demand for low and no
“Like Colin at TNS, I believe that the
range of high quality, natural extracts for
alcohol (NOLO) beer.
brewing industry can move to a better place if all the relevant parties are willing
all breweries to access. And there certainly is demand in the
to collaborate.”
Universities such as Heriot Watt and
market with almost a quarter of 18-to-24-
Nottingham, which have a brewing and
year olds in the UK now classed as ‘non-
Brewing beer and consuming it in a pub
technology expertise, must share that
drinkers’. Our HopZero® range comprises
is a cornerstone of our culture. It’s time
knowledge to support innovation and
an initial four hop building blocks to
to look to our strengths as a nation in the
practical science.
develop the base to be similar to beer
face of adversity and collaborate. And
with alcohol.
we require support from government, to build a sustainable brewing industry
Grower groups must work with brewers to determine what varieties should be
Each extract has a unique role such
that offers employment, benefits the
bred in future, what varieties should be
as improving mouthfeel and body,
economy and gives beer drinkers better
in the ground and how best to develop
masking off notes, introducing dryness,
choice.
and apply new strategies, such as vertical
rebalancing ester profiles after de-
farming, to improve yields and reduce
alcoholisation and restoring fruity
But we have to do so now. Otherwise, it
costs.
notes which would be produced in
could be too late.
24
|
MARCH~APRIL 2021
BREWERS JOURNAL
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FAREWELL TO A CAREER IN MALTING ROB MOODY HAS SPENT 27 YEARS WITH CRISP MALTING AND 37 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY AT LARGE. IN THAT TIME, MUCH AS CHANGED AND IN 2021, IT’S TIME TO BID IT FAREWELL
A
sk friends if they can
running again. More than that: he was set
imagine what a tonne of
a production target of 1,000 tonnes of
malt looks like and the
malt within less than 4 months.
chances are, they can’t. Ask
As soon as activity at the site was spotted
brewers if they can imagine
by local people, Moody was contacted
6.5 million tonnes of malt and… well, can
by several former maltings employees
you?
seeking to be taken on by the new owners.
That’s how many tonnes of malt Rob Moody has been involved in over his 37
He was hugely impressed by the
years in the malting industry.
enthusiasm and support for the project
This has in turn enabled brewers to
- and ended up with a workforce made
make around 100 billion pints of beer.
up of 50% previous Bass maltings
However, as Moody steps away from
employees and 50% new blood.
work to pursue his other long-neglected
“They were really great guys to work
interests, it is not the large numbers that
with,” says Moody, “and the time spent
give him a sense of time well spent.
in Scotland is one of the highlights of my
“It is the people;” he says, “my brilliant
career. We pulled together as a team;
team, great colleagues – and the
worked stupidly long hours; overcame
amazing brewers and distillers we’ve had
endless issues with the plant; and
the privilege to supply and work with.
delivered on the challenges we’d been
“It’s been a hugely exciting time to have
set.
been working in the sector, especially
“We’d reached 1,000 tonnes of malt
with all the opportunities for innovation
by the end of October and went on
in malt stimulated by the boom in craft
increasing production in the months that
beer. I have been so lucky. I just hope the
followed. I loved it.”
country’s fantastic array of brewers can
The Alloa maltings is still an integral
get back on their feet successfully after
part of Crisp’s business, with recent
the pandemic.”
investment in a new bagging line. “This ensures Scottish craft brewers can buy
Following a false start in surveying,
barley that has been grown, malted
in 1984 Moody followed in his dad’s
and bagged in Scotland – a first in the
footsteps, by joining Guinness to work at
industry,” says Moody.
its floor maltings in Diss, south Norfolk. Ten years later, Diageo closed the site
A year after the Alloa maltings set up,
and Moody joined Crisp as barley intake
Moody was coaxed back to England to
supervisor at the maltings in Gt Ryburgh,
help restructure the company’s head
Norfolk.
office in Gt Ryburgh; set up a ‘central services unit’ (CSU); and improve
brewersjournal.info
In July 2002, Crisp bought a maltings
planning and logistics to ensure 365
in Alloa in the south east of Scotland.
days a year malt production. These he
Moody was sent north with a set of keys
did – and has been running the CSU ever
and a torch, and the instruction to get the
since. The changes foretold, and helped
place, previously owned by Bass, up and
the emergence of, a buoyant craft sector.
MARCH~APRIL 2021
|
27
When Anglia Maltings (Holdings)
and laying the foundations of our support
goodbye. Still, I’d like to assure craft
acquired Crisp in 2005, Moody
to the craft sector has been critical.
brewers that I’ll be supporting them in a
was appointed as a director, with
“In addition to his other responsibilities,
personal capacity, drinking at least my
responsibility for logistics, and, later, also
Moody has been heading up marketing,
fair share of beers!
for the company’s craft brewing sector
seeing through the company’s rebrand.
“As you’d expect, I’ll always be looking
business. “Right up my street,” as Moody
The results are clean and modern whilst
out for brews that I know are made with
says.
simultaneously capturing Crisp’s heritage
malt from my friends at Crisp.”
and longstanding support to customers. “A professional reason and a personal
“In paying tribute to his 27 years’ with
excuse for sampling a wide range of
Crisp and 37 years’ service to the malting
beers – and enjoy the huge range of
industry, I would like to thank Moody for
flavours and styles that are made with
his passion and commitment, as well as
our malts.”
for his skills and knowledge.
More breweries, more beers and greater
“He has definitely helped to make the
experimentation by brewers mean more
company what it is today; he’s been a
complexity in the supply chain.
truly excellent colleague, and we will all
For Crisp, it meant building the
miss him.”
capability to supply smaller specialist orders to multiple destinations, without
Moody concludes: “I’m leaving at a time
compromising the efficiency needed for
when things have been thrown up in
the large volume brewers and distillers.
the air for the drinks industry. At Crisp,
The 5 or 6 sku’s offered when Moody
it’s been all hands on deck to support
first took on the job now number over
brewers and distillers in whatever way
100, and the number of customers has
we can. I honestly believe that the
increased 1,000%! Production and sales
service my colleagues have provided to
of speciality and crushed malts in bags
customers – and to the wider industry -
has spiralled.”
has been second to none. “It’s been a privilege to work with so
Crisp’s managing director Adrian Dyter
many fantastic people over the years and
says, “Moody has played an instrumental
I’m sad not to be getting together with
part in the evolution of the company.
the team to thank them all in person.
His enthusiasm for the new direction the
“I’m also disappointed that the pandemic
market was taking; pushing for change;
means no visiting of customers to say
28
|
MARCH~APRIL 2021
A professional reason and a personal excuse for sampling a wide range of beers – and enjoy the huge range of flavours and styles that are made with our malts,” Rob Moody. BREWERS JOURNAL
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Brewers Journal half page Dec 2020 AW.indd 1
22/12/2020 15:18
PakTech has Repurposed over a Half Billion Containers into Packaging Handles
BUILDING A MORE RESILIENT WORKFORCE DANIEL STANDER, AN EMPLOYMENT LAWYER AT VEDDER PRICE LLP, DISCUSSES HOW EMPLOYERS CAN DO MORETO HELP THEIR WORKFORCE.
I
t was announced this week that 87
began and according to the findings
million pints of beer will be thrown
of a YouGov survey, 65% of British
away as a result of pub closures
respondents reported a negative impact
during lockdowns around the
on their mental health due to Covid-19
UK, equivalent to £331m in sales,
(higher than any other surveyed nation).
was a further heartbreaking statistic
Whilst 2021 and the mass vaccine rollout
to bring home the economic cost of
now underway brings with it a new
Covid-related restrictions on the brewing
dynamic to help forge a path to recovery
industry.
and a reimagining of how a brewing
After almost a year in various stages of
business can thrive, the relationship
lockdown, it is no longer the mere fact
between mental health and brewing
of living through a pandemic and nearly
will for many remain the elephant in the
a year isolated from friends, family and
room.
colleagues that individuals are having to contend with.
Due to, amongst other things, the
Many in the brewing industry have
financial pressures that the pandemic has
experienced substantial financial and
wrought, with the UK economy shrinking
operational pressures as a result of
by a record 9.9% in 2020, the rising
having to contend with an ever-changing
mental health crisis has reached a tipping
public health landscape.
point for which businesses will be dealing with for years to come.
No longer simply in fire-fighting mode,
It is worth considering how a person can
many have been working under intense
bounce back from major challenges and
pressure to keep independent and small
thrive. What it means to be resilient.
breweries afloat with a merry-go-round
In order to make the concept of resilience
mix of uncertainty of furlough schemes,
less abstract, Mental Health First Aid
increased hours, often compounded by
England talk about the concept of a
added childcare and teaching obligations
“stress container”.
as a result of school closures. The idea is that the bigger the container,
brewersjournal.info
They are also heavily reliant on
the more resilient the person is to stress.
government support to survive this
But both the volume of the container and
latest lockdown, including the extended
the volume of the issues the person is
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
facing play a key role in how well people
and financial help announced by the
respond.
Chancellor.
If the container overflows, difficulties are
All of these factors can increase feelings
more likely to develop as the stress is out
of anxiety, loneliness and isolation, which
of control.
are factors for mental ill health.
The stress container contains a tap to
Recent data presents a stark picture.
let stress out – this refers to coping
Stress-related absences in 2020 rose
strategies that can be employed to help
64% compared to the previous year. UK
reduce unhealthy stress and maintain
workers have increased their working
good mental health.
week by almost 25% since the pandemic
Some coping strategies are helpful –
MARCH~APRIL 2021
|
31
Left: The idea is that the bigger the container, the more resilient the person is to stress
things like getting adequate rest, making
feel heard and that their needs are
be treated with empathy and that they
time for positive experiences, asking for
approached from a position of empathy.
can express themselves without fear of
help from others.
Given the challenges we are facing, even
stigma. Thinking about the brewery’s
if an employer cannot make a change
wellbeing strategy in a holistic sense is
There are also unhelpful coping
to someone’s macro environment, they
worth the time, as there may be areas
strategies that many of us have used
might be able to make a change to their
that are being under-utilised.
from time to time which might feel
micro work environment and make a
like they are helping the situation, and
positive difference.
For example, many businesses have employee assistance programmes
sometimes do in the short-term, but if abused can become additional stressors
Managers are recommended to have
(EAPs) but suffer from lacklustre take-up.
and fill up the container even more –
regular check-ins and create space for
It might be time for a re-launch to
things like working excessively long
conversation about the demands of work
promote its positive benefits, or even
hours, self-medicating with drugs or
and wellbeing.
to consider whether there a better alternatives in the market to reflect the
alcohol, or not getting enough sleep. For employers in the brewing industry, it
Making time for discussions around
demographics of the workforce, such as
is crucial then to work to turn on the taps
wellbeing can help set an inclusive tone
EAPs through apps that may be more
to help people cope and build up a more
and create opportunities for individuals to
user-friendly and get better engagement.
resilient workforce.
feel able to talk more openly, especially if individuals have been regularly burning
Not all mental health initiatives need to
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
the midnight oil.
cost anything to set-up. Thinking about
Employers are recommended to acquire
It also might mean building in and setting
as Winter turns to Spring, maybe it will be
the tools to be able to spot the early
expectations around working hours and
time to initiate “Walk and Talks” instead
signs and symptoms of a mental health
the taking of breaks. The taking of annual
of static meetings so that everyone
issue developing, or of an existing
leave should be encouraged – it is not
is getting exercise and releasing
condition worsening, so they can provide
all about that beach holiday (though
endorphins throughout the day.
support and early intervention to their
we can but dream…), but rest away from
employees.
the brewery and the work phone and
Lastly, business owners should not forget
This means investing in training so
blocking out time to not be “always-on”
to take care of themselves. It is a cliché
that managers can lean in to difficult
that is key to helping maintain resilience.
for a reason, but making sure that oxygen
how work is organised can be helpful –
mask is put on first is so essential given
and sensitive workplace conversations without hesitation, or fear of making
Employers should also ensure they are
the enormous pressures at the moment.
matters worse.
signposting the internal and external
So it is more important than ever for
support available, and participate in
employers to think about their own stress
It is not about feeling like you have to “fix”
mental health campaigns to help show
container to help keep them resilient and
a situation, but about embedding a more
their employees that they take their
in the right frame of mind to support their
open and inclusive culture where people
mental health seriously, that they will
workforce.
32
|
MARCH~APRIL 2021
BREWERS JOURNAL
P R E M I U M
ALCOHOL FREE MALT EXTRACT Brewing Innovation from Muntons
MEET THE BREWER
TAKING FLIGHT OPENING A BREWERY DURING A PANDEMIC IS FAR FROM IDEAL. BUT IF YOU HAVE FAITH IN THE BEER YOU BREW, ENGAGE WITH THE INDUSTRY AND EMBRACE THE COMMUNITY AROUND YOU THEN YOU’LL BE ON THE RIGHT PATH. AND THAT’S EXACTLY THE APPROACH BEAK BREWERY OF LEWES HAS TAKEN.
A
ll we’ve ever known is
had to put one foot in front of the other,
lockdown”.
remember that we had come this far and
It’s nearly one year to the
to just keep on going.”
day since Boris Johnson, the UK Prime Minister, took
And 12 months on, they’ve done just that.
to the airwaves informing viewers that
While UK hospitality has remained in a
life, as we knew it, was about to change.
state of flux, and that’s putting it kindly,
From that point on, you could only shop
Beak Brewery has used the fleeting
for basic necessities.
periods between lockdowns to establish
Exercise was limited to one form a day,
itself in the Lewes community.
travel was restricted for essential work only and ultimately, the people of the UK
Through its Sussex taproom and local
were told to stay at home.
deliveries, the duo, with the addition
The perfect time, then, to be opening
of operations and taproom manager
your own brewery. But that’s exactly
Katerina Turkova, is satiating drinkers.
the situation that Danny Tapper, owner
Whether they’re dyed in the wool fans of
of Lewes-based Beak Brewery, found
good beer, or consumers that have had
himself in.
their curiosity piqued by a new kid on
“We had just signed for a 10-year lease
the block, the Beak name is permeating
on our site and then the whole of the UK
Lewes and beyond.
went into lockdown,” he recalls. “And just like that, every pub was closed. Great, I
“From very early on, we were cautious
thought”.
about the role that the taproom could
“And I had just handed in my notice!”
play in the business,” says Head-
adds head brewer Robin Head-Fourman.
Fourman. “We’re about a 10-15 minute walk from the centre of town. I knew
Leaving his position of four years at the
it was a good place for a brewery, but
venerable Burning Sky to join a new
less certain if people would make the
business was always going to be a leap
trip. For some, 10-15 minutes is a long
of faith. He just didn’t expect his decision
walk. Thankfully the reaction to opening
to be challenged so quickly.
showed there was nothing to worry
“I was ill at the time so I was actually
about”.
isolating. I found myself watching the news and thinking ‘oh no, maybe this was
Tapper adds: “Coming from a big city,
all the wrong idea’. It was pretty terrifying,”
that’s not a long walk at all. We even had
he explains.
suggestions of running a minibus service between the brewery and town!
But through darkness, comes light. “But the community has been great. We The fledgling outfit had already brewed
had hoped for maybe 20 people over a
an early batch of its Parade IPA at Head-
weekend but instead we had between
Fourman’s previous employers, and the
200-300, which is incredibly rewarding.”
response to the 6% hop-forward beer exceeded all of their expectations.
With the taproom currently shut, Tapper says the brewery is indebted for the
“Mark (Tranter, founder of Burning Sky)
support it has received from across the
kindly let us brew a beer. We did a pre-
industry.
sale, which went mental. It sold out and
brewersjournal.info
gave us a boost, not only in cashflow
“I truly believe that independent
but for our confidence in what we were
bottleshops are the absolute saviour of
doing,” says Tapper. “We knew we just
the craft beer industry throughout this
MARCH~APRIL 2021
|
35
in the industry might have seen, or sampled, our beers over the last four years but they were in very limited quantities.”
I truly believe that independent bottleshops are the absolute saviour of the craft beer industry throughout this whole situation, Danny Tapper, Beak Brewery
Tapper would brew, no more than two or three times a year, during his spare time. As an editor, author, columnist and food and drink writer, his love affair with beer was a long time in the making. “Whenever I had a bit of spare time and money I would visit a friend’s brewery and brew a batch of beer,” he recalls. “But the trouble with nomadic brewing is that you often probably lose money on everything that you do. Or maybe that says more about me and how I approached it all!” Hailing from Leeds, Tapper’s passion for beer comes from from sitting in Yorkshire pubs with his family.
whole situation,” he says. “I’m surprised
“If we ever went out to eat it would
more hasn’t been said about it to be hon-
be to a pub. We were never taken to
est. Because, for us, if bottleshops didn’t
restaurants. And through my grandad,
exist, we wouldn’t be open right now.”
I got into drinking Bitter,” he says. “And then later, my friends and I would visit
“Obviously we all love pubs, and with
pubs and rate pints of real ale out of five.
them all shut, we’ve all turned to other
It as almost like Untappd before those
avenues to enjoy beer,” he explains.
type of sites took off.”
Head-Fourman adds: “One thing I’ve
A well-trodden path into homebrewing
noticed on local deliveries is how vital
followed and Tapper tried his hand at
the community is. One week you’ll be
recreating the beers from brewed at the
delivering to one house and a week later,
beloved Kernel Brewery in London.
there’s three or four new customers on the same street.
“I just tried to replicate the beers that Evin (O’Riordain, founder) would brew.
“You’re turning up with fresh beer
I didn’t always get close, but it was fun
ahead of the weekend and everyone is
nonetheless. And that’s how I learned
very, very happy to see you. That level
more about beer,” he explains.
of support, along with the custom of bottleshops, has kept us going.”
Immersed in beer, both professionally and personally, Tapper would eventually
While Beak Brewery emerged on many
go on to brew batches of his own recipes
radars in 2020, it was actually conceived
at breweries across the UK. It gave
as a ‘nomadic’ project some years before.
him the taste for turning a hobby into
The Beak spent several years creating
something more than a side project and
unfiltered, seasonally-inspired beer with
with that, Beak was born.
friends at UK breweries such as North Brew Co, Partizan, Beavertown, Burning
“I knew I really wanted to turn this into a
Sky and Northern Monk.
more sustainable project and maybe get our own kit,” he recalls. “So we got some
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
“There’s something of a mystery
investment together to raise money for
surrounding us,” says Tapper. “People
a brewery in Lewes and here we are.
BREWERS JOURNAL
“Together we are interested in beer, not just for the sake of beer, but from a flavour perspective”., Far left, from top, Danny Tapper, Katerina Turkova, Robin Head-Fourman
38
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
BREWERS JOURNAL
The whole story of Beak is about five years in the making, so it’s quite funny when people think we’re new, when I’ve actually been hanging around for ages!” Tapper was introduced to HeadFourman, Beak’s would-be head brewer, through Jonathan Hamilton. Hamilton previously ran the Tempus Project at Beavertown in London before cofounding Newbarns Brewery, some 400 miles north in Leith, Scotland. “Jonny messaged me saying that Danny was moving to town and that we should meet up,” says Head-Fourman. “We met for some beers and there was talk of opening a brewery. There was definitely some shared interest in making that a
You’re turning up with fresh beer ahead of the weekend and everyone is very, very happy to see you,” Robin HeadFourman, Beak Brewery
reality.” Coming on board the Beak journey Head-Fourman, in his own words, started
with Tapper gave Head-Fourman the
out home-brewing as a means to get
opportunity to add his technical expertise
cheap beer when he was a teenager. But
to the growing operation.
this would quickly turned into a genuine interest.”
“I had put in quite a lot of the groundwork regarding the business side but when
“I’ve pretty much been brewing beer
Robin got involved, he really took over
since before it was legal for me to brew
the production responsibilities, while
beer, or drink it,” he laughs. “I managed
mapping out the beers we would go on
to convince my dad it would be a great
to brew,” says Tapper. “Having him able to
science project and I would learn a lot
jump in and take over that side was very
from it. And it worked! I got a little kit, a
valuable.”
can of extract and off I went on a home brewing journey.”
The duo commissioned Derbyshirebased Malrex on the brewhouse front.
He adds: “During my undergrad, I did a
It was the first time Head-Fourman was
few shifts at a local brewery, and I was
tasked with designing and building a
hooked. I decided to enrol in the MSc in
production brewery, but an opportunity
Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt.
he relished.
“While completing my Masters I worked in Edinburgh where I was lucky enough
“I’ve made a few key modifications; firstly,
to meet Mark Tranter, who took me on
we’ve got an oversized mash tun that
for some work experience at Burning
allows us to make any strong beers that
Sky. One thing led to another and I found
we want without resorting to adjuncts;
myself brewing at one of my favourite
secondly, we’ve designed a custom
breweries.”
whirlpool to allow high hopping rates in our IPAs, and finally we’ve a simple bit
“At Burning Sky there is respect for
of kit to allow us to purge hops with CO2
quality and for consistency. But within
before adding to the fermentation vessel.
that, there is scope to be quite playful
These small modifications were made on
and quite experimental, too,” he says.
top of a great design by Malrex.” The oversized mashtun, which forms part
brewersjournal.info
“A lot of Mark’s beers have a great deal
of the three vessel brewhouse, can fit
of refinement to them. And it’s that
up to 1.25 tonnes of grain. An important
combination of qualities that I hope to
quality for a brewery that brews a lot of
have taken with me.”
beers in and around the 6% ABV ball-
MARCH~APRIL 2021
|
39
park. And much of this focus is beers in
to give that beer a story.”
Another part of the brewery’s proposition is its mixed fermentation offering.
the hop-forward space. Beak’s hazy, hop-forward beers have Current beers on offer at the time of
helped establish it during its formative
“Lots of breweries have been ageing beer
writing include Queue, a 5% IPA brewed
months as a bricks and mortar brewery.
in oak for a long time now. For our mixed
with Azacca, Simcoe, Amarillo and
But the head brewer, along with Tapper,
fermentation beers, I chose a material
backed up with a grain bill of Marris Otter,
are certain on their plans to brew a
that’s popular in wineries - concrete. I
Oats, Wheat and Caragold, while London
diverse range of styles.
wanted our mixed fermentation beers to reflect their surroundings - being located
Fog brings it all together. Elsewhere, the aforementioned (and
One such example is Déšť, a 5%
on an industrial estate under some
award-winning) Parade features Citra,
Unfiltered Czech Pilsner, while Oopla
imposing chalk cliffs, concrete seemed
Mosaic and Idaho-7, brimming with fruit
is a 10% imperial stout brewed with six
like the right choice,” he says.
bubblegum flavours of mango, orange
varieties of malts along with flaked oats,
peel, pineapple and ripe flat peaches.
organic Madagascan vanilla pods and
Head-Fourman adds: “The concrete is
30kg of freshly roasted coffee.
breathable, allowing the wild yeast to continue to develop flavour slowly, and
“Robin is a very good cook and my background is in writing about food.
“When it came to Déšť, I guess I wanted
will also impart a nice minerality to the
Together we are interested in beer,
the professional challenge of brewing
beer. I’m working with a yeast-lab to cap-
not just for the sake of beer, but from
a solid lager,” he says. “I love lagers and
ture and isolate a few strains of wild yeast
a flavour perspective,” says Tapper.
there aren’t too many brewed around
from locally foraged flowers, fruits and
“When it comes to making a new beer,
here, so it was a really nice counter-
honey. These will form the basis of our
it has to focus on the experience of
balance to the really fruit-forward juicy
house yeast culture and provide a unique
flavour, aroma, and what works. It’s not
New England IPAs we produce.
flavour to the beer.”
Tapper adds: “At the end of the day, we
And Beak is unique in itself. For an outfit
are really into beer. And it’s not just the
that has only really existed during the
For Head-Fourman, he wants to make
New England-style Pales and IPAs. We
constraints of a global pandemic, Tapper
beers that people can enjoy together.
tend to be interested in all different beer
is excited about what the future holds for
styles and believe it or not, there will be
the brewery.
simply about making something that is incredibly hoppy.”
“When brewing Strangers, I found
a time when New England IPAs are not
myself looking at all these amazing
going to be the most in-demand beer.
“I’m excited because, right now, this
places you would want to go on holiday,
We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves.
is hopefully the worst point for us. I’m optimistic the situation will improve from
but couldn’t,” he says. “I imagined nice
springtime onwards,” he says.
tropical cocktails on the beach, and
“Of course, they account for a massive
tried to recreate that with the addition of
amount of our sales, but you want to
hops like Sabro. It might sound a bit self
play around with different styles. And you
“And i’m just excited to see our beer in
indulgent, but it was just my way to trying
know, that’s what keeps it interesting.”
pubs!” exclaims Head-Fourman.
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BREWERS JOURNAL
LET THEM DRINK CAKE! TOO SWEET? TOO BRASH? TOO AMERICAN? BUT OVER HERE – PASTRY BEERS CONTINUE TO RISE IN POPULARITY. WE’LL LOOK AT WHAT MAKES A PASTRY BEER A PASTRY BEER... AND IT’S NOT PASTRY. VELO MITROVICH REPORTS
G
oing by the reaction of
are those of us trying to track sales to
some, there must be
see just how popular pastry stouts are
a law out there on the
becoming.
books that states a beer can’t be fun and most
That said, the USA largest online craft
definitely can’t be whimsical.
beer retailer, app-based Tavour, has
In a recent article in The New York Times
added ‘Pastry Stout’ and ‘Imperial Pastry
on pastry stouts, what was interesting
Stout’ styles to its list of available beers.
were the many published comments
These two categories make up around
that followed. “Beer can only have four
15 percent of Tavour’s total sales. Regular
ingredients!” “Beer isn’t sweet thus this
stouts account for around two percent.
isn’t beer!” “Pastry stouts are for people who don’t like beer!” And, despite this
In a 2019 Nielsen survey, 95 percent of
being the 21st century, there were even
US craft beer drinkers prioritized tastes
comments that said pasty stouts were
over such things as freshness and
“made for women”.
ingredient lists.
TRENDING
These drinkers want FLAVOUR spelt
42
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MARCH~APRIL 2021
However, in a check of German
with all capital letters, which explains the
seismographic recordings, there appears
longevity of heavily hopped IPAs which
to be no unusual activity centred on
show no sign of disappearing, despite
old German graveyards containing the
having obituaries written every year.
bodies of historic brewmasters. Not a single one is turning over in their grave at
Jared Lewinski, head brewer at
the thought of pastry stouts.
Cincinnati’s Listermann Brewing and creator of Cookie Wizard Pastry Stout
It is easy as cherry pie to figure out
among many others, says: “I think
when the term pastry stout came about,
especially for young drinkers, this new
coined by US beer blogger Alex Kidd
cohort, it’s like ‘Why do I have to sit here
[Dontdrinkbeer.com] in 2017 as an insult
and be challenged? I want something
to these highly sweet, high-alcohol,
that tastes good to me right now’.
flavoured Imperial Stouts that were hitting the craft beer scene.
“They don’t need to know the history and
But, as to when the first brewer looked at
the ingredients. They just need to know it
a piece of chocolate cake and thought it
tastes like a cupcake,” he told NY Times.
would be so much easier to drink than to eat, that’s anyone’s guess.
The truth of the matter is, over beer’s long, long history, people have made it
If Kidd was hoping this name would
with many, many things, giving it many,
deter brewers and drinkers from playing
many different flavours. How is making
this sweet, wicked game, he failed
a stout that tastes like Neapolitan ice
completely. Instead, with this new
cream not a beer?
description, these stouts now had a definition and title, although not one
“I think one of the great things about
recognised by any beer association.
Pastry Stouts is their pretty wide spread
The only ones missing out on anything
appeal,” says Matt Arens, head brewer
with this lack of official subcategory
at Oslo’s Amundsen Brewery, creator
BREWERS JOURNAL
Over beer’s storied history, people have made it with many, many things, giving it many, many different flavours.
of the Dessert in a Can series of Pastry
holiday spice additions, for something we
Stouts, and one of – if not the – leading
felt was pretty festive – salted caramel on
European Pastry Stout creator.
a chocolate chip cookie base.
“Even though their ABV and appearance
“The beer proved pretty popular and
Brewing Company, says that the key
might be daunting to some, the flavour
we continue to brew it to this day. The
to making a Pastry Stout is laying the
profile of these beers is often rooted
other Dessert in a Can beers aren’t true
flavours as a baker would.
in something very familiar to even the
one-offs, where we only brew them once.
most casual beer drinker,” he says. ”They
But we tend to brew them once and
For Coronado’s 21st anniversary beer,
make nice gateway beers for the drinker
then move on to something new, only
they decided to make a German
who is only starting to venture into craft
coming back to a concept after a bit of
chocolate cake version of their Stupid
beer, but at the same time they pique
time. Zygoat is different in that it is almost
Stout.
the interest of your most avid craft beer
always available.”
Not common in the UK, in the States,
that had too much fat in it. In an interview with Craft Beer & Brewing, Mark Theisen, head brewer at Coronado
German chocolate cake is a basic
drinkers.”
KEY INGREDIENTS
chocolate cake with an icing made with butter, coconut, pecans and sometimes
According to business publication
cherries.
Bloomberg, people experiencing
When making a Pastry Stout, brewers
pandemic lockdown are eating more junk
describe the Stout as being the base, the
and comfort food than ever before. “Just
canvas or the backbone for what will be
Theisen says that to create the flavour,
as [US] sales of frozen waffles and Oreos
coming next.
they reversed engineered the cake,
are on the rise, so are beers infused
What sets Pastry Stout apart from other
taking apart each flavour and then trying
with foods that could euphemistically
flavoured beers is that its thick and
to figure out how to duplicate it in the
be called ‘comfort’.” With pubs, bars and
luscious. It’s not quite as thick as a milk
beer. The biggest challenge they found
restaurants closed, a high ABV of around
shake that you can stand the straw in the
was the coconut.
nine to 12 percent won’t matter to home-
middle of it, but that gives you sort of the
bound drinkers.
idea.
“You can end up with something that tastes like sunscreen,” he says.
Shaun Burns, owner and head brewer
Arens defines Pastry Stouts as such.
at Phase Three Brewing in the USA
“Pastry stouts for us are the liquid
People want to be able to taste each
told Bloomberg that he has seen sales
reincarnation of our favorite desserts.
flavour in a Pastry Stout. It would be
increase during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The bold use of adjuncts like cacao,
pointless to create a Marathon (Snickers)
One release, Curvature B6, went on sale
coconut, coffee or vanilla –among many,
Pastry Stout unless all the flavours of the
online on May 20. The 12.5% imperial
many others – brings these beers to a
nougat, peanuts, caramel and chocolate
stout, brewed with pecans, caramel,
whole other level of confectionary. These
came through.
and chocolate, sold out within seconds.
beers are big and sweet, but with a thick,
Before the pandemic, it might have taken
silky mouthfeel, they are so deceptively
To get an idea of what adjuncts US
hours.
smooth.”
brewers are using, go to Nuts.com,
With many brewers, they see Pastry
What helps to create this feel are the
You’ll see four different types of coconut,
Stouts as one-off seasonals; they seldom
unfermentable sugars used, such as
raw cacao nibs, vanilla beans, graham
brew twice the same creation.
the mainstay lactose – from milk – or
cracker crumbs, marshmallow bits,
There are, however, some brewers who
dextrose from corn. Because the yeast
peanut flour, and a whole lot more.
have seen so much success with one,
doesn’t devour these sugars, they stay
that they add it to their core range. Case
with the stout giving it its final sweetness,
“As far as our use of adjuncts is
in point, Amundsen’s Zygoat.
which leads to candy or dessert flavours.
concerned, I think we’re pretty conscious
“Our Zygoat is in the same family as our
One thing to remember when using
beer, says Arens. “Everything plays its
Dessert in a Can range,” says Arens. “It
these sugars is, despite some brewers
own part in contributing to this overall
was initially designed by us a modern
saying otherwise, you can add too much.
impression of a pastry or dessert. Some
take on a Christmas beer. We dropped
In an experiment carried out years ago
may play more of a leading role, whereas
your typical cinnamon and assorted
in the USA, researchers wanted to test
some are more of a supporting act.
people’s tolerance to sweetness and to
“All the adjuncts we use should work
fat. For subjects they used an American
together to build up the flavour profile
college football team and gave the
of the beer and create an impression
players milkshakes. While they could
of a dessert. When we frame a beer as
create a milkshake that was too sweet for
Neapolitan Ice Cream or Pecan Pie, we
any to drink, they never could make one
want the drinker to come away with the
wholesale, and then to its brewery site.
of the adjuncts we’re putting into the
“Even though their ABV and appearance might be daunting to some, the flavour profile of these beers is often rooted in something very familiar.”
brewersjournal.info
MARCH~APRIL 2021
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45
“Pastry Stouts are in it for the long haul,” Matt Arens, Amundsen Brewery
Is this is the flavour you want to put in your cans of beer? That said, right now with COVID-19 restrictions still in place and all breweries from the smallest to the largest are having to rethink how they do business, Pastry Stouts can bring business to your door and attention on your Facebook/ webpage. There are some excellent Pastry Stouts out there – with a couple being even alcohol free. You can see why consumers are paying the price they are for these feeling that they literally just had a sip of
Pastry Stouts might go through this same
that very dessert,” he says.
process or they might fade. Either way,
Although to some brewers the idea of
they’ve proved to be a successful venture
Pastry Stouts well deserve a place in your
using extracts and flavourings borders on
for many breweries.
brewery. But just remember this, if you
wonderful beers.
can’t drink and enjoy your creation, don’t
heresy, by using them you’ll be able to achieve the exact flavour you want a lot
But, if Pastry Stouts have one problem, it
expect your customers to as well – or to
easier than by using the real ingredients,
is this. Just because as brewers we can
come back.
for example if you were making
do something, should we? If somebody
Chocolate Digestive or perhaps a Jaffa
wants chocolate milk and beer, do we
“I say that Pastry Stouts are in it for the
Cakes Pastry Stout.
have to combine them together?
long haul,” says Arens. “Sure, it could be that now is their highpoint. If could also
THE FUTURE
When Pastry Stouts first started to hit
be that that their moment is in the near
the scene in the USA, at times the main
future, but I don’t them going away.
Everything you’ve heard about Pastry
reason seemed to be the shock value
Stouts probably goes against everything
publicity of doing something like making
“From a brewing and drinking
you were taught as to how a beer should
a beer that tasted like Frosted Flakes.
perspective, I feel these beers are
be make.
But then the brewery down the street
too tempting to just fade away. As a
had to top that so they came out with
brewer, building these flavours up and
Will people be drinking them in another
Marshmallow Frosted Flakes and so on
layering them in a beer is just too much
10-year’s-time? When California-style
and so on and so on, until the quest for
fun. There’s too much to explore in the
IPAs hit the scene, nobody predicted
the wackiest, over-the-top pastry stout
framework of a pastry stout.
they would be around for decades and
became like the USA/USSR arms race. “And I think craft beer drinkers have the
yet they still are and still leading the craft beer industry.
With Blueberry Muffin pastry stouts,
same experience when they get to try
They had their insane and reckless
which are a popular one for US breweries
these beers. Each beer is an experience
teenage period, with breweries trying to
to make, you have to remember that 90
unto itself. Part of the fun with these
out-hop each other. Those days are gone
percent of blueberry muffins in the USA
beers is trying to wrap your head around
and, for many, there is a mature feel to
taste horrible thanks to artificial blueberry
everything that’s going on in the glass.”
hoppy-IPAs today.
flavouring.
46
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BREWERS JOURNAL
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KEEP ON TOP OF BREWERY HYGIENE WHILE YOUR BREWING SCHEDULES ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE PANDEMIC, YOUR FOCUS ON IMPECCABLE HYGIENE STANDARDS SHOULDN’T BE, EXPLAINS PETER THORMAN HOLCHEM UK SALES MANAGER FOR BREWERY & BEVERAGE, HOLCHEM, WHO HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE SECTOR TO ENSURE THEY ARE READY FOR BUSINESS WHEN LOCKDOWN ENDS.
T
he brewing industry is
strategies that can be implemented.
facing unprecedented
One is local decontamination of specific
times. We are constantly
areas of the brewery if one or two cases
looking at the issues caused
of COVID-19 are identified. The other is
by COVID-19 and lockdown
decontamination of the whole brewery if
and also onto the future and how it will
the cases of COVID-19 are numerous and
impact cleaning plans going forward.
the site chooses to temporarily close.
Here at Holchem we are working with
Our teams have interpreted government
customers that are operating, and those
guidelines on this and developed two
who aren’t, to help with their hygiene
specific cleaning instruction cards to
routines, and to ensure they are ready for
help businesses meet the necessary
business when lockdown ends.
requirements.
As well as the daily hygiene routines,
Enhanced touchpoint cleaning and
we’ve been advising on maintaining
barrier controls are also key. There are a
cask hygiene as it’s a major issue and
number of additional steps that need to
lockdown can lead to fly eggs (not a
be taken, for instance, when it comes to
winter issue) and baked on staining.
barrier controls and entering and exiting a
Regular cask inspection is vital to validate
site it is good practice for the drivers and
cleaning regimes.
other staff delivering (and taking away) to the premises not to leave their vehicles.
It’s important to ensure the most suitable detergent is being used including
Important points to note are that
Caustics – a powerful detergency that
drivers should always be supplied
can be used at high temperatures and
with an efficacy tested hand sanitiser, a
cost effective if used with detergent tank;
disinfectant, and paper towels.
Chlorinated Caustics – generally one shot is needed due to degradation of chlorine
Drivers should also use a hand sanitiser
and it can be used at lower temperatures
before passing delivery documents to
and finally Neutral Detergents – to be
food premises staff.
used where soft metals are present that would be corroded by caustics.
On site changing and washrooms are a major control barrier to reduce
Keg hygiene is also an issue – after
introducing physical or microbiological
prolonged periods of no use, double
hazards into the brewing area.
washing of kegs is recommended.
The procedures in place should be re-
After extended periods being out of
evaluated to ensure they are sufficient to
use FVs / CTs / BBTs / Yeast Tanks etc
control the additional hazard of SARS-
should be cleaned as though they had
CoV-2. We have listed out on our website
just been emptied. Depending on the
all the points to consider when looking at
standard of hygienic design a deep clean
routines.
could be required. These steps should work alongside
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Decontamination of sites may also be
enhanced touchpoint cleaning. It may
required should a member of the team
be worth identifying the touchpoints by
test positive for COVID-19.
their category because the frequency of
There are two decontamination
cleaning/sanitation will vary.
BREWERS JOURNAL
From light switches, to doors, door
have been developing and testing
handles, alarms to laptops to computer
new and existing products to help our
screens with the variety of surfaces, it is
customers in the brewing sector meet
important to choose a cleaning method
the challenges the virus has brought to
that is appropriate, effective and does not
everyday lives.
damage the surface. The products can be used for cleaning For instance, with plastic or stainless-
and disinfection of touch points and
steel door handles a disinfectant wet
for personal hygiene and include A23
wipe or a dry wipe plus spray disinfectant
Virucidal Disinfectant, A28 Anti-Viral
would be suitable.
Cleaner and Disinfectant and Handsan hand wash.
With a computer an alcohol based wet wipe would be most suitable. Detailed
We advise all brewers to consult with
information is available on our website.
our teams before implementing any hygiene routines to ensure the plans are
Hand hygiene is of course of the
meeting the needs of the business and
upmost importance and stringent hand
government guidelines.
hygiene routines for all staff need to be understood and implemented with regular training on procedures and the correct products to use is recommended. In terms of the most effective products
On site changing and washrooms are a major control barrier to reduce introducing physical or microbiological hazards into the brewing area,” Peter Thorman, Holchem.
to be used during the pandemic we
brewersjournal.info
MARCH~APRIL 2021
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49
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BRAND RIGHT NOW PROTECTING YOUR BRANDS AND ENFORCING WHEN NECESSARY NEEDN’T BE EXPENSIVE NOR TAXING. A BRIEF LEGAL OPINION CAN BE INEXPENSIVE AND PAY DIVIDENDS DOWN THE LINE, EASING THE STRESS OF COMPETING IN THIS NOW CROWDED MARKETPLACE, ARGUES CAMERON MALONE-BROWN, A CHARTERED TRADE MARK ATTORNEY AT POTTER CLARKSON LLP.
P
re-Covid, the UK craft beer market was going from strength to strength. With demand increasing across all channels, it was
something of a boom time for the sector. Since then, brewers have had to be quick to react to a completely different sales environment – and one that is subject to further change as lockdown eases. Right now, in a bid to survive, brewers are having to focus their efforts on ‘off premise’ sales, which has required
under the supervision of an experienced
significant agility to secure channels to
brewery or marketing team, stands a
market, either via effective ecommerce
greater risk than ever of infringing or
routes or by securing valuable shelf
being infringed by a third party.
space in retail outlets. Even BrewDog, which rode the craft beer Before the products hit the shelves (or
wave as well as any UK brewery, is not
the consumer’s doorstep), they will have
immune, having been challenged over its
already overcome multiple operational
Brewdog Elvis Juice.
difficulties, such as reconfiguring packaging and sourcing effective means
Right now, with such intense competition
of delivery.
to win the over the craft beer consumer, the risk of challenge and potential need
With the industry now exclusively
for enforcement is greater than ever.
focussed on a narrower sales
Thankfully, there are cost-effective steps
environment, it is more important than
which may be taken to manage risks and
ever to have a brand that stands out in
ensure that branding may be rolled out
the crowd.
without hindrance.
Many breweries get this perfectly right, with products that can be picked from a
Protecting your brands and enforcing
line-up at 20 yards, so distinctive are the
when necessary needn’t be expensive
trade marks and branding.
nor taxing. A brief legal opinion can be inexpensive and pay dividends down the
Breweries have been wise to the need to
line, easing the stress of competing in
develop eye-catching brands for some
this now crowded marketplace.
time. From 2009 to 2019, the number of trade mark applications filed seeking
Getting it right straight off the bat will
protection in the UK for “beer” (in class
enable further focus on where we can all
32) increased by around 530%. This huge
agree it ought to be - great beers.
leap is indicative of the growing market and increased importance of ring-fencing
Cameron is a chartered Trade Mark
intellectual property rights.
Attorney with a particular specialism in the craft beer sector, as well as an unhealthy
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One result of this surge, however, is that
and expensive fascination with barrel aged
any new brand entering the market, even
stouts. He works for Potter Clarkson LLP.
BREWERS JOURNAL
FOUR WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR BEER BRAND It is difficult not to immediately commit emotionally to a new
3. PROTECTING YOUR BRAND IS ABOUT BEING ACTIVE, NOT PASSIVE
brand idea, especially the good ones. After all, what is craft beer
Registering trade marks provides you a reliable basis to enforce
if not an endeavour of passion? Taking a moment to check the
your brand, but that is just the beginning. Enforcing your rights
risk position on the trade mark register and in the market can
requires monitoring and, where necessary, action. Trade mark
mean the life or death of the brand, and result in enormous cost
watching is a service whereby you are notified of parties filing
savings down the road.
trade mark applications for marks identical and similar to yours.
1. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP…
Without this information, a similar trade mark could reach regis-
2. KEEP CALM IF YOU RECEIVE A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER
tration and potentially shelves because you weren’t in a position
A letter of this kind will likely detail the other party’s best-case
a powerful tool.
to object. A combination of a registered trade mark and watch is
scenario, which is unlikely to be your only option of settlement. seriously you would take the matter if the roles were reversed,
4. BE BUSINESS-LIKE AND EFFICIENT IF CONFLICTS ARISE
and b) what a reasonable resolution could look like to both
Don’t let the grass grow if you find yourself embroiled in a dis-
sides. Bear in mind, however, that the risk of injunction is higher
pute – if it reaches court, a judge will take a dim view of simply
than in some other industries, so serious threats do need to be
burying your head in the sand. Many disputes are resolved
addressed.
through discussions between breweries, as ought to be the
Legal advice is advisable but the first step is to consider a) how
case. That said, your brands deserve more than gentleman’s agreements, and putting pen to paper may alleviate further conflicts down the line.
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51
MEET THE BREWER
THE SCIENCE OF BREWING
S
ir Geoff Palmer once told us
Launching its first beers in January 2014,
that technology is science
Atom Beers was recognised as a ‘Start-
that works.
up of the year’ by The Guardian.
Sir Geoff is the Professor Emeritus in the School of
It acknowledged the work undertaken
Life Sciences at Heriot-Watt University in
with scientific projects with the University
Edinburgh and frankly, an all-round cool
of Hull, the science classes it taught with
dude.
school groups and the success Atom had
And if Sir Geoff, who so famously
achieved with its beers across the UK
discovered the barley abrasion process,
and further afield.
was to journey to the Port city of Hull he would find Atom Beers.
But despite such accolades, Atom cofounder Allan Rice says a life in brewing
Not only an example of science and
wasn’t always part the plan.
technology in action but a brewery that was started by scientists, too.
“I graduated from Glasgow University back in August 2004, Jesus forever
For Allan Rice and Sarah Thackray,
ago!” he smiles. “Sarah graduated with
establishing Atom Beers back in
a degree in biochemistry from Oxford
2014 meant founding a business
University, and then we went travelling
that represented science, education,
for a year. We lived in New Zealand for
transparency and simplicity.
eight months, and then bombed around Australia and then travelled up through
Starting life in an industrial unit In East
the east coast of Africa. It was one of
Yorkshire, England, and funded through
those ‘let’s go see the world experiences’.”
support from family and friends, Atom is an independent business with its heart
Upon returning to the UK, Thackray
firmly placed in Hull.
took up a PhD at Edinburgh University, and Rice would begin a masters in
And did you know that Hull was the 2017
FOR ALLAN RICE AND SARAH THACKRAY, STARTING ATOM BEERS BACK IN 2014 MEANT FOUNDING A BUSINESS THAT REPRESENTED SCIENCE, EDUCATION, TRANSPARENCY AND SIMPLICITY. AND IN THE YEARS SINCE, THEY’VE DONE JUST THAT. 52
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Biochemistry at Strathclyde.
City of Culture? As UK City of Culture, it was brought into the national spotlight.
“And if you’re doing a Masters, you need to pay your way,” says Rice. “So I got a
Visitors flocked in their droves and
part time job at a local bike shop. This
according to the University of Hull, its
took up tonnes of my time because one
status as the UK City of Culture attracted
of my other passions is cycling.
more than five million people, £220
“Bu I was becoming annoyed at the fact
million of investment and created 800
that we weren’t really seeing each other
new jobs.
and just like that, an advert popped up on Gumtree looking for someone to sell
And visitors now have another reason
mini kegs at a farmer’s market for Stewart
to return, well two actually. Because
brewing. I thought maybe I should apply
in the years since, Atom Beers have
for it. So I did”.
opened not one, but two, establishments designed to satiate the thirsty masses
He adds: “I didn’t think anything else of
and take people on a journey through
it until the brewery’s co-founder Steve
great beer.
Stewart phoned me up and said, ‘I liked your CV’, can we have a chat?’. In my
BREWERS JOURNAL
did all it could to help inspire the next generation to consider careers in science and engineering. “I suppose we were always a little bit weird in that regard,” says Rice. “We want to use the brewing process to educate the next generation of scientists, specifically those students that weren’t doing pure science, or those that didn’t think they could do science. So we took them into the brewhouse, and show them the brewing process.” He adds: “You’re making something that people love and enjoy. But fundamentally there’s thermodynamics, the specifics of biology, chemistry, and the role in recipe creation. And sure, anyone could really do it, no matter where you’ve come from in life. We wanted to use a brewery to inspire and ignite that love of science in others.” While that part of the company’s DNA is still alive and well, Allan says the rollercoaster ride of owning a brewery has sometimes got in the way of them dedicating more time to it, especially when expansion plans in previous yeas went far from as planned. head, ‘I thought I’ never sent a CV!’
During their time overseas, Rice carried
With that, back in 2005, Rice fell into the
out some consultancy in green energy
“We got some grant money, and in
world of brewing selling mini kegs. An
and, of course, took in BC’s brewing
addition to some borrowed money from
experience that would prove to be the
scene.
the bank, we invested in four new 25hl conical tanks,” Rice says. “We got them
catalyst for a career in beer. He learned a lot from the provinces
installed in November of 2016, plumbed
As one of Stewart Brewing’s early
fantastic breweries but before long, it
them onto the new chilling system and
employees, Rice learned a great deal
was time to return home.
all four tanks imploded in one go. The
brewing, even though most of his time
While Atom Beers future co-founder
manufacturing company went out of
was spent on sales and deliveries.
Sarah retrained to be a teacher back
business and we lost £100,000 in a week.”
in their hometown of Beverley, Allan’s “It was a fantastic time. They’re an
journey led him to Tempest Brewing on
And just like that. Atom lost three
amazing company, amazing people and
the Scottish Borders.
quarters of their volume and, as a result, in Rice’ own words - spent 2017 trying to
make amazing beer,” he says. Working at Tempest gave Rice the taste
survive.
However, as the years passed, Rice
for brewing once more but this time, he
would leave the world of beer and take
and Thackray knew it was time to do it
But thankfully for drinkers they did just
the plunge in renewable energy. He
themselves.
that, and have gone on to flourish in the years since.
found himself working as an ops and sales manager for a small micro wind
“So we found some money, moved to
In 2018 they opened their first venue
turbine company.
Beverley and opened a brewery of our
in Hull city centre, taking 200 years
That was until his partner Sarah was
own.”
of history and creating an inclusive welcoming venue with great food and
offered a postdoctoral role at the University of British Columbia.
And in starting Atom Beers, Rice and
brilliant personable staff.
Thackray considered it integral to the “So we moved to Vancouver!” he says.
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company’s ethos that the business
This was then followed with their second
BREWERS JOURNAL
Atom Beer’s brew team comprises of Allan, alongside head brewer Jamie and assistant Tom
“We’re very much focused on making
as good as the next batch, and the next
beers that sell but still have a little bit
batch should be even better.
of a twist to them,” he says. “And most importantly, from our perspective, is that
And while Rice is proud of the brewery’s
no matter what beer you are brewing, or
distribution across the UK and overseas,
what beer you’re creating, be it a strong
he is also very proud to call Hull home.
12% Imperial Stout or a 2.5% low ABV Pale, you should still be able to finish a
“It’s a city that punches well above its
glass and think, ‘I can have another one’.
weight,” he says. “And in 2017, when Hull
It might not be immediately, but you
was named the City of Culture, there
should be happy to try it again.”
were a lot of local businesses, small independent businesses that suddenly
Rice adds: “There are many beers at the
realised that they’re as good as anybody.
moment which are absolutely amazing.
And they shouldn’t be being downplayed
There’s no getting around it, they are
by peers in other cities.”
outstanding and really complex. And it’s this fabric that Atom consider “But you get halfway through the glass,
themselves part of. While the last 12 or so
you’re still thirsty and find yourself
months have been a challenge to every
wanting something else to drink.
brewery, Rice is excited a brighter year
Interesting and complex is fine but it
that lies ahead.
needs to be drinkable, too.” “I think the main message that everyone
venue in Beverley in 2020, taking another historic building and transforming it into
The brew team at Atom is lead by head
needs to hear at the minute is that as
something special. Venues that offer
brewer Jamie and his assistant Tom. The
long as everybody is safe, well, and we
lucky drinkers Atom’s diverse range of
former, who came on initially came on
are all working together, then that is a
beers.
board as a volunteer, heads up most
real positive,” he explains.
aspects of brewing, bouncing ideas And if Rice had it his own way, he would
between he and Tom.
“And we should remember that we’re lucky being in a field that supplies the
happily spend his days experimenting with all manner of styles, flavours and
Liaising with the brewery’s co-founder
hospitality trade and fortunate to call
ingredients, but he’s also mindful of the
and Chris in Sales, they all adopt the
ourselves part of it, too.”
need for a business head in brewing, too.
same view and that’s every beer is only
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BREWERS JOURNAL
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THE CONUNDRUM OF SUSTAINABILITY AS EVERY BREWER KNOWS ONLY TOO WELL, WHEN IT COMES TO SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES, BREWING IS NOT AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUSINESS. SO, WHEN IT COMES TO PROFITS AND A QUEST FOR CUSTOMERS, DOES BEING SUSTAINABLE MATTER? THE ANSWER IS ONE WORD: “YES”. VELO MITROVICH REPORTS
I
t’s a feeling of dread. You see
companies. They show a bunch of kids
someone approach a lectern with
out in the boondocks planting saplings.
a stack of notecards a mile thick,
Why? Because TP companies care,
they clear their throats and begin:
they’re sustainable industries. For every
“According to the dictionary –“. Any
tree they cut down, they plant another.
and all words can follow, ranging from something innocent like “a best man” to
Do you buy into this? A course not. You
some latest buzz word which defies a
know that most of the trees cut down
clear definition such as “sustainable”.
to make a product to wipe your behind comes from virgin forests, also known as
Although Brewers Journal can find no
old growth forests.
UK-specific report, according to a US university study conducted in pre-Covid
You know that the trees they replant are
2018, the “majority of beer consumers
all one species, one age, planted in rows,
are willing to pay more for sustainable
with no underbrush allowed to grow and
beer.”
compete.
People who already pay a premium
And you know that if you were actually
for beer, as well as consumers who
able to sneak into these tree plantations,
make environmentally-friendly choices
you wouldn’t hear a single animal sound,
on other goods and services, are the
not a single beep. Between the chemical
most likely to pay extra for sustainably-
fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides,
produced beer.
they are as biodiverse as the Moon.
But – and this is a huge ‘but’ – there is no
If by chance, however, their goal is to
clear definition, no guiding institution’s
take the high road and plant a proper
seal of approval, or even government
woodland forest to offset their carbon
standards explaining what makes
usage, like BrewDog – ‘Drink Punk, Kill
something sustainable. It is all in the eyes
Carbon’ – and others, has anyone at
of the beholder and the words spewing
these companies looked out the window
forth from a marketing guru.
and noticed just how long it actually takes a tree to grow?
This leaves terms such as sustainable, carbon-offset, carbon-neutral, carbon-
And this, we’re told, is sustainable?
footprint, triple-bottom-line, low-VOC, Net-zero, clean, natural, eco-friendly, and
There is a bit of a pause on the phone
green bounced around more times than
as Greg Pilley, founder and managing
an NBA basketball.
director of Stroud Brewery, lets you catch
Indeed, there is nothing stopping a
your breath as you finish your rant.
brewery that uses blue whale blubber as a heating fuel from sticking a large green
“You’re right,” he says. “It’s an overused
“sustainable” sticker on its cans.
buzz word which has lost its meaning.”
To add another word to this sustainable
Herbert Giradet, co-founder of the
buzz list, let’s go with ‘Greenwashing’ – to
World Future Council told The Guardian:
make people believe that your company
“The concept of sustainability has been
is doing more to protect the environment
abused like few other terms in history.”
than it really is. We’ve all seen the ad from toilet paper
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Although a few institutes in the USA
BREWERS JOURNAL
Greg Pilley, founder of Stroud Brewery: “Sustainability is a term that has lost all meaning”
We value regenerative practices that work with nature and benefit the entire community,” Greg Pilley, Stroud Brewery
have attempted to create a brewery
northeast of Bristol, that Pilley created
“Long-term, that’s one less tin produced
sustainability certificate programme, such
Stroud’s first craft brewery 15-years-ago.
and transported, one less tin that could end up in landfill, and one big vote of
as the Iowa Waste Reduction Centre’s Iowa Green Brewery Certification, they
The brewery that exists today is not the
confidence for a more progressive future,”
have not done as well as sustainability
brewery from 2006. And much like how
says Bruichladdich.
certificate programmes in California’s
the brewery has grown, modernized,
wine industry.
and even changed locations to produce
“Our aim is to one day remove all of our
better beer, so too has Pilley’s concept
tins globally. It’s a massive task but one
Here in the UK, while there are organic
of sustainability. Three years ago the
that’s achievable if we start one tin at a
certificate programmes for the beer
brewery went organic. In 2019 it achieved
time. Start with us today and choose to
industry, certificates for how farmers treat
B Corporation certification.
go one tin lighter.”
is nothing on the beer sustainability front.
He is far from alone in this for there is a
If you go to Stroud’s website, you can
It is truly up to the integrity and honesty
growth in knowledge – an evolution –
see that the brewery team has written a
of the brewery to decide if how they run
that happens when a company decides
32-page report, its own explanation of
their brewery is sustainable.
to go sustainable.
sustainability and ethos.
For Pilley, the word has had a real
For example if you go to Isle of Islay
UK independent, organic and B Corp
meaning for a good portion of his life.
Bruichladdich Distillery’s relatively new
certified brewery our sustainable and
This has included protecting elephants in
webpage, you will see how it describes
ethical ethos underpins everything
Nigeria’s Yankari National Park, travelling
the tins that the whisky bottles come as
we do, from sourcing local organic
throughout Africa and elsewhere,
being made from 100 percent recycled
ingredients, to recapturing the heat
learning how indigenous peoples
sources.
from the brewing process, heating our
throughout the world co-exist in harmony
Within a very short period of time,
building, [and] paying a premium for
with nature, and then coming back to the
Bruichladdich had a rethink and just
ethical energy and banking.”
UK and working for the Soil Association
decided that wasn’t good enough for
which brought him to Stroud. It was in
their concept of sustainability and are
While this might sound like Pilley is
this Gloucestershire town, about 30 miles
getting rid of the tins all together.
running a non-profit, nothing could be
their hogs or fishermen catch cod, there
On page two it states: “As the leading
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BREWERS JOURNAL
further from the truth. If you want to pay your employees a decent living wage – complete with a real pension – you need to make a profit, your company needs to be sustainable as much as the nature that surrounds it.
CORP B
W
hile not on most people’s lips, Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social
If you are choosing to use, like Stroud, locally grown organic barley that sells for £9,000 a tonne – as opposed to £4,000
and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in
East Anglia barley, you need to make
business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
a profit. If you want to give back to the
Society’s most challenging problems cannot be solved by government and
community that supports you, you need
non-profits alone. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and
to make a profit to keep this going.
growth as a means to a greater end: positive impact for their employees, communities, and the environment. The B Corp community works toward reduced
Pilley wants this and more. He wants
inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities,
Stroud to make a real return on investors’
and the creation of more high-quality jobs with dignity and purpose.
money, but he wants to do it on his terms.
B Corps form a community of leaders and drive a global movement of people us-
This means avoiding the huge
ing business as a force for good. The values and aspirations of the B Corp commu-
supermarket chains like the plague. You
nity are embedded in the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence.
have a large friendly taproom packed on weekends. You sell to pubs, restaurants and bottle shops, with a dream of selling around the UK. Was Pilley’s drive to be sustainable also making money for the brewery? It was in pre-Covid days, while living to the standards of the 32-page report. Is it now? Stroud is still hanging on to its sustainable standards but profits? No. As with many breweries, business is down significantly; at Stroud, 75 percent to be exact. But Stroud’s rent hasn’t decreased by 75 percent. The price of energy, grain, yeast, water, cans, bottles, shipping, etc, none of this has decreased by 75 percent. What Stroud owes to a community loan which allowed for a modernization and expansion of the brewery a couple years back, this hasn’t decreased by 75 percent. With all of this, Pilley spells out the details on a YouTube Crowdfund appeal on the brewery’s webpage – an appeal to help the brewery survive. Why was he putting out information that very few other breweries would? This falls under “honesty and transparency,” part of Stroud’s Five Guiding Principles – Page 7, Number 2 ‘We have integrity’.
brewersjournal.info
MARCH~APRIL 2021
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61
BEING BIG HELPS
the plastic rings that hold multipack cans together with recyclable glue. The
In 2005, with extremely little publicity,
following March, it reduced the weight
Walmart informed all of its farmed shrimp
of its glass bottles by 10 grams, saving
suppliers that they had to adhere to
63 tonnes of glass in the first six months
Best Aquaculture Practices standards.
following the launch.
Overnight, the Thai shrimp industry went from chopping down mangroves
By collaborating with its can supplier,
to sustainable practices. While these
Carlsberg has also introduced a
standards were not perfect, compared
lighter aluminium can across six of
to what was there before – nothing – this
its key markets, which, according to
was remarkable.
sustainability manager Peter Statham, saves over 1,000 tonnes of metal and
Walmart was able to do this because
a considerable amount of carbon
it is the world’s largest buyer of farmed
emissions each year.
shrimp. “You want to play ball with us, here are the new rules.” Since then
The big players have economies of scale
they’ve done the same with all other
and up-to-date production processes,
aquaculture products they buy.
they can afford to take risks and can afford to take a long-term view. As a small
Being a major player gives companies
or medium-sized brewery, you can’t.
the clout to bring about changes that small players can’t.
So, what can you do?
US beer giant Budweiser declared in
While big beer might have the financial
2017 that all of their products going
clout to get things done, they lack the
forward will be brewed with wind-
flexibility and adaptability of smaller craft
powered energy, part of their goal by
breweries. To come to a decision, there
2025 to utilize only renewable energy.
are layers upon layers of bureaucracy at big beer, while with smaller, the decision
Craft beer company Brewdog bought
process might rest on only one or two
2,000 acres of Scottish highland to plant 1
people. A decision that takes big beer
million trees, with the ambition to remove
weeks or months to arrive, smaller craft
For example, aluminium cans versus
twice as much carbon from the air than it
breweries can make in an afternoon or
glass bottles. If you can find aluminium
emits each year.
less.
cans made from 100 percent recycled
The Scottish brewery will create 1,400
According to the Master’s degree thesis
Glass is heavier so it costs more to
acres of woodland and 650 acres of
of John Grunde, Siqu Li and Robert
transport and it’s fragile so requires
peatland restoration, with work expected
Meri’s “Craft Breweries and Sustainability:
more packing material. But, new
to start soon this year.
Challenges, Solutions and Positive Impacts
aluminium cans are made from bauxite,
(available free online), there are five
which is mined in a manner which is
Brewdog co-founder James Watt told
main sustainability challenges. These
environmentally unfriendly.
City A.M: “We went to a dinner where
are: energy; agriculture; packaging &
David Attenborough spoke and that
distribution; water; and alcohol.
materials, these are a clear-cut winner.
If you sell food at your brewery, do you use plastic, wooden or metal utensils?
inspired us to dig deeper into this, and the deeper we dug we came to the very
While the thesis mostly consists of
Wooden would seem like a winner, but it
stark realisation that we weren’t doing
survey questions and results from craft
takes longer to decompose in real world
nearly enough, and in fact we were
breweries in the North America and
situations than manufacturers claim.
massively part of the problem…it’s our
Europe, the questions asked in each of
carbon, it’s our problem and we want to
the five challenges will prove invaluable
With metal, they’ll need to be gathered
fix it ourselves.”
to you in creating your brewery’s
from tables and washed, possibly
sustainability checklist.
creating a job which makes the local community more sustainable, but
The Brewdog forest, which was previously farming land, will be open to
However, it is far from being as easy as
possibly hurting your profits and your
the public and will have a bar.
checking boxes off a list, and indeed,
brewery’s sustainability.
Pilley says that trying to go sustainable is In September 2018, Carlsberg replaced
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a complicated issue.
Spent grain, the leftover malt and
BREWERS JOURNAL
adjuncts after the mash has extracted
guarantee that no customer will ever
most of the sugars, proteins, and
walk in and ask you if your beer is
nutrients, can constitute as much as 85
sustainable.
percent of a brewery’s total by-product.
blog/newsletter Daily SevenFifty. “The brewery a person drinks [at] becomes a representation of themselves.
The decision to go sustainable relies
So the opportunity is really in the whole
However, this can be recycled to farms
solely on you and your team and due to a
process of grain to glass to customer.
in a “foam-to-farm” approach which your
wide-open diversity of methods between
People will seek out what is important
customers can latch onto.
each brewery claims to sustainability, it
to them, breweries just need to tell their
But, in doing so could you be
will be up to your team to define your
story so they can be found.”
contributing to livestock practices which
own version of stainability. It will also
are more harmful to the environment
be up to your team to educate your
At the end of the day, perhaps all
than caused by dumping the grain in a
customers why it should matter to them.
sustainability questions, thoughts and
landfill?
lists can be summarised by Stroud’s Joe Bolick, a director at the Iowa Waste
There are no easy answers.
motto: Buen Vivir or Happiness for All.
Reduction Centre, says that beer is about as wasteful of product as you can
“This simply means rather than seeing
imagine. But he also says that because
our natural or social environments
it is so resource intense, it leads itself
as resources to be exploited and
Customers will ask you if your beer is
naturally to become more sustainable –
degenerated for profit, we value
gluten-free, GMO-free, organic, vegan
where there is waste, there is opportunity.
regenerative practices that work with
SUSTAINABILITY REALITY
nature and benefit the entire community,”
or alcohol-free. Is it cask, served cool or served cold? But, despite that survey
“The unique aspect about craft beer is
stating the customers are willing to pay
the relationship between the brewery
more for beer brewed in a sustainable
and customer,” Billy Smith, general
manner, it is almost a complete
manager at Hawaii’s Kona Brewing, told
brewersjournal.info
says Pilley.
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ON SITE RENEWABLE POWER THERE ARE A NUMBER OF WAYS YOU CAN OPERATE YOUR BREWERY IN A MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY MANNER. HERE, SEAN PURDY FROM CLEANEARTH OUTLINES THE CORE BENEFITS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE KEY VARIABLES THAT MAKE RENEWABLES VIABLE FOR A BREWING BUSINESS.
The turbine is located about a mile from the brewery and serves the plant via a direct wire, with Budweiser Brewing Group purchasing the power from CleanEarth through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
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T
he key benefits of
The advantage is not only the reduced
are now important KPIs for businesses
renewables can be
cost of energy, but also the ‘fixed’ price
– for their customers, shareholders,
summarised as: reduced
for the lifetime of the system (25+ years)
suppliers and staff.
cost and reduced carbon.
which de-risks financial planning by
Wind and solar now
removing the volatility of wholesale
Renewable generation is a visible,
energy prices.
measurable, high-impact way of
generate electricity at the lowest cost of
reducing a company’s carbon emissions.
any method of generation. This is true at utility scale (i.e. powering the national
The payback period on an investment in
The turbine for Budweiser will save
grid) and also for self-generation, where
solar can be as little as three years – or
65,000 tonnes in CO2 emissions over its
renewables are consistently cheaper
even less if grant funding is secured
25 year operational life span.
than buying from the grid.
(more on this below). This is making a major contribution to
As an example, we’ve recently
The urgent and global-scale need
their target of brewing their beers with
completed a solar project that generates
for decarbonisation is utterly beyond
100% renewable electricity by the end of
at 3.2p per kWh (the national average for
dispute. Even the oil companies are
this year.
manufacturers is 9p per kWh).
taking action. Corporate carbon footprints
BUDWEISER BREWING GROUP AND ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST WIND TURBINES
B
udweiser Brewing Group
The turbine is located about a mile from
flagship UK brewery. That’s 9 million
UK&I called on CleanEarth
the brewery and serves the plant via
kilowatt hours of electricity each year,
for a new wind turbine to
a direct wire, with Budweiser Brewing
supplied via private wire under a power
be installed at its brewery
Group purchasing the power from
purchase agreement (PPA), directly to
in Magor, South Wales
CleanEarth through a power purchase
where the beer gets brewed.
to help power the site with renewable
agreement (PPA). Given the local wind speeds and the
electricity.
With blades of an incredible 68 metres in length, the turbine is believed to be the longest to enter commercial operation
BEHIND-THE-METER TURBINE FOR THE WORLD’S LEADING BREWER
maximum tip-height allowed under the planning consent, they needed to optimise around the total swept area of the turbine blades so they could
on UK soil. The blades’ tips reach a height of 150 metres and sweep an area
Size: 3,500
harness the available wind as efficiently
the equivalent of two Wembley football
Output: 9,000,000
as possible.
pitches.
Annual carbon: 2,600 Lifetime carbon: 65,000
This led them to blades that are 68
The newly installed turbine will supply
metres in length – which they believe
nearly a quarter of the energy consumed
When your brewery produces more than
are the longest ever to enter commercial
at Budweiser Brewing Group’s brewery in
a billion pints of beer a year, your energy
operation on UK soil. They sweep
Magor. As the site produces more than 1
consumption is going to be pretty hefty.
through an area equivalent to two
billion pints of beer each year– including
And if your corporate commitments
Wembley football pitches.
Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona and Bud
include brewing all your beers with 100%
Light, its power demand is considerable.
renewable electricity by the end of 2021,
With a tip-height of 150 metres, the
you’re going to need some large-scale
combination of blade length and
wind or solar generation.
engineering efficiency allows the Vensys
The turbine is the latest step in
V136 turbine to achieve an output of up
Budweiser Brewing Group’s commitment to brew its beers with 100% renewable
The turbine in Magor, South Wales,
to 3.5 megawatts. If we weren’t brewing
electricity by next year, and its continued
provides nearly a quarter of the energy
beer with it, that would be enough to
investment in renewables.
consumed at Budweiser Brewing Group’s
power 2,300 Welsh homes.
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65
With blades of this magnitude, navigating
KEY ISSUES & QUESTIONS
the road network becomes especially challenging. So the conventional route by road was dropped in favour of shipping
Here are the most common questions and issues that businesses need to address
them more than 800 miles by sea and
if they’re considering renewables:
into Bristol’s Avonmouth Dock, leaving just the last 20 miles to be negotiated by
SELF-INVESTMENT OR PPA?
road.
Do they make the capital investment and own the system themselves, or buy the electricity through a Power Purchase Agreement?
While this made for some short-lived
Wind turbines are usually PPA arrangements where the developer owns the tur-
lunchtime tailbacks on the M4, it was
bine and sells the electricity under contract (this is the case with Budweiser).
a much simpler and less disruptive
Solar is more likely to be self-investment, where the client pays the developer to
approach than the conventional trip
install and maintain the system and they get all the power generated for ‘free’.
across the country from an east coast
ENERGY USAGE
port.
Self-generation works best for medium to large energy users. This includes most As turbines continue to grow in size,
brewers, especially those that have major heating or cooling requirements.
the logistical challenge means that
The commercial returns are higher when most or all of the power is used directly
future blades are likely to be supplied in
on-site (i.e. no excess being exported to the grid) so it’s important to analyse not
multiple sections.
just the total consumption but the profile over time-of-day and day-of-year. We then model the projected generation against the usage profile to find the finan-
Turbine towers are routinely transported
cial sweet-spot.
in three or four parts and assembled onsite, but the more complex shapes have
LEASEHOLD OR FREEHOLD?
prevented this approach being adopted
Do they own the building/property where the installation will be? It’s much simpler
for blades.
if they do. But if they don’t, it is still possible to negotiate with the landlord – as we did in 2019 with a wind turbine we built next to Accolade Wines vast bottling plant
As they now seem to have reached the
in Avonmouth.
limit for single-piece transportation, blade design will need to change and it’s
LOCATION
likely that our 68 metre record will stand
This is important for irradiance levels for solar (not much sun in the far north of
for many years to come.
Scotland) and wind speeds for turbines (lots of wind in the far north of Scotland). It’s also important if planning consent is needed – which all turbines require but
As well as providing a quarter of the
roof-mounted solar does not. We are intimately familiar with the planning regs
Magor brewery’s electricity, the wind
in England, Scotland and Wales (they’re all different) and can quickly determine
turbine will also save more than 2,600
whether or not any given site will be viable.
tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. That’s well over 65,000 tonnes of carbon
BUILDING/PROPERTY TYPE
savings during its operational lifetime.
For solar, modern buildings tend to have the easiest roof profiles to work with, although older buildings can often be made to work.
This makes a significant contribution to
Anything from 100 sq m upwards (about 10kW in generation) is potentially viable.
Budweiser Brewing Group’s ambitious
For wind turbines, they can either be sited adjacent to the building (as with Acco-
sustainability goals, and moves them
lade) or a short distance away with a connecting cable (Budweiser).
closer to that 100% renewables target.
GRANT FUNDING As Dean Robson, managing director of
There are numerous funding schemes active across the UK, usually managed
CleanEarth, said: “Too often corporate
through county councils, which can pay up to half of the capital cost.
goals are not coupled with strong and
We’ve done several projects on this basis, including the Ludlow Brewing Co which
effective action – but Budweiser Brewing
is receiving up to 50% funding from the Marches Renewable Energy scheme.
Group were supportive at all levels, and acted throughout with a clarity that’s consistent with their bold environmental targets.”
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BREWERS JOURNAL
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From Single Machines To Complete Plants
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TACKLING THE CONDENSATION CHALLENGE WHEN IT COMES TO MOISTURE, HEATING AND VENTILATION IMPACTS SYMPTOMS AND NOT CAUSES. HERE, HUMIDITY SOLUTIONS OUTLINE A MORE EFFECTIVE AND IMPACTFUL APPROACH TO THESE ISSUES.
M
odern breweries
condenses.
often involve highly
This has multiple knock-on effects:
individual mixtures
u Corrosion in structures and equipment,
of centuries-old
caused by condensation dripping and
craftsmanship and
pooling
modern technology, with high-volume
u Brick and concrete building materials
consumer beers at one end of the
suffer damage and deterioration
output spectrum and microbreweries’
u Growth of mould and mildew on inner
connoisseur specialities at the other.
walls, ceilings, etc. u Microbes and bacterial growths
Production, output and commercial
flourish, impacting hygiene and hygiene
ambitions may grow, but in many cases
compliance
much of the equipment for orchestrating
u Safety hazards and accidents
the brewing magic is tucked into existing
u Problems with electrical installations
buildings and other legacy structures associated with a brewery’s historical
Humidity fluctuates unpredictably,
roots—but not really designed for
depending on season and weather. The
modern compliance requirements and
moisture in the air can’t be seen, though
legislated standards.
its effects can.
Breweries worldwide consistently
This invisibility has traditionally resulted
report one particular set of problems
in humidity—and its many attendant
in their buildings—all associated with
problems—often being poorly
uncontrolled airborne moisture inside
understood.
buildings and structures. Brewing involves many processes
Heating and ventilation are often used
that feature significant temperature
in an attempt to deal with the effects of
differences.
humidity, but the basic laws of physics
For example, when the beer is cooled,
mean these can never do much more
there are usually big differences between
than impacting symptoms—not causes.
room temperature and the surface
Specialist desiccant (adsorption)
temperature of kettles, tanks, pipes,
dehumidifier technology enables you to
bottles, barrels and cans.
bring all these conditions under control. Better control means lower costs, less
brewersjournal.info
For example, the beer is often cooled
risk, better hygiene and greater efficiency.
to below 5°C during fermenting. Each
The right desiccant dehumidifier enables
room or building is full of air that contains
you to maintain any specific dew point
unseen moisture—water vapour, or
below a certain set value, giving full
humidity. When this moisture comes
control over humidity conditions in any
into contact with colder surfaces, it
section of your brewery.
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69
The right desiccant dehumidifier enables you to maintain any specific dew point below a certain set value
controllers helps you ensure maximum
when using water)
dehumidification efficiency and the
To ensure you get the right system for
lowest possible energy consumption.
your brewery, it is wise to take specialist
With certain larger models, you can
advice. Humidity Solutions Ltd are the
The payoffs include:
also opt for key additional capabilities
exclusive UK distributor for Cotes A/S,
u Condensation-free structures, with no
in the form of easy-to-integrate plug-
a Danish manufacturer of a full range
dripping
in modules for pre- and post-heating/
of desiccant dehumidifiers with an
u Mould- and mildew-free inner walls,
cooling, energy recovery and closed-
excellent reputation for quality, reliability
ceilings, etc.
circuit condensation.
and service. We offer a free site survey
u Dry floors
Additionally, some modules don’t require
to measure and discuss each brewery’s
u Better general hygiene
any ducting, which means you can easily
individual requirements.
u Fewer accidents
install the dehumidifiers in brewery
u Fewer health and safety annotations
spaces with only limited, difficult access
u More reliable electrical installations
to free air—or no access at all.
u Lower maintenance costs for buildings
HOW IT WORKS An outside temperature and relative
WHAT DO I NEED? Importantly, desiccant dehumidifiers
humidity of (for example) 24°C and 60% relative humidity (point 1) results in a dew
have the big added advantage —
These are some of the key metrics
point of 15.8°C (point 2).
particularly in relation to low-cost, simple
you probably need to take into
This means airborne moisture will
condensation dehumidifiers — of being
consideration to work out what size/kind
condense on any surface with a
equally effective all year round and over
of dehumidifier would work best in your
temperature below this 15.8°C.
the entire temperature range from -25°C
particular brewery.
Bottles leaving the filling room usually
to 40°C.
1) Weather conditions in the area
have surface temperatures of 12–14°C.
Some dehumidifier models are available
2) Volume of room/space/building
Moisture will condense on such bottles
with PLC control systems that do away
3) How much moisture-laden air enters
as long as the dew point in the storage
with manual operation and instead switch
from outside through gates, doors,
room is higher than their surface
on automatically when needed.
windows and ventilation ducts (normal air
temperature.
This helps reduce manpower
ingress is 0.2 x room volume)
requirements and the elements of
4) Desired room temperature
Heating up the room does not help.
uncertainty often associated with human
5) Temperature on the coldest surface
To reduce the dew point, you have to
operator involvement.
6) Floor area (30 g per sq metre is
remove humidity (water vapour) from the
Installing appropriate sensors and PLC
normally left behind after floor cleaning
air inside the space.
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A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY GAUGING A PACKAGING’S SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE REQUIRES A HOLISTIC APPROACH THAT NOT ONLY CONSIDERS A ITS KEY MATERIAL AND DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS BUT ALSO EXAMINES THE WAY THEY ARE PRODUCED AND HOW THEY CONTRIBUTE TO CLOSING THE LOOP TO SUPPORT THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY, EXPLAIN RECYCLED AND RECYCLABLE SECONDARY PACKAGING FIRM PAKTECH.
F
rom family-owned
Secondly – and perhaps somewhat
establishments to global
surprisingly - plastic is in fact a fully
brands, all businesses face
recyclable and circular material.
the pressure to become sustainable and breweries
To accelerate the transition to the circular
are no exception.
economy, we must treat plastic waste
Meanwhile, due to the popularity of
as valuable resources from which new
documentaries such as BBC’s Blue
and valuable consumer products can be
Planet II or the tv program War on Plastic,
produced from.
an indiscriminately negative perception of plastic packaging has emerged among
By keeping plastic in the value chain
UK consumers.
loop, we can prevent plastic waste from ending up in our environment and
But, are all plastics equal when it
harming our eco systems.
comes to sustainability? What about the practical benefits offered by plastic as a
By using plastic waste sourced primarily
material that businesses depend on?
from recycled containers to produce our
Rest assured because sustainability and
handles, we are proud to say that as of Q1
practicality are not mutually exclusive
2021, PakTech has kept over 34 million kg
and not all types of plastic packaging are
of plastics out of oceans and landfills.
equal when it comes to environmental
Finally, material selection and design
responsibility.
play a key role in the sustainability and performance of plastic packaging.
First, it must be acknowledged that there is a world of a difference when it
Mono-material plastic packaging is
comes to the environmental footprint of
more recyclable than mixed plastic
packaging that uses virgin plastic versus
packaging – which is why PakTech
recycled plastic.
handles are made entirely of rHDPE, making them infinitely recyclable.
That is why at PakTech, we use 100%
Durability, reusability and a minimalist
recycled HDPE (rHDPE) to produce our
design to reduce unnecessary material
packaging handles.
use are other key criteria to enhance a packaging’s sustainability and reduce our
By using discarded plastic to produce our
dependency on virgin plastic.
handles, we use 90% less energy, 100%
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less petroleum and produce 78% less
And all these features are designed into
greenhouse gases compared to virgin
PakTech packaging handles from the
plastic.
start.
BREWERS JOURNAL
Being sustainable has no easy answers and simply exiting from all plastics will not solve plastic pollution. Gauging a packaging’s sustainability performance requires a holistic approach that not only considers a packaging’s key material and design characteristics but also examines the way they are produced and how they contribute to closing the loop to support the circular economy. We understand both the practical packaging challenges, such as comfort, water resistance and durability, and the pressure to be sustainable that UK breweries face. For over two decades, we have been partnering with breweries to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to a circular model while also meeting their practical and business needs. UK’s environmentally-conscious consumers care about the packaging they use and are eager to buy from businesses who they know align with their own environment goals. With PakTech’s sustainability credentials, UK consumers can be confident in choosing breweries who use PakTech solutions.
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INVESTING IN THE FUTURE FOLLOWING A MAJOR PERIOD OF INVESTMENT IN PREVIOUS YEARS, ASTON MANOR HAS JUST OUTLAID A FURTHER £6M IN TO RECONFIGURE THEIR PRODUCTION SITE AT ASTON IN BIRMINGHAM AND IN DOING SO, ADDED A STATEOF-THE-ART NEW PACKAGING LINE FROM ENTERPRISE TONDELLI.
E
stablished in 1983, Aston
mezzanine floor at up to 24,000 cans per
Manor is the only UK drinks
hour.
producer to enjoy the highest accreditation (of A++)
The result – one of the most flexible new
across all production sites
contract canning lines in the UK.
from BRC GS. As well as producing cider, Aston Manor is also one of Europe’s most
It was at an early stage that Aston
innovative contract packers. Working
contacted Enterprise Tondelli who have
with many of the world’s largest brewers
been working with Aston since 1991 to be
and leading retailers, the business has
one of those invited to tender.
innovated consistently to deliver more
Due to the long association with
sustainable packaging solutions.
Enterprise at the Birmingham site they assisted in the early conceptual designs
Aston Manor has never been one to rest
for the line especially with regards to the
on their laurels and it was back in 2018
layout.
that the ultimate in flexible contract canning facility was floated.
This was particularly important due to the
The brief ultimately developed into a
limited space, focus on operator ease of
flexible canning line for a wide range of
access and operation plus the flexibility
liquid types (including both carbonated
required.
and still beverages, ciders, beers,
All materials access is from one end
RTDs, fruit juices, and nitrogen dosed
and all operator enter the are from the
beverages), three product stabilisation
same end. This allows an optimisation
modes (tunnel pasteurisation, velcorin
of operators on the line so there can be
and future hot filling), can sizes from
dual purposing of operators rather than
150ml slim to 568ml standard, and two
one man per machine.
different can ends. After an intense period of tendering It also boasts multiple secondary
Enterprise Tondelli were successful in
packaging formats including cardboard
receiving the contract for the dry end of
multi-pack, two empty can pallet sizes,
the packaging line.
printed and unprinted cans, standard
Working closely with Aston Manor’s
and euro palletisation, and the option to
chosen supplier for the wet-end, KHS,
make as many layer patterns in house as
Enterprise helped to successfully deliver
your imagination allows – all on a new
a line that meets all the key objectives. The empty can depalletiser is located a ground level and was supplied to be able to cope with the variety of empty can pallets available. Empty cans are delivered into Aston Manor on 1120mm x 1300 mm or 1120mm x 1420 mm configurations and the machine from Enterprise was specified to cope with these. The depalletiser manufactured in Italy by Fipal also removes both the top frame and also the interlayer boards, too, for a fully automatic machine. The main filling and packaging plant is located on a mezzanine installed by
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Enterprise helped to successfully deliver a line that meets all the key objectives
Aston Manor in what was a standard full goods warehouse. This gave space for production capacity in an already busy site whilst still allowing storage at low level. Process plant for the canning line is located at this lower level beneath the can filler and adjacent to the incoming product reception tanks. The plant includes a KHS Paramix deaerator / blender / carbonator along with an automatic CIP set suitable for cleaning the filling plant, tanker bay reception area and product reception tanks. Space is also provided for a future hot fill pasteuriser. At this lower level is also a fully equipped QA laboratory to check incoming product and validate quality through the entire process for both Aston products as well as their contract customers. As cans exit at high level (3.8m) they are then transported to a height of 7.5 m from floor level, travel the length of the packaging line to the gravity can rinser. Cans are raised using a mass flow spiral elevator they gently conveys the cans onto the high level platform that runs the fall length of the empty can conveyor to give easy access for maintenance. This platform supplied and installed by Enterprise also gives access down onto the tunnel pasteuriser – more of that later.
with the cooling system.
recirculated and reused within the
The unit features fully insulated hot
machine system with only one drain point
As there are three diameters of cans a
side for energy savings along with a
for a “dry” floor rather than the sometimes
triple lane can rinser from Enterprise
water saving system that ensures the
swimming pool that can occur near the
was selected that uses ionised air for
machine is always balanced – something
pasteuriser.
can cleaning. Quick change parts and
not enjoyed using traditional triple
Cooling water is through and adiabatic
automatic guide rails at the inlet mean
regeneration systems.
unto to reduce water consumption and
a quick change over from one format to
negate the concerns around legionella
another.
The rapid heat up time due to the use
A 32/6 rotary volumetric can filler/
of stainless steel heat exchangers
seamer supplied by KHS / Ferrum was
rather than less efficient tubular heat
Fans at the discharge ensure that water
engineered into the project by Enterprise
exchangers and contributes to the
is moved from the punt of the cans and
to give a more turnkey project.
machine smaller energy footprint. Rather
returned to the circuit rather than being
than heating up vast quantities of water
wasted.
A triple purpose tunnel pasteuriser allows
the pasteuriser works on a reduced water
The simplicity of the tunnel design,
tunnel pasteurisation or can warming
storage instead.
quality of components used and also
or can cooling post pasteuriser was supplied by Enterprise Tondelli along
brewersjournal.info
and reduce chemical consumption.
easy operator interface make for very All water overflows are collected and
easy operation.
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Access of the spray headers is from
allowing for a repeatable change over
A GP multipacker that uses Kraft board
above and an access ladder of the high
operation.
has the capability for six configuration
level platform gives access. As you would
To enhance the line management
which again can be used for the 9 can
imagine the line has level inspection
information “Line view” were contracted
sizes making Aston the ideal location for
rejection post filler and also post
by Aston Manor to collect and collate
multipacking of cans.
pasteuriser for product integrity.
data from all the machines to identify
The pack palletiser from Enterprise is
areas where there could be any reduction
located on the lower level so that no
Although much of the production will be
in optimisation. This will ensure the line is
fork truck are in the production area and
pre-printed cans Aston also incorporated
always operating at its best.
is reached by a spiral elevator again. The Fipal palletiser has non contact soft
a self adhesive rotary labeller for full cans as part of the contract with Enterprise.
Secondary packaging is by Baumer
pack turning coupled with indexing row
The high speed labeller from BRB
combined tray erector loader shrink
formation so there are no pop up plates
Globus also has the facility for retrofitting
wrapper that also has wraparound
impacting the packs.
a second reel station for non-stop
cartonning capability too.
operation in the future. Space has also be
The servo motor control means that
allowed for future can decoration such as
The compact machine also has the latest
new patterns can be easily added by the
sleeving etc to ensure future proofing.
generation tunnel from Baumer that
customer who does not need to worry
features movable side wall of the shrink
about roller pitch of the row former.(they
Flow through accumulation tables
tunnel along with separation of air flows
have added several at the time of writing)
and pressure less combining
between the sides and base of the packs.
. Opening basket roller head ensures
from Eurosistemi Srl ensure good
This allows regulation of air pressure,
that the pallet has a tight and uniform
accumulation between the various
volume and temperature to give better
shape so it does not get rejected at the
machine for higher line efficiencies.
shrink wrapping.
automatic warehousing.
volume integrated fans ensure no
The patented short film path also allows
Craig Wilson who led the project team
moisture on the cans before labelling.
for narrower shrink film as the film does
from Enterprise Tondelli said: “There
The stainless steel conveyor control
not wander..... The packer has quick
is always a great collaboration and
has a remote operator station near the
change over system that allows the very
interchange of ideas working with Aston
filler/pasteuriser /labelling area for one
wide variety of cans sizes, multipack size
Manor and we have appreciated the
operator.
and fin pack configuration to be handled.
great co-operation with Mr. Clifford and
It is the 7th Baumer that Aston have
his team. The visual impression of the
Infeed to the packer has an elevating
bought from Enterprise since 1994. The
line and viewpoints are very impressive
section that raises to allow passage of
machine has 12 main formats multiplied
for encouraging new customers for
either random cans or multipacks without
by the number of can sizes.
ourselves and Aston. Thank you.”
Two Euroisistemi can driers with high
the insertion by hand of heavy guides
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BREWERS JOURNAL
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A REVOLUTION IN LAGER? A NEW NON-GMO LAGER YEAST STRAIN DEVELOPMENT COULD OPEN UP A NEW WORLD OF LAGER FLAVOURS AND POSSIBILITIES. HERE, RENAISSANCE BIOSCIENCE EXPLAIN ALL.
T
he publication of a
strains (Group III).
The Renaissance approach was to breed
landmark paper on lager
Renaissance BioScience CEO, Dr. John
the S. eubayanus subgenome from
yeast development
Husnik, explained: “This Renaissance
industrial lager strains and hybridize them
in the February 2021
achievement is one of the most
to different ale strains, eliminating the
issue of Applied and
practical innovations in lager yeast strain
need to breed undomesticated, wild S.
development.
eubayanus strains.
De Novo Lager Yeast Hybrids with a
“Our paper outlines how this advance
Jessica Swanson, lead development
Unique Genome Architecture: Creation
was developed and, importantly, explains
scientist and beverage unit manager,
and Characterization,” by Turgeon et al,
the potential to create many different
said: “The Renaissance approach in
explains how the Renaissance research
novel lager yeast strains, and also to
making commercially applicable and
team developed an innovative approach
fine-tune and enhance many current pro-
highly valuable lager strains could also
in creating novel non-GMO lager yeast
prietary strains used by beer producers
be combined with yeast advances and
strains that are immediately suitable for
around the world.
technologies previously developed by
Environmental Microbiology (Volume 87, Issue 3). “Industrially Applicable
other researchers to produce protected
lager beer production, and which will
enhanced strains.
help broaden the diversity of commercial
“This yeast technology is ready to begin
lager beer strains for both major global
commercial usage and applications.
beer producers and smaller craft
Congratulations to our team on this
“Most importantly, all of these innovation
breweries.
exciting advance. We’re about to
possibilities will have significant benefits
enter a whole new world of lager beer
for beer consumers around the world.”
For hundreds of years, lager beer has
innovation.”
been produced using strains from two
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS LAGER YEAST DEVELOPMENT?
related lager yeast types: Group I and
Zachari Turgeon, Principal Scientist and
Group II.
the paper’s lead author, added: “Our
Although these groups are genetically
expert research and development team
different, they produce very similar
has developed an elegant and highly
Zachari Turgeon, Principal Scientist,
flavour and aroma profiles, and thus
rigorous approach to developing lager
Renaissance BioScience
play a role in the lack of diversity in
strains that has significant potential to
commercial lager beer.
expand flavour profiles and improve the
For 500 years, lager beer has been
industrial efficiency of beermaking.
produced with just two types of yeast,
To date, approaches aimed at creating
“In addition, the Renaissance platform
labelled Group I and Group II. The
new lager yeast have generated strains
approach could be combined with our
Renaissance lager yeast platform
that possess undesirable brewing
patented hydrogen sulfide-preventing
technology is what we think forms a new
characteristics that render them
technology to reduce or even eliminate
type of yeast — Group III.
commercially unviable.
the off-aroma hydrogen sulfide, a com-
This novel approach circumvents the
mon concern for lager beermakers
Developed using our extensive
issue and allows for the creation of new
everywhere, and this provides patent
experience in yeast breeding, this lager
lager strains that are directly suitable for
protection for any lager yeast innovations
yeast technology is really a platform
lager production.
produced with our technology.
or a palette for lager yeast users and
“We look forward to discussions with
master brewers to create new lager beer
In the paper, the company proposes that
beer producers and master brewers
flavours and aromas, as well as to reduce
yeast created using this novel approach
about our paper and the Renaissance
off-aromas.
be classified as a third group of lager
approach to yeast strain improvements.”
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brewersjournal.info
MARCH~APRIL 2021
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79
THE BENEFITS u None of the negative traits associated with using wild S. eubayanus are present. u The genomic structure of the new Renaissance strains produced is unique compared to all known lager yeast — the authors propose that these novel strains form a third group of lager yeast (Group III).
apples with various flavours and textures
u The new Renaissance strains now
used for specific purposes such as
have a wider temperature tolerance
baking or cidermaking.
range; this can increase their uses
HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THIS? Zachari Turgeon, Principal Scientist, Renaissance BioScience
for different styles of beer, as well
That’s the current situation with lager
as improve propagation and the
beers as there are really just two types of
The Renaissance team has extensive
manu-facturing of the yeast.
lager yeast: Frohberg-type and Saaz-
experience and expertise in non-GMO
u Renaissance’s R&D team can
type.
classical breeding techniques, and a
significantly increase the diversity of
Bananas are akin to lager yeast, whereas
wealth of know-how around developing
lager yeast by using a wide variety of
apples are like ale yeast. We are able to
innovations in yeast that can solve
different parental strains, leading to
breed ale yeast and develop new strains
difficult industrial challenges, e.g.,
optimization of lager yeast perfor-
based on brewers’ needs, think English
reducing the presence of the carcinogen
mance, an increase in the aroma and
ale, Belgian ale, Saison, and American
acrylamide in foods or reducing the
flavour diversity of lager strains, and
ale.
amount of the contaminant hydrogen
the elimination of off-aromas.
sulfide in wines and beer.
u The Renaissance development
The Renaissance lager yeast innovation
approach is entirely non-GMO, rely-
means that lager beers now have the
This innovation and achievement
ing entirely on yeast’s natural sexual
opportunity to eventually become as
followed years of diverse experiences
reproduction.
varied as ales are today.
working with yeast. The team applied this
There’s a very exciting world of
knowledge and experience to build upon
possibilities for lager beer globally, with
the body of work previously done by
virtually unlimited potential.
aca-demic labs in the area of lager yeast strain development.
We are able to speak to a large beer
required directly in the yeast.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS THIS WILL HELP IMPROVE LAGER BEER PRODUCTION AND EFFICIENCIES?
Smaller brewers might wish to develop
Zachari Turgeon, Principal Scientist,
entirely new flavours in order to compete
Renaissance BioScience
ANY OTHER COMMENTS TO MAKE ON THIS?
yeasts to breed out inefficiencies in order
u Increase the flavour and aroma
John Husnik, PhD, CEO, CSO, Renaissance
to scale up more efficiently to serve new
diversity of lager beer.
BioScience
regional markets.
u Reduce off-aromas (such as hydrogen
producer about any specific lager yeast production challenges they might need addressed in their proprietary lager yeast, and then breed the small changes
The results have allowed for tremendous success in advancing the breeding technology, enabling the creation of unique, industry-ready lager strains.
seasonally, or fine-tune their existing
CAN YOU PUT THIS IN CONTEXT FOR WHAT IT MEANS FOR LAGER BEER?
sulphide and VDKs).
It’s vital to give credit to the extensive
u Improve stress tolerance and substrate
work performed in prior decades by
utilization, leading to more efficient
academic labs around the world in lager
fermentation performance in high-gravity
yeast strain development.
brewing. Jessica Swanson, Lead Development
u Introduce novel aromas not typically
This existing work, which advanced many
Scientist and Beverage Unit Manager
found in lager yeast, including unique
different aspects of breeding, has been
enzyme activities.
extremely helpful to the Renaissance
To put this development into general
u Increase temperature tolerance
team, providing a strong foundation of
terms, consider that there is just one
range, allowing for lager beer brewing at
knowledge from which to further our ef-
major variety of banana for global
warmed temperatures.
forts in yeast strain innovation.
markets, but there are many types of
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CLASSIFIED
TBJ directory.pdf 1 24/11/2020 13:28:48
BREWING AND PACKAGING
FERMENTATION MONITORING
C
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Bottling | Canning | Kegging Contract Brewing | Blending
CM
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CMY
01843 865000 sales@sebpackaging.co.uk www.sebpackaging.co.uk
K
Realtime fermentation gravity and temperature monitoring with graphing, optional remote temperature control and our new CO2 purge device. www.dotmatix.net 020 3475 1420
CONTRACT PACKAGING FOR THE CRAFT DRINKS MARKET
CASK & KEG CLOSURES
HOPS SUPPLIERS
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www.enterprisetondelli.co.uk info@enterprisetondelli.co.uk
BREWING DESIGN AND BUILD
Since 1774, Rankin continues to supply reliable closures that help seal, protect and add value to your brands. www.rankincork.co.uk sales@rankincork.co.uk + 44 (0)1844 203100
CONTRACT BREW & PACKAGE
American hops from the Pacific Northwest hops@yakimachief.com +1 509-453-4792 @yakimachief
HUMIDITY CONTROL
6ix Fabdec Ltd offer a full range of high quality brewery products, designed and manufactured right here in the UK. www.6ixfabdec.com sales@6ixfabdec.com +(0)1963 205 001 +(0)7375 448 118
BREWING EQUIPMENT
Whether you are an existing brewery or starting your own brand we have the perfect contract solution for you. Brewing, bottling and kegging services - we are the ‘secret’ behind our customer’s great beer.
INGREDIENTS
ben@hambletonbrewery.co.uk +44 (0)1765 640108
COOLING SOLUTIONS
info@kanegrade.com +44 (0) 1438 742242
Gravity Systems was formed to meet the growing demand in the craft beer market for a single source for all brewhouse, fermentation, services generation and distribution.
www.gravity-systems.co.uk +44 (0)1733 834264 enquiries@gravity-systems.co.uk
brewersjournal.info
www.galxc.co.uk +44 (0)23 8086 7168
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81
CLASSIFIED
INGREDIENTS CONT’D
MALT CONT'D
PACKAGING AUTOMATION
skafabricating.com +1 (970) 403-8562
Fruits, citrus, heat treated dried spices UK supply year round
FRE E
SAM PLE S
www.muntons.com +44 (0)1449 618300
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Tel. +44 (0) 1200 449833 www.bowlander.co.uk Bringing Quality Control to the Brewery Suppliers of analytical testing products and services
MALT www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk +44 (0)1289 330033
www.bestmalz.com
PACKAGING
We supply the finest quality kegs & casks in the world, manufactured to the highest industry specifications. We provide 50 litre kegs, 30 litre kegs, 4.5 gallon Pins & 9 gallon Casks. www.crispmalt.co +44 (0)1328 829 391 info@crispmalt.com
www.qclscientific.com +44 (0)1342 820820
RECRUITMENT
www.keglogistics.com/united-kingdom
+44 (0)7734 035562 SHorrox@keglogistics.com
PACKAGING HANDLES
CETT AW
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www.carlingpartnership.com +44 (0)1483 893 100
UALITY M
www.fawcett-maltsters.co.uk +44 (0)1977 552490 sales@fawcett-maltsters.co.uk
PakTech designs and manufactures 100% recycled, recyclable and reusable packaging handles. PakTech is the smart and sustainable packaging solution.
www.lallemandbrewing.com +44 (0)7930 451687
www.paktech-opi.com handlesales@paktech-opi.com Phone: +1.541.461.5000 Fermentis is an expert in the art of fermentation. Our active dry yeasts and yeast derivatives cover almost all professional requirements: from safeguarding production to expressing sensory characteristics. Discover our products on www.fermentis.com Contact us at fermentis@lesaffre.com
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BREWERS JOURNAL
IGCisisyour your nationwide high-quality BIGGER BREWERIES NEED MORE IGC IGCnationwide is your IGC nationwide high-quality is your IGCnationwide high-quality isCO your high-quality high 2 nationwide 2 CO2 provider provider of choice for beers and cider. WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED CO CO2 provider of choice CO of2for provider choice beers CO2for provider and of beers choice cider. and offor choice cider. beersfor and beer cid Beer&&Cider Cider carbonation Beer Beer carbonation & Cider carbonation Beer & CiderBeer carbonation & Cider carbonation
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OurComprehensive Comprehensive ServiceOur Guide Our Our Comprehensive Service Guide Comprehensive Service Our Guide Comprehensive Service Guide Service
Salesand andrental rental CO and vessels ONLY ••Sales • Sales ofofCO and rental NN of •CO Sales and N2 rental vessels • Sales of COand and rental N2 vessels of CO2 and N2 vess 2 2and 2 2vessels 2 and 2 UK Vesselcapacities capacities fromcapacities 120ltrup upto2500 to2500 tons independent ••Vessel • Vessel from 120ltr from • Vessel 120ltr tons capacities up to2500 • Vessel from tons 120ltr capacities up to2500 from 120ltr tons up to2 • New and reconditioned pressure vessels supplier of • New and reconditioned • New andpressure reconditioned vessels • New pressure and reconditioned vessels • New andpressure reconditioned vesselspressure ve
CO2undertaken vessels Engineeringand servicingundertaken undertaken ••Engineering •and Engineering servicing and servicing • Engineering undertaken and • Engineering servicing and servicing undertak
IGC is your nationwide high-quality Mixed Gas filling ••Mixed • Mixed Gas filling cider. Gas filling CO2 provider of choice for beers and Beer & Cider carbonation
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Contractualadvice advice andnegotiations negotiations ••Contractual • Contractual and advice •and Contractual negotiations advice • Contractual and negotiations advice and negotiations • Pressure system safety regulations 2000 (from HSE) • Pressure system • Pressure safety regulations system safety •2000 Pressure regulations (fromsystem HSE) •2000 Pressure safety (from regulations system HSE) safety 2000regulations (from HSE)
The popularity of beer and cider demands quality. A reliable and quality supply of CO2 is therefore crucial to your business, whether you operate within the manufacturing beer and soft drinks industry. IGC strive to ensure that your business continues to operate as efficiently as possible, so can provide you with the necessary CO2 storage and gas supply to aid carbonation & soft drinks & cider production.
selectionof ofselection Breweries using IGCStorage Storage vessels AAselection A Breweries ofusing Breweries A selection IGC using of A Breweries IGC selection vessels Storage of using Breweries vessels IGC Storage using IGC vessels Stora
Hall Woodhouse AstonManor Manor••Hall •Aston •Hepworths Hepworths Adnams •Adnams McMullens Beavertown Brewdog Williams St Austell Hall && Woodhouse Hall •&•Aston Woodhouse StStAustell &Austell Woodhouse Manor •Bros •Hall St Austell •&Aston Woodhouse •••Adnams Manor Hepworths ••St Aston McMullens Austell • Adnams Manor • Hepworths •• St McMullens Austell • Adnams • Hepworths •M Our Comprehensive Service Guide • Sales and rental of CO2 and N2 vessels • Vessel capacities from 120ltr up to2500 tons • New and reconditioned pressure vessels • Engineering and servicing undertaken • Mixed Gas filling
Phone:01257 01257 794170 Mobile: 07931 765454 info@igc-pressure-vessels.co.uk Phone: Phone: 794170 01257 ••Mobile: 794170 Phone: 07931 •01257 Mobile: 765454 Phone: 794170 07931 01257 ••info@igc-pressure-vessels.co.uk •765454 Mobile: 794170 •07931 info@igc-pressure-vessels.co.uk • Mobile: 765454 07931 • info@igc-pressure 765454 • info@ • Contractual advice and negotiations
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A selection of Breweries using IGC Storage vessels
Hall & Woodhouse • Aston Manor • St Austell • Hepworths • Adnams • McMullens
Phone: 01257 794170 • Mobile: 07931 765454 • info@igc-pressure-vessels.co.uk