Does anyone work in the brewing industry?

[philipbh]

Making it is the easy bit.

It's flogging the stuff that is the hard bit

So unless he has a salesman as a partner I'd forget it

To be fair though - neither Morrissey or Fox were natural born salesmen - they weren't even natural born brewers - they just like to drink the stuff

 

[User169]

It wasn't the Cannon Brewery by any chance?

I once went there on a cellar management course. We spent lunch in the brewery tap (Pig & Whistle). We were told we could consume as much as we wanted. Fantastic stuff it was too. The tutor also got several down him, the afternoon session was more relaxed....

Not sure Bayerd. I do remember though that his first job was to solve a problem they had with foam stability - the heads of the pints kept cracking. Not a huge problem in itself, but customers were convinced the pint was off so the pubs were having to give out replacement pints.

He did also say that beer straight from the conditioning tank in the brewery is rather fine!

 

[Greedo]

Here is a link to a follow up story on the Morrissey / Fox Brewery that was on Channel 4 (last year?) - the joint venture of Neil Morrissey & Richard Fox

http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=61829&c=1

They started with a Blonde Ale and moved to some seasonal products and are looking to expand their range even further

They have made a success of it so far after (IIRC) a haphazard start with the recipe and brewing process

Watched that programme and have mates in Harrogate. Went to their pub in Marton Cum Grafton for lunch one Saturday and it was pretty good. The Blonde ale was okay and certainly not "bad"

However it was a guest ale in a pub in Glasgow last year around comic relief time and I bought it for everyone when it was my round. Not one of us finished it as it was disgusting. Cost me another round!!!! don't know what the problem was as it wasn't off, it just tasted totally different and even with me being stubborn I couldn't finish my pint.

 

[Greedo]

Cheers for the info guys.

Premises wise - that's not an issue. There's not a lack of affordable industrial units in Glasgow.
Selling wise - that's not an issue as he's been in sales for years
Product wise - Think he really needs to get this spot on as there are loads of others to compete with
Funding wise - he'll be fine. As I mentioned he has been very canny with his cash over the years and the fugure he would get on leaving his company would be a decent kickstart. Others would invest as well.

 

[Alan Whicker]

Here is a link to a follow up story on the Morrissey / Fox Brewery that was on Channel 4 (last year?) - the joint venture of Neil Morrissey & Richard Fox

http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp...code=61829&c=1

They started with a Blonde Ale and moved to some seasonal products and are looking to expand their range even further

They have made a success of it so far after (IIRC) a haphazard start with the recipe and brewing process

I think Morrissey Fox is brewed under contract by (I think) either John Smith's in Tadcaster or Theakston's in Masham. I know their pub business went belly-up, and presumably the micro brewery with it.

The key is standing out, I think. Like Brewdog - they only started in 2007 and are now internationally feted. Their products are very different, but they're fantastic beers.

 

[Greedo]

I think Morrissey Fox is brewed under contract by (I think) either John Smith's in Tadcaster or Theakston's in Masham. I know their pub business went belly-up, and presumably the micro brewery with it.

The key is standing out, I think. Like Brewdog - they only started in 2007 and are now internationally feted. Their products are very different, but they're fantastic beers.

Didn't realise their pub had went belly up. Shame as it was a nice pub.

Brewdog are great. Championed their beers on here a few times. Not bad for 2 young guys stuck away up the north of Scotland

 

[yashicamat]

Brewdog and Thornbridge are two breweries that are really excellent examples of how a diverse and independant attitude to brewing will pay off. Brewdog have targeted their sales mainly in bottles it would seem, whereas Thornbridge seem to be pouring their efforts into cask ale. Both breweries produce exciting, interesting and varied beers, a million miles away from the likes of Black Sheep and Timothy Taylors (who both produce reasonable ales, they are just somewhat "traditional" and that market sector is becoming dwarfed by the influx of new style American pale ales, IPAs and stouts).

There are other excellent micros about who do produce very good beers, but they operate on a much smaller (and typically local) scale. Examples being Pictish Brewing Company, Marble Arch, Abbeydale, Roosters, and in Scotland, Fyne Ales.

I think another question, Greedo, is how far your friend wants this brewery to go. If he wants to eventually rival the likes of the above, then he'll have to make sure his beers are distinctive from the word go . . .

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Avoid the comedy names too - beers with names like 'Arse Scratchers Finger' and 'Old Grumpfuttocks Bog Water' really put me off.

 

[yashicamat]

Avoid the comedy names too - beers with names like 'Arse Scratchers Finger' and 'Old Grumpfuttocks Bog Water' really put me off.

Agreed to avoid that style of name, but a catchy name is without a doubt a key selling point. Look at Brewdog's first big success "Punk IPA" - what a name! It was instantly memorable, and that's worth a lot I reckon.

 

[summerdays]

Pubrunner used to, erm, run a pub.

I didn't realise that.... I thought that he ran TO the pub

 

[pubrunner]

For years he's made his own beer and has always dreamed of doing something serious with it. It's always decent stuff he makes and has quite a creative side when coming up with new stuff.

Home brewing (which can produce excellent beer) is entirely different to being the owner/brewer of a microbrewery. However, the ability to come up with new brews is a 'plus'•

It is an excellent idea to go on a course - I'd recommend the one run by Brewlab, though there are many others.

Does anyone know if this is a good idea or not as in the magazines and websites i read it seems the beer/ale market is in freefall. Said I would ask on here for him. Cheers
Greedo

Like anything else, it is a good idea if it works. Setting up costs can be expensive; but many (most) microbreweries are set up using 2nd hand equipment. Nothing wrong with that, 'cos it is virtually all stainless steel. New casks are about £40 each, but 2nd hand from Bass (or similar) are usually available.

*** Very importantly any brewery needs a steady supply of 'good' (usually hard) water.*** Another point to be consider is how to deal with 'waste'.

Producing a good brew is relatively easy; what is hard to get right is consistency. Hardest of all, is selling the stuff. He would have to visit 100s of pubs (freehouses are best, but some tenancies will buy) and travel many 100s of miles. Forget Weatherspoons; they buy heavily discounted beer which is close to the sell buy date. Tell him to join Camra and to visit the nearest freehouses - they would be the first place I'd look for customers.

He would have to be highly organised; he would need to arrange his 'drops' & 'pickups' so that his fuel expenses are minimised. Many small breweries use 'beer agencies' which sell beer in far-flung areas, but they obviously require their cut. Beer festivals are also a good place to promote new beers.

As others have mentioned, a good name is a must; a couple of years ago, a small concern opened called the Offa's Dyke Brewery. What a great name !

I've known many independent brewers over the last 30 years; for some, our pub was their very first outlet. Some of the more successful ones now have bottling plants. A friend owns a micro brewery, he organises trips around his brewery for £7 a time; for that, he lays on a ploughman's lunch and as much beer as you can drink. The visits are very popular and excellent publicity.

If your friend is ever up in North Shropshire, I could easily arrange a guided trip around a small independent brewery. Sadly, I gave away the barrels that we owned, though I do have a couple of stills & pin - to be used when all the Cyclechat fraternity come for a bike trip out. Actually, a pin wouldn't be enough; I'd probably require a couple of firkins. I've got a few boxes of (new & unused) pint glasses that I'd happily give him - he's going to need something from which he'll sample the beer.

Any queries - give me a shout !

 

[Greedo]

Home brewing (which can produce excellent beer) is entirely different to being the owner/brewer of a microbrewery. However, the ability to come up with new brews is a 'plus'•

It is an excellent idea to go on a course - I'd recommend the one run by Brewlab, though there are many others.



Like anything else, it is a good idea if it works. Setting up costs can be expensive; but many (most) microbreweries are set up using 2nd hand equipment. Nothing wrong with that, 'cos it is virtually all stainless steel. New casks are about £40 each, but 2nd hand from Bass (or similar) are usually available.

*** Very importantly any brewery needs a steady supply of 'good' (usually hard) water.*** Another point to be consider is how to deal with 'waste'.

Producing a good brew is relatively easy; what is hard to get right is consistency. Hardest of all, is selling the stuff. He would have to visit 100s of pubs (freehouses are best, but some tenancies will buy) and travel many 100s of miles. Forget Weatherspoons; they buy heavily discounted beer which is close to the sell buy date. Tell him to join Camra and to visit the nearest freehouses - they would be the first place I'd look for customers.

He would have to be highly organised; he would need to arrange his 'drops' & 'pickups' so that his fuel expenses are minimised. Many small breweries use 'beer agencies' which sell beer in far-flung areas, but they obviously require their cut. Beer festivals are also a good place to promote new beers.

As others have mentioned, a good name is a must; a couple of years ago, a small concern opened called the Offa's Dyke Brewery. What a great name !

I've known many independent brewers over the last 30 years; for some, our pub was their very first outlet. Some of the more successful ones now have bottling plants. A friend owns a micro brewery, he organises trips around his brewery for £7 a time; for that, he lays on a ploughman's lunch and as much beer as you can drink. The visits are very popular and excellent publicity.

If your friend is ever up in North Shropshire, I could easily arrange a guided trip around a small independent brewery. Sadly, I gave away the barrels that we owned, though I do have a couple of stills & pin - to be used when all the Cyclechat fraternity come for a bike trip out. Actually, a pin wouldn't be enough; I'd probably require a couple of firkins. I've got a few boxes of (new & unused) pint glasses that I'd happily give him - he's going to need something from which he'll sample the beer.

Any queries - give me a shout !

Thanks for taking the time to do that. That's all brilliant stuff.

That is exactly the course he's looking to go on. He's unsure whether to to the 3 week one though or the 3 month diploma. Reckon he's better doing the 3 month one as there is a lot more practical on site involved with that one. as I had a look at their site.

Any other questions and I'll give you a shout if that's okay??

Cheers again

 

[Alan Whicker]

Brewdog and Thornbridge are two breweries that are really excellent examples of how a diverse and independant attitude to brewing will pay off. Brewdog have targeted their sales mainly in bottles it would seem, whereas Thornbridge seem to be pouring their efforts into cask ale. Both breweries produce exciting, interesting and varied beers, a million miles away from the likes of Black Sheep and Timothy Taylors (who both produce reasonable ales, they are just somewhat "traditional" and that market sector is becoming dwarfed by the influx of new style American pale ales, IPAs and stouts)

Taylor's Landlord is the best beer in the world

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Taylor's Landlord is the best beer in the world

yep, no question. And the best place in the world to sample it is The Junction Inn in Otley, although doubtless any Keighley residents will be along soon to tell me otherwise.

 

[Alan Whicker]

A native Keighlian writes:

The de-facto brewery tap for Taylor's is the Boltmaker's Arms on East Parade. (I've never been to the Junction, mind B))