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

In this week's episode, we catch up with Neil Walker, Head of Comms & Marketing for the Society of Independent Brewers Association (

In order to support growth, boost productivity and remove ‘cliff-edges’, the scheme’s taper will be smoothed. It will take effect more gradually over a wider range of production, starting at 2,100 hectolitres per year, and be converted to a cash basis. A technical consultation will be brought forward in the Autumn.

The Government will also consult on the potential for a grace period for small breweries that decide to merge."

The announcement has caused alarm and disgust amongst independent British brewers, who now face the prospect of an unknown duty hike should they fall between the annual hectolitreage, with no further details availing themselves until the Autumn budget announcements in October/November.

Naturally, opinions have been divided and the discussions on the subject divisive.

Many small independent breweries and commentators from within the UK industry, including ourselves, their dismay at the Small Brewers Duty Reform Coalition who have supported this change.

And yet, on the other hand, breweries such as Timothy Taylor’s Chief Executive Tim Dewey has made an open statement on their website as to why they agree with the changes in beer duty.

Further still, Oakham Ales - a member of SBDRC say that they ‘certainly do not agree with the reduction of the Small Brewers threshold – this is an unwarranted, punitive and unnecessary step.’ A position North Yorkshire's Black Sheep have also taken.

This is all in a day's work for Neil and the team at SIBA, who have been also tackling reforms to licensing laws, working with the Northern Ireland Executive to see retail reforms there, and organising SIBA's first digital beer competition.

For more information on SIBA and to find out how you can become and benefit from being a member, visit

This week, we're joined by Utopian Brewing's Managing Director, Richard Archer, to talk all about how the pandemic has helped them reach a wider audience. Documenting their journey from humble beginnings in picturesque mid-Devon as a brewery serving the local market, Utopian Brewing have expanded their consumer-base through a grassroots marketing campaign by sending out their 100% British ingredient made lagers.

To find out more about Utopian Brewing, head over to http://www.utopianbrewing.com

This week's episode is sponsored by TEP Machinery Movement

TEP Machinery’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time – give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on 01937 558203.

Brewery Shoutout

Lincoln Green Brewing Company takes its name from the colour of dyed woollen cloth worn by the legendary Robin Hood well known for championing the rights of everyday working folk. And like Robin Hood we believe in putting people at the heart of everything they do.

The words ‘quality’ and ‘consistency’ resonate throughout their business. From their brewery team who deliver beers that always taste great, through to our pub teams who ensure that they are served in the best possible condition. They offer outstanding service and products that bring people back time after time.

By knowing that every sip and visit is important their multi-award winning ales and pubs are becoming legends in their own right. Make sure you visit their website to find out how you can get hold of their fantastic beers: Lincoln Green Brewing Company

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In this week's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast, we catch up with founder and CEO of Big Drop Brewing Co: an award winning craft brewery that exclusively makes low alcohol beers, under 0.5% ABV.

Former lawyer, Rob Fink, who - on the pursuit of being the 21st century dad - laid aside lunchtime pints and sought an alternative, started the brewery with his former school friend James Kindred - an acclaimed designer – after quickly discovering that they couldn't find a good craft beer that contained no alcohol.

Avid listeners to the Hop Forward Podcast will remember Episode 3, where we interviewed Head Brewer Jonny Clayton, not long after the brewery had established itself.

This episode takes a deep dive into the backstory behind Big Drop and looks at what lays ahead for the award winning brewery.

BREWERY SHOUTOUTS

This week's shoutout goes to our good friends over at Tripel Point Brewing in Sheffield.

Make sure you check out their New World Tripel, alongside their fantastic lagers and various other beers.

Visit their online shop and enjoy FREE DELIVERY on orders of £50 using the code OVER50

THIS WEEK'S SPONSOR...

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited has got you covered.

In just 5 short years SSV Limited have established themselves as your go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery. High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit, knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their online parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to ensure your brewery is kept up and running with the majority available on next day delivery.

Visit their web shop on store.ssvlimited.co.uk and place your order today.

Beer fans in the 21st century have never had it so good!

Go onto Untappd and you'll find everything from the Pomegranate Berliner Weisse, Double Peach Candy Popcorn Sour, and Maple Bacon Coffee Porter, right through to a Macadamia White Chocolate Stout or the Yorkshire Pudding Best Bitter.

And whenever - fill in the blank - brewery makes a DIPA with the sexy new hop variety or releases their barrel aged blended mixed ferms, you can guarantee without a shadow of a doubt that the Untappd massive will be pushing little old ladies out of the way just to be seen with the latest wax topped bomber.

But why do beer styles and breweries like these command such reverence among a faithful few? Why are certain breweries upheld as the saviour’s of craft beer, while others - who make equally good if not better beers - not get a look in?

And what makes one brewery seem more appealing and desirable over another?

All the while, beers you drink rather than beers you experience, go quietly unnoticed, just… doing their thing. These are the accompaniment to conversations rather than the focus of it.

It’s funny how there is a sense of frustration among many brewers surrounding hype beers. While on a deep, intrinsic level we all know that hype is just that - hype! - a vacuous here-today-gone-tomorrow, and yet somehow we still get sucked into its vortex.

How do you separate the beers that are really worth celebrating from the noise? Because some breweries really are worth talking about.

One brewer who has been around the block and witnessed this first hand is American Beau Schinner. Beau is a brewer at Norway’s in Trondheim.

Having worked at breweries, including Lervig and a variety of craft breweries, he has been subject to it all!

In this discussion, we dig down deep into why certain brewers and their beers receive over-attention and are hyped, while others go largely unnoticed; we talk about the habits and behaviours of avid beer fans; and throw around ideas about how marketing plays into all of this.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY...

TEP Machinary’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time - give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on 01937 558203.

BREWERY SHOUTOUT

Check out some of the best beers you'll ever try from a pair of the most modest people you will ever meet. Our shoutout this week goes to our good friends Dann and Martha over at Sheffield based Saint Mars of the Desert.

Buy their beers from www.beersofsmod.co.uk

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Mental health has long plagued many sectors, but particularly those who choose to talk the path of hospitality.

And - as we discovered from our recent mini-series The Under Beer Belly of #BrewersLife - there are many black dogs on the shoulders of bar staff, brewers and business owners alike. Throw an unprecedented global pandemic into the mix of a pre-existing storm and who knows what the long term prognosis will be for the well-being of those who choose to make and serve alcohol for living.

Having had several rounds of counselling myself and being fascinated with human physiology, the topic of mental health in my line of professional work has been close to my heart for many years.

I’ve both experienced the effects of mental ill-health and been a front seat spectator of colleagues and friends who have both suffered at the hands of depression, anxiety, and the like over many years.

Whenever I’ve heard people speak out on the subject, which - let’s face it - often gets swept under the rug, I’ve said a yes and amen to anyone championing that cause.

One of such people is none other than Stu McKinley from the Yeastie Boys.

Stu is the kind of person you want to work for. Friendly, approachable, down-to-earth, and mindful about mental health, workplace well-being, and cultivating an environment by which you would willingly give above and beyond to.

Stu is also a big advocator of mental health over the years, and in this episode - a discussion we ran out of time for during our last podcasting, which took place on a cold, dark evening within the womb-like taproom belonging to Saint Mars of the Desert - we talk about everything from the coronavirus pandemic and pubs reopening, to mental health, working remotely, and adopting good communication skills.

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TODAY'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY SSV Limited

From tanks to full brewhouses SSV Limited has got you covered.

In just 5 short years SSV Limited have established themselves as your go to partner to help you grow or launch your brewery. High quality tanks, parts, brewing kit, knowledge and experience to ensure your project runs smoothly from beginning to completion.

Their online parts shop stocks well over 1000 essential brewing parts to ensure your brewery is kept up and running with the majority available on next day delivery.

Visit their web shop on store.ssvlimited.co.uk and place your order today.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUT

Led by founders Sam McGregor and Tom Bott, the Signature Brew team is made up of musicians and music fans alike and – with an unwavering commitment to quality – Signature Brew has channelled the spirit and energy of live music into a brewery that stands for craftsmanship, artistry and passion. Brewed in Walthamstow, enjoyed by beer lovers and music superfans globally, their beers are of unrivalled quality, and they were crowned SIBA's highly prestigious Brewery Business of the Year 2018.

Head over to www.signaturebrew.co.uk and try Pink Vinyl as well as their other fantastic beers!

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Follow us on social media Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

The Pub: two humble little words in the English dictionary that conjure up memories of friends, near and far, steadfast and forgotten; a phrase that is every bit as warm and inviting as you last remembered it (even if that last experience wasn’t necessarily a good one!); a soundtrack to accompany every moment, ranging from staring space at the rain through the window after a humdrum day at work, to the intense emotions of happiness on a crisp summer’s evening to celebrate a special occasion, the victory of a football team, or ‘just because!’.

As a staple institution of society, the pub has survived multiple world wars, various plagues, economic downturns, and the temperance movement, what pubs and drinking establishments will look like several decades from now may be unrecognisable, even to modern eyes.

As restrictions are eased and our world tries to pick up the pieces shattered by COVID-19, our pubs and other hospitality venues are unlikely to resemble any sense of ‘normality’ for sometime.

I recently spoke with journalist and beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones on his reflections as to what pubs may look like going forwards and how the industry is likely to fare as a result of COVID-19 and moving into the next phase of life.

This week's episode is sponsored by...

TEP Machinery Movement

TEP Machinary’s fleet of lifting equipment, forklifts, and vehicles, coupled with their highly experienced team and extensive knowledge gained over 40 years means they can support you with all your equipment installation, removal, and movement requirements as well as providing support for your ongoing maintenance and repair access needs

Ensure your equipment is placed in the right location first time, every time - give TEP Machinery Movement a call today on 01937 558203.

Brewery Shoutout

To join in the launch event simply pick up some beers and email [email protected] for access. The event will use hashtags #quietsong #hereforindiebeer

Craft… was there ever such a word in the English dictionary that has divided opinion in the world of beer as the C word.

For some, it defines what it means to be a small, independent brewer.

For others, it symbolises a revolt against the globalisation of big business and putting profits before people.

While for others, it’s the smaller beer selection in their local supermarket with all the colourful cans on, sandwiched between the cases of Carlsberg to the left and the bottles Black Sheep to the right.

According to Pete Brown, it is a term that is completely undefinable, hopelessly misunderstood and absolutely essential.

In our discussion, we discuss everything from terminology, brewery buyouts, why independence is such a hotly contested topic in the world of beer, and how everyone plays into the hands of marketing in one way, shape or form.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUTS
Wild Card Brewery - Wild Card Brewery has released a new batch of their seventh beer as a part of International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day. This year Wild Card Brewery chose to brew an IPA in tribute to Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and writer, who is widely celebrated as the first computer programmer.

The Cheshire Brewhouse

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

Is there any other country quite as revered in the world of beer as Belgium?

While many start their continental beer journey in their local supermarket with commercialised brands such as Leffe and Duvel, it’s usually only a matter of time before they’re booking Eurostar tickets to Bruge, taking a pilgrimage to Brasserie d'Orval, before visiting the Lamic mecca: Brasserie Cantillon.

There is something to be holy revered about Belgium beers, though we often reserve such reverence for Quadruples that have been bottle conditioned and cellared for several decades, many of its everyday styles such as the humble saison or witbier carry equal levels of complexity, albeit in a more subtle, understated way.

You’d be mistaken to think all Belgium beers a banana-bubble-gum sweet: many beers from one of our nearest European neighbours manage to create freshing, acidic balance through mixed fermentation provided by cultures of lactobacillus and brettanomyces, while riding the undercurrents of a gourmaine kitchen spice rack.

Swirling flavours that dance around your tongue when sampling some of these world-class beers leave you both refreshed and pining for more.

Fortunately, you don’t have to take a trip to West Flanders to sample fine examples of Belgium beer styles (though it helps… not that you’re getting there anytime soon thanks to Brexit and COVID-19, so it’s just as well!).

UK brewers such as Saint Mars of the Desert often brew farmhouse styles, while Mount Saint Bernard Abbey - Britain’s only trappist brewery - are renowned for their highly sought dubbel Tynt Meadow.

And while other breweries - such as Unity Brewing Co and Derbyshire’s Buxton Brewery - sometimes turn their hand to brewing these styles, it’s East London’s Solvay Society that solely focus on the brewing Belgium beer styles.

And with good reason.

Roman Hochuli - Head Brewer and co-founder of Solvay Society - hails from Brussells and brings vast technical knowledge to his craft, creating some fantastic beer styles, some of which we will delve into further in this episode.

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BREWERY SHOUTOUT

This week's brewery shoutout goes to our good friends over at Yeastie Boys. Enjoy their range of core and seasonal beers with a special 10% disount for our listeners by using the code HopForward when placing your order

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Follow us on social media @hopforwardbeers

Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

On days like today, where the sun is shining, the weather is sweet, there’s nothing that people from Australia to Zimbabwe like to drink more than cold, refreshing, crisp lagers.

Although many certainly wouldn’t give a Castlemaine XXXX for the hangovers that accompanied the hedonistic aspects of the 90’s, lager still remains the world’s most popular beer style by a clear mile.

Even though I once took a world lager to a bottle share, only to receive low scores from many of the participants who brought lambics, lambics and, oh look Mr Frodo… more lambics, lager has also seen a resurgence amongst a growing number craft beer drinkers too.

While IPAs and New England style IPAs dominate the craft beer category, many drinkers are starting to re-appreciate the subtle flavours and nuances of lager, while brewers pour over the technical wonders of decoction mashes and cellaring the beer just right to create stunning flavour profiles for all to enjoy.

Modern craft breweries in the UK such as Manchester Union Brewery, Donzoko, and Devon’s Utopian Brewing are amongst some of the newer brewers to be producing this historic beer style with their own twist to create some outstanding examples within the category.

However, many of these modern breweries probably wouldn’t exist without standing on the shoulder of giants such as the Czech Republic’s nationally owned Budweiser Budvar.

In many ways, Budvar has reinvented itself over the last 125 - though the history of the brewery itself in one form or other dates back to 1265 and the city of Budweis itself was the imperial brewery of the Holy Roman Empire - and yet, at the heart of this iconic brewery is one thing: it’s lagered beer.

Budweiser made such an impression on one American brewer that he decided to even name his own beer Budweiser and both breweries have tussled over trademark disputes and the right to use the word Bud, Budvar or Budweiser in various territories ever since.

Imagine what it was like for Josh Smith, a beer professional and fan, to land a new found position as UK marketing manager - having previously worked for the likes of Chicago’s Goose Island - to find himself in the beer cellar of Budweiser Budvar drinking Budvar Dark, straight from tank.

Tick that one off the bucket list!

And so, armed with a case of both the Original Budweiser Budvar and Budvar Dark, I set off on a personal quest to find out more about this timeless beer from Josh and the brewers themselves - Adam and George.

In this episode, we discuss everything from the production process, decoction mashing, cellaring and common off-flavours found in lagers, right through to the ongoing trademark disputes, cultural contexts surrounding lagers, and how the brewery is managing to produce and package its beers while its staff safely social distance.

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This week's brewery shoutout goes to our good friends at Spotlight Brewing, who are raising awareness one beer at a time about learning disabilities.

Make sure you check out their fantastic beers, which have just made it into can, at www.spotlightbrewing.co.uk

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Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.

It's no secret that the hospitality industry, in places, has a problematic consumption of alcohol.

Day for some are casually accompanied by beer from dawn till dusk, and excessive consumption of alcohol for those who work in brewing or hospitality is just one Imperial Stout away at the end of a long shift packaging or dispensing beer.

But how does being around and working in beer and hospitality work when it comes to self-discipline and moderating your consumption?

What’s an ‘appropriate’ level of weekly alcohol intake?

Obviously, there are official medical guidelines issued, which you will find on packaged beer and - if you’re in the UK at drinkaware.co.uk - but also, without living in a totalitarian state, questions like these are up to each individual to answer for themselves.

This is a subject that many brewers, bar-staff, and those in the business of beer sometimes shrug off. But deep down, we've all had darker moments when confronted by the reality that perhaps we are drinking too much.

In today's episode of the Hop Forward Podcast - recorded during Dry January - I sat down with then-brewer for John Harvard's Brewery in Framingham MA, USA, Mike Souza, to have a frank and open conversation about alcoholism in the craft beer sector, and how some of the labels, which evoke powerful if somewhat negative images, are unhelpful when dealing with excessive consumption.

If you are effected by today's episode and feel you need help, take a moment to visit The Drinks Trust; a charity that provides care and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce.

In light of our mindful drinking topic, today's brewery shoutouts go to two breweries who we believe are creating some of the best low-to-no ABV beers around:

BIG DROP BREWING COMPANY

Founded In 2016, Big Drop was the world’s first company to focus entirely on brewing Alcohol-Free craft beer. It’s all 0.5% ABV and they are now selling over 1 million bottles annually worldwide.

Big Drop has so far picked up 26 international beer awards, including twice being judged the ‘World’s Best’ at the World Beer Awards, winning Gold at the US Open Beer Championship and, the ‘Holy Grail’ of any non-alcoholic drink, winning medals against full-strength rivals in blind tastings.

The Core Range (Lager, Stout, IPA and Pale Ale) are now available in 330ml cans as well as bottles but they are also about to launch (1st June) two Summer Specials in 440ml cans – Poolside DDH IPA and Kodama IPA.

Check out their website www.bigdropbrew.com for more or you can go straight to their webstore by visiting https://shop.bigdropbrew.com where you can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount for our listeners by using the code HopForward10

NIRVANA BREWING
Nirvana Brewery was launched in 2017 by a family of beer lovers with a simple mission; to dedicate itself entirely to the creation of quality alcohol-free craft beers. Coming from a family of beer lovers, when founder Becky’s dad Jim went teetotal, she wanted ensure that he would carry on feeling included socially and see his face light up again when handed a bottle. Since then Nirvana has opened up a whole new world of great tasting alcohol free beer for a growing movement of folks that like to have a good time but keep their senses intact.

From familiar styles of beer such as stout, IPA and pale ales, to experimental brews including the world’s first kombucha beer, our tried and tested recipes produce quality alcohol-free alternatives, ready to be appreciated by craft beer enthusiasts and casual beer drinkers alike!

Made with 100% natural ingredients, our fantastic full-flavoured beers come with their own distinctive personalities and benefits. Enjoy them to your heart’s content without compromising your state of mind. Just goes to show that life – and beer – tastes better when you do things your way.

Whether you’re drinking alcohol, staying sober or shooting for somewhere in between, Nirvana is the common ground that unites all. Join the journey with Nirvana.

Use the code HOPFORWARD at www.nirvanabrewery.com/shop for 10% off orders of their award winning lager.

Follow us on social media Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review

Visit hopforward.beer to find out how we can get you ahead in the brewing and beer business through branding, marketing, and business development.