Root and branch

Root & branch

Continuing her series emphasising the ‘arboreal’ qualities of Islanders, Philippa Evans-Bevan interviewed Pat Dean, head brewer at the Liberation Brewery

L-R: Peter Corcoran, Pat Dean, Nigel Dowden & Tom Bradbury.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the origin of the Liberation Brewery – the old Ann Street Brewery. This ‘took root’ in Ann Street in 1871, when a certain Mr J S Palmer began his brewing operation there.

In 1872 an advertisement appeared in the British Press Almanac, which read:

‘Ann Street Brewery Having lately erected the above spacious and commodious premises Mr J S Palmer (Maltster) is prepared to supply Ales and Porter of superior quality equal to the best English Brew.’

That tradition is alive and well today in Longueville, now home of the Liberation Brewery. Head brewer Pat Dean and his team craft every pint to produce beer that is fresher and of superior flavour than imported beers. The four key ingredients are malting barley, hops, yeast and water. Pat uses a strain of yeast which is unique to the Liberation Brewery and sources the finest hops from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and further afield to create bold and different tastes. Top quality malting barley is shipped from Norfolk.

A dedication to the art of brewing and a strong commitment to Jersey are just two of the attributes that Pat and the Liberation Brewery have in common. Their journeys from ‘root to branch’ have been equally interesting and dynamic. Pat was born in Cheshire and studied at the University of the West of England, at Bristol, where he acquired a degree and appreciation of Butcombe Real Ale. The latter took prominence in shaping his career and his first posting in the world of brewing was with a small start-up brewery in North Wales. A chance meeting with Steve Skinner from Jersey’s Tipsy Toad at a brewing course in York led to Pat moving to Jersey in 1995.

Pat’s passion and skill as a brewer was swiftly recognised by his appointment as head brewer at the Liberation Brewery and Pat speaks with huge pride about his colleagues.

He said: ‘I am extremely fortunate to be supported by the competence and skills of a great team who include Peter Corcoran (quality control manager), Bryan Snedden (engineer), Nigel Dowden (beer processor), Tom Bradbury (trainee brewer), and Steve Neil (brewer). I feel very privileged to work with them in an industry that we all love and to work for such a forward-thinking company.’

As well as looking ahead, Pat is inspired by the brewery’s heritage. As one of the longest established Jersey businesses, spanning the Island’s history since the reign of Queen Victoria, the brewery continued to produce beer all through the First World War and the German Occupation.

In 2011 the change of name from Ann Street to Liberation Brewery paid tribute to Jersey’s resilience, and the highly decorated flagship cask Liberation Ale has won countless gold medals at international brewing awards ever since.

Other titles reflect legend, locality and generally create thirst - Herm Island Gold, Noire, Blonde, Mary Ann Special, Bailiwick Best, Premium Pony to name a few. There is also Christmas Ale, and for the 150th anniversary of the Liberation Brewery, there is a special Christmas Collaboration Brewing. Pat explained: ‘It is a marker for a new chapter - after the impacts of Covid. We have brought together fellow Island brewers - the Bliss Brew Company and Stinky Bay Brewery. It seems a fitting way to share, produce and enjoy a 2021 Christmas Celebration Tribute Beer.’