When Buxton Brewery announced it had gone into administration, shockwaves could be felt across the craft beer community. As a pillar of the UK craft beer scene since 2009, setting benchmarks for quality and innovation with beers like Axe Edge, it was unthinkable that a brewery with such a solid reputation could be amongst the casualties of the current economic climate. However, no business is immune, and Buxton Brewery, it appeared, was no exception.

After facing the challenges of the pandemic and navigating a pre-pack administration in 2023, the brewery is now under new ownership and back on stable ground.

In this episode, Nick travels to the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District to chat with Dominic Metcalfe, Managing Director of Buxton Brewery, in their stunning taproom opposite the brewhouse. Together, they explore the tough realities of running a brewery in today’s climate, the impact of supermarket sales on craft beer, and how Buxton Brewery is forging a path forward in an ever-changing market.

Recorded in September 2024, this candid conversation reveals the complexities of pre-pack administrations, the pressures of the brewing industry, and the enduring passion for quality beer that defines Buxton Brewery.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)
Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.

Crisp Malting Group (crispmalt.com)
Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.

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Is regenerative Barley really the future of sustainable malt, or has its benefit been over-hyped? In this week's episode, Nick hosts a panel debate to hash it out with experts in the field whether this and other low-impact ingredients are the future of sustainable brewing.

Recorded at SIBA Beer X in March 2024, Nick is joined by Greg Piley from Stroud Brewery and Ben Richardson, CEO and co-founder of Zevero, a carbon accounting and decarbonisation platform working with more than 15 breweries across the UK to help them measure and reduce their emissions. Mark Machin from the Soil Association and Gipsy Hill Brewing Company's co-founder, Sam McMeekin, also add their experience and expertise to the discussion.

We'd like to offer a big thanks to Neil Walker, Head of Comms and Marketing at SIBA, for granting us exclusive access to this recording.

Very much in keeping with the theme this week, Nick is also joined by Charles Faram & Co group technical director Will Rogers to look at regenerative hop farming and research.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)
Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.

Crisp Malting Group (crispmalt.com)
Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.

FOLLOW HOP FORWARD
hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram

Liverpool has long been a musical powerhouse. From Echo and the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood to its most famous sons, The Beatles, the City of Pop has shaped global culture. But Liverpool is far more than music and mop-tops.

Home to two iconic football teams, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., the city is also a gem for beer and food tourism. The Grapes pub offers cosy vibes and well-kept cask ales. Dead Crafty on Dale Street showcases rare international beers, while Azvex Brewery & Taproom is a must-visit. For amazing vegetarian Indian street food, Bundobust is unbeatable—don’t miss the Paneer Tikka skewers!

One of my all-time favourite breweries, now sadly closed, was Liverpool’s Mad Hatter Brewery. Known for unique beers like Tzatziki Sour and the outrageous Smokey Bacon and Banana Rauchbier, they embodied creativity in brewing. Though gone, Mad Hatter remains a legend in the modern beer scene.

Today, a lesser-known brewery, Colbier Brew Co, is carrying the torch. Founded in 2024 on a Bootle industrial estate, Colbier is making waves with Proper Sound Beers inspired by music. Founders Mike Corbett, Vik, and Stu have already showcased their brews at top venues like Manchester’s Port Street Beer House and Sheffield’s The Old Shoe.

In this episode, I chat with Mike and Stu about launching a brewery with tight budgets, digging drainage channels with jackhammers, and crafting great beers on a DIY setup. I also speak with Sarah Marshall from Crisp Malting Group about the 2024 British malt harvest and what brewers can expect.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)
Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.

Crisp Malting Group (crispmalt.com)
Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.

FOLLOW HOP FORWARD
hopforward.beer | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Instagram