The Modern Brewer Podcast

BREW-DO - The Whodunnit? Show. Welcome to the first episode of BREW DO, a brand new brewing mystery series from the Modern Brewer Podcast. Think brewing, meets Cluedo with a sprinkle of Inspector Clouseau 🕵🏻‍♂️ Each episode presents a real world brewing problem. Strange results. Confusing symptoms. A brew team scratching its head wondering what on earth is going on. Your job is to figure out the culprit. In this first case something has gone badly wrong. Beer is developing disinfectant like flavours that simply should not be there. Everything looks normal on paper. The process appears correct. The brewery team are confident in their procedures. Yet something is clearly contaminating the beer. So what is it? In this episode Chris Lewington & Murphy’s European Technical Expert, Jonas Trummer walks you through the clues step by step and challenges listeners to solve the mystery before the answer is revealed. If you enjoy solving brewing problems, testing your technical knowledge and learning from real brewery scenarios, this new series is for you. We want you to submit your answers, test your knowledge, and win some exclusive BREW-DO merch. Submit your answers here: https://forms.gle/JK3VWsonJeHT2S687 In this episode •⁠ ⁠The strange disinfectant flavour appearing in multiple beers •⁠ ⁠Why the brewhouse process looked completely normal •⁠ ⁠The hidden ways contamination can enter a brewery •⁠ ⁠How sanitation practices can backfire •⁠ ⁠The moment the real culprit is uncovered Grab a notebook, listen closely and see if you can solve the case before the answer is revealed. Because in brewing, the smallest detail can ruin an entire batch. Welcome to BREW DO. Thank you to Murphy and Son's for supplying the problems for us to scratch our heads over.

Oh the excitement!! Last episode Tuur shared one of the most challenging brewing problems I've heard. In this episode, he reveals the root cause! Also I announce an exciting new mini-series coming soon. If you have follow-up questions, please email tuur@craftsense.net Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:06 Discussion on Gushing Issues 03:18 Non-Alcoholic Beer Talk 04:35 Episode 18 and Brewing Challenges 06:56 Exciting Announcement: New Miniseries Coming!!! 08:52 Sensory Workshop and Training 12:34 Recap and Reveal of Brewing Problem 18:51 Crystalline Particles in Brewing 20:03 Troubleshooting the Gushing Issue 21:34 Identifying the Root Cause 23:44 Solving the Problem w31:44 Lessons Learned 34:47 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Send us a text

Can you solve a real brewery issue? Tuur Mertens brought us a real life “gushing” problem faced in a historic brewery. We share the symptoms and context… But can you diagnose the root cause and the fix? Test your skills in this weeks episode. How to play: •⁠ ⁠Listen and take notes •⁠ ⁠⁠Email your answer (root cause + fix) to chris@brewresourceful.com and tuur@craftsense.net We will share the correct answers on LinkedIn and a follow up post Chapters 00:00 Introduction and special guest 01:37 Meet Tuur Martens 02:31 Tuur’s research and approach 03:37 The brewing mystery setup 05:20 Inside the brewery: process and constraints 07:31 The gushing problem: investigation begins 12:37 Breakthrough in the case 15:27 Can you solve the mystery 16:24 Wrap up and next steps Show sponsor - Brew Resourceful Send us a text

Is This The Future of CO2 in Breweries? Can algae capture your fermentation CO2 and turn it into useful biomass? Dr Alla Silkina and Emily Hutchinson walk us through a real pilot at Bluestone Brewery. Setup, quality, cost and how this could scale. This one for those looking to the future, a truly sustainable one. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:57 Sustainability in Brewing 02:41 The Algae Project: Concept and Goals 04:54 Meet the Guests: Dr. All Sina and Emily Hutchinson 06:07 Project Details: Algae as a Carbon Capture Mechanism 09:07 Technical Insights: Algae Cultivation and CO2 Utilisation 19:08 Challenges and Future Prospects 32:01 Discussing Financial Summaries and Investment 33:36 Cost Breakdown and Return on Investment 35:15 R&D Tax Relief and Brewery Involvement 38:18 Potential Applications of Algae Biomass 39:07 Other Industries and CO2 Utilisation 40:14 Quality and Commercial Potential of Algae Biomass 43:05 Future Steps and Commercialisation 51:53 Collaboration and Research Opportunities 56:51 Conclusion and Next Steps Links and references Research paper by Dr Silkina et al: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/23/6125 What the setup looks like in practice: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkI6CFGjMX9/?iigshMnFobWx4Y2JtZWZi Contact the guests: •⁠ ⁠a.silkina@swansea.ac.uk •⁠ ⁠emily@bluestonebrewing.co.uk For a copy of the SIBA sustainability guide co authored by Chris: barry.watts@siba.co.uk Bluestone socials: www.instagram.com/bluestonebrewingco Women In Beer: www.instagram.com/womeninbeeruk Show Sponsor: Brew Resourceful. New look. Same mission. Reduce brewery COGS with practical efficiency Send us a text

Are Non Alcoholic Beers Safe? With demand for no and low alcohol beer BOOMING, more and more breweries are brewing their own. But when you remove alcohol, you remove one of the strongest safety mechanisms in beer. And with the rise of unfiltered, unpasteurised NA beers hitting shelves, this episode asks a simple but essential question: How do you make NA beer safe? To help answer it, I’m joined by Dr Greg Rachon and co host and brewing legend, Sean Knight - Siren Craft Brew. We dig into the risks, the latest microbiological research and the practical steps brewers need to know. What we cover: - Why alcohol has been silently keeping beer safe for centuries - What happens when you take it away - The key safety mechanisms left behind for NA products - New research on pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in NA beer - The role of carbonation, packaging and preservatives - Why beer line hygiene matters more than ever This episode features some of the most up to date research on NA beer safety from Dr Greg Rachon, alongside industry insight from Sean Knight. Huge thanks to Lallemand for supporting the show and for their ongoing work with the LoNa yeast strain. Connor Bartlett - The Growth of Pathogens and Beer Spoilage Organisms in No and Low Alcohol Beers and Strategies to Prevent Their Growth (https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/74590/) Preservative Dosing Limit Document - ablease@lallemand.com Alix Blease - Lallemand - ablease@lallemand.com Andy Patterson - Lallemand - apaterson@lallemand.com Chris Lewington - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chris__brewington/ Dr Grzeorgz Rachon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/grachon/) Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Modern Brewer Podcast 00:25 Introducing Co-Host Sean Knight 02:22 Upcoming UK Brewing Events 03:52 Revolutionising Non-Alcoholic Beer with Lallemand's LoNA Yeast 05:41 Discussion on NA Beer Safety with Sean Knight 09:45 Introducing Dr. Grzegorz Rachon 10:31 Understanding Pathogens in Non-Alcoholic Beer 12:04 Research on Pathogen Growth in NA Beer 20:30 The Role of Carbonation in Pathogen Suppression 28:20 Challenges in Draft Beer Hygiene 39:57 Preservatives and Pasteurisation in NA Beer 47:27 Cold Alternatives to Pasteurisation 54:14 Challenges in Detecting Beer Spoilage Microorganisms 01:05:07 Research on Beer Line Cleaning and Flash Pasteurisation 01:12:02 Sean's Concluding Thoughts on Beer Safety and Research Send us a text

This year alone, I’ve seen multiple breweries unknowingly bleed cash through their refrigeration systems. Why? Because chillers are often misunderstood, undersized or poorly maintained. And they happen to be one of the biggest operational costs in any brewery. In this episode, I sit down with Jon Keyte from RefCool, one of the sharpest minds in refrigeration, to break down everything a brewer needs to know about chillers. From sizing to heat recovery, operational efficiency and how you can use your chiller to heat water to 50c. If you're buying a chiller, running a chiller, or trying to save energy in your brewery, this is essential listening. What we cover: •⁠ ⁠Why chillers are often over sized and draining your margins •⁠ ⁠How to correctly size a chiller (it’s not what you think) •⁠ ⁠The truth about compressor types, ambient temperatures and glycol tanks •⁠ ⁠Heat recovery that turns cooling into hot water •⁠ ⁠How to monitor, maintain and future-proof your system •⁠ ⁠Real world CapEx versus OpEx comparisons that could save you thousands This one is practical, no nonsense and deeply important for any brewer looking at a new chiller or looking to reduce their operational costs. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Modern Brewer Podcast 00:24 Highlights from the CIBD Sustainability Conference 02:42 Chris's Controversial Presentation 05:02 We Are Beer Industry Expo 06:35 Brewing World Updates 07:23 Exciting News from Francesco Lo Bue 08:34 Introduction to Today's Episode 09:48 Understanding Brewery Refrigeration 11:09 Meet John Keyte, Refrigeration Expert 13:34 The Importance of Correct Chiller Sizing 24:02 Types of Compressors and Their Impact 24:29 The Role of Ambient Temperature 27:42 Glycol Buffer Tanks and Efficient Chiller Operation 32:55 Monitoring and Optimising Chiller Performance 34:15 Choosing the Right Chiller for Your Brewery 35:15 Efficiency of Running Multiple Chillers 37:14 Assessing Chiller Operational Costs 40:18 Calculating Chilling Power and COP 41:59 CapEx vs. OpEx in Chiller Selection 42:35 Refrigerant Gases and Their Impact 49:19 Heat Recovery in Refrigeration Systems 57:38 Resilience and Maintenance of Chillers 01:03:16 Top Tips for Brewers on Refrigeration 01:05:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you to our amazing show sponsors, Brewing Trade - The hop market, owned by brewers. Exclusive Brewing Trade offer - £17.33 p/kg Talus on Brewing Trade Weekly Education Email on Hops - Francesco Lo Bue Refrigeration Circuit link Jons Newsletter Jons LinkedIn Send us a text

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do you actually become a great brewer?” this episode is for you. We’re joined by the brilliant Georgina Young, Brewing Director at @St_Austell_Brewery and one of the most respected figures in British beer, to unpack the real story behind learning, mentorship and development in brewing. From running Fuller’s iconic Griffin Brewery to now leading brewing at St. Austell, Georgina shares an honest, insightful, and often funny look at what it takes to grow great brewers. And why it’s everyone’s responsibility. Expect wisdom bombs, laughs, and a few eye-openers. Topics include: 🍺 Georgina’s journey from casks washing to command 👩‍🏫 Why mentorship matters now more than ever 🔍 How to spot brewing talent, and how to train it ⚖️ Balancing compliance, technicals and real-world skills 🔮 Where training in the brewing industry is headed next Whether you're a head brewer or an aspiring one, this one’s a must-listen. Dive in. 00:00 Introduction and Apology 01:19 Guest Introduction: Georgina Young 02:36 Sponsor Message: AEB 04:08 Georgina Young's Brewing Journey 08:41 Mentorship in Brewing 23:49 Learning and Development in Brewing 32:56 Balancing Compliance and Technical Skills 37:04 Responsibility for Learning and Development 38:38 Routes into the Brewing Industry 39:31 Spotting Potential in Brewers 43:18 Effective Training Methods 46:43 Balancing Time and Training 54:20 Future of Learning in Brewing 01:06:16 Quickfire Questions and Insights 01:12:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎧 Proudly sponsored by AEB – the go-to for Bio-Tech solutions in beer. Check out their brewing yeasts and products here https://www.aeb-group.com/uk If you have any career pathway questions, you can contact Georgina at - georgina.young@staustellbrewery.co.uk 📈 Want to see where sustainability is heading? Check out the 2024 Craft Beer Report: brewresourceful.com/craftbrewerysustainability2024 Chris LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington/ Send us a text

What happens when a brewery grows really fast…but still wants to make world-class beer? In this episode, I sit down with Mark Gammons, Head of Operations at Tiny Rebel, to talk about what it actually takes to scale production without sacrificing flavour, brand or quality. We dive deep into the balance between efficiency and volume, how Mark manages production, expansion and quality and why your brew team might be more important than the brewery itself. Expect honest reflections, tried-and-tested formulas for managing production and plenty of practical gems as we cover: ⚖️ Scaling up while staying true to your roots 🍻 How Tiny Rebel’s brewhouse has evolved over time 🧪 Why fermentation and yeast management are still an art 🏭 The not-so-glamorous side of infrastructure and planning 👥 Why team culture matters more than stainless steel 🥴 And what happens when something goes slightly...off Mark’s been through it all! From small batch brews to running a serious production machine. This episode is a playbook in keeping things real while growing big. 📚 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 02:15 Guest Introduction: Mark Gammons 03:45 Discussing Yeast and Fermentation - AEB 05:28 Mark Gammons' Brewing Journey 06:51 Tiny Rebel Brewery's Growth and Expansion 10:33 Balancing Efficiency and Quality in Brewing 13:57 Challenges and Strategies in Brewery Management 15:01 The Importance of Community and Collaboration 19:37 Infrastructure and Design Considerations 23:12 Scaling Up: Utilities and Capacity Planning 30:26 Maintaining Quality Amidst Growth 40:33 Managing Brewing Deviations 41:48 Volume Consistency in Brewing 42:42 Brewhouse Volume Management 45:08 Manual vs. Automated Brewing 53:38 Team Management and Growth 58:42 The Importance of Taste Panels 01:09:47 Expanding Brewery Production 01:15:29 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell 🎧 Proudly sponsored by AEB – the go-to for Bio-Tech solutions in beer. Check out their brewing yeasts and products here https://www.aeb-group.com/uk 📈 Want to see where sustainability is heading? Check out the 2024 Craft Beer Report: brewresourceful.com/craftbrewerysustainability2024 Chris LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington/ Send us a text

Ever wondered what it’s like to brew at one of the countries most historic and respected breweries? Or have you ever wondered what it would be like to manage a dual yeast strain? In this fun but insight-packed episode, I sit down with Fergus Fitzgerald & Dan Gooderham from Adnams to talk about their truly unique brewing approach, the quirks of square fermenters and the art of managing a dual yeast strain. Expect great stories, funny anecdotes and plenty of knowledge bombs as we dive into: 🧙 Southwold Square Fermenters 🍺 The magic of managing a dual yeast strain 🇩🇪 A cracking Bitburger story that had me saying ‘get out’ 🌿 The ongoing battle for consistency in brewing 💡 Why some of the best brewing innovations come from the most unexpected places This was one of the most fun episodes I’ve recorded, Fergus and Dan are legends of the brewing scene and are exactly the sort of people you want to go for a beer with. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Apologies 00:36 Vancouver Beer Scene and Future Collaborations 01:13 Craft Beer Sustainability Report 2024 02:54 Introducing Adnams Brewery 03:35 Adnams' Historic Brewing Equipment 05:30 Modern Brewing Innovations 05:32 Meet Fergus and Dan 07:25 Evolution of Adnams' Brewing Process 16:59 Square Fermenters and Yeast Management 47:29 Challenges of Consistency in Brewing 48:22 Natural Ingredients and Brewing 50:59 Yeast Strains and Health 52:32 Belgian Style Beers 55:14 Dry Hopping Challenges 01:04:38 Yeast Harvesting Techniques 01:11:13 Brewing Heritage and Modern Relevance 01:19:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections Thank you so much to our amazing sponsor AEB, the go to for your Bio-Tech needs - https://www.aeb-group.com/uk/beer 🔗 Craft beer report - https://www.brewresourceful.com/craftbrewerysustainability2024 🔗 Adnams Contract Brewing - fergus.fitzgerald@adnams.co.uk Send us a text

Innovation and NPD in Beer 🍻 New Product Development - Something DEYA are industry leading in without question! When brewers from outside the UK ask me ‘which UK brewery should I try’ I nearly always say DEYA. Why? Because I know, whatever the style that person loves, DEYA will nail it. That, in my opinion, is world class NPD. In this episode, I sit down with Gareth Moore from DEYA to dive deep into their NPD process and what’s coming up in 2025. We talk hop selection, relationships with suppliers and customer feedback loops. Gareth’s insights are an absolute goldmine not just for brewers, but anyone involved in the NPD process. My favourite topics Gareth covered: •⁠ ⁠The key elements of a killer NPD process •⁠ ⁠How DEYA approaches innovation without losing what makes them unique •⁠ ⁠The role of customer feedback in shaping new beers •⁠ ⁠Lessons learned from brewing failures (and how to avoid them) •⁠ ⁠Trends that are shaping the future of craft beer Check it out and let me know your thoughts! Simpsons Malt - Show sponsors have just released their 2024 Sustainability report, your chance to make a sustainable malt supplier! Read here -> https://www.simpsonsmalt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Simpsons-Malt-Sustainability-Report-2024-Digital.pdf My LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington DEYA Brewing - https://www.deyabrewing.com/collections/deya-brewery-taproom Send us a text

Is Craft Beer Doomed? ☠️ Is it f*%k. I'm sure, like most, you are sick to death of the relentless doom and gloom surrounding the craft beer industry. "It's too saturated" "Brewery closures LEAP 49%" "Cost of living means people are spending less" In this episode I sit down with the iconic Luca Lorenzoni to discuss exactly why these tpyes of headlines are absolutely wrong. Luca's experience of delivering consistent craft brewery growth over a long successful career, speaks for itself. My favourite topics Luca discussed •⁠ ⁠The real state of the Craft Beer Industry right now •⁠ ⁠The strategies breweries can use to grow their business •⁠ ⁠The breweries that are nailing it right now and why •⁠ ⁠What style of brewery he would open if he had to right now •⁠ ⁠Why 'craft beer is over saturated' is absolutely not important •⁠ ⁠Why on-trade is actually really positive for craft beer •⁠ ⁠His thoughts on craft beer vs indie beer I had so much fun doing this episode with Luca, especially as we are both so passionate about what we do. Check it out and let me know your thoughts! 0:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:56 Sponsor Message and Upcoming Events 03:41 Interview Begins: Luca's Background 07:34 Craft Beer Market Insights 14:45 Impact of COVID and Global Events 17:32 Optimism and Future Trends 23:27 Efficiency in Brewing 38:51 Does Sustainability Sell? 43:05 Luca's Ideal Brewery Business Model 44:04 The Pizza and Beer Concept 48:07 Trendsetters in the UK Brewing Scene 52:39 Dispelling the Doom and Gloom 59:17 The Evolution of the On-Trade 01:05:43 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts A huge shout out to our sponsors again, Clean Earth Energy - Power your business with clean, abundant, affordable energy. https://cleanearthenergy.com/ Luca’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucarlorenzoni/ Luca’s Email - Luca120512@gmail.com Chris’ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington/ Send us a text

2024 was a year to remember in brewing! 🍺 From sustainability wins to industry shake-ups, join me, Chris as I share: 🖐️ My top 5 brewing highlights 👨‍🏫 Lessons learned across the year 🔮 Bold predictions for what 2025 might bring Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the Show! 02:12 - 2024 in Review: The Biggest Wins 07:45 - Chris’s Top 5 Moments of 2024 15:32 - Sustainability: Where Are We Winning? 21:05 - Brewing Predictions for 2025 28:50 = The Challenges We Need to Face 34:12 - Listener Questions & Reflections 38:40 - Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up A huge thank you to Brewing Trade for sponsoring this episode. Don’t miss out—hit play now and let’s raise a glass to a big year ahead! 🍻 My LinedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lewington/ Send us a text

The Best of 2024: My top 5 This year has been crazy! 🎙️ From hitting 10k downloads to ranking in the top 10% of podcasts globally, the show couldn't have done it without YOU. Join me, Chris as I revisit my 5 favourite clips of the year—moments that made us think, laugh, and reassess what we all believe as brewers 🍻 A huge shout out to this episode’s sponsor, Brewing Trade. Tune in now and celebrate an epic year with me! 🎉 🔗 Chris' LinkedIn Send us a text

In this episode, we dive into the art and evolution of Beavertown’s branding with none other than Nick Dwyer, the creative mind behind Beavertown’s iconic look. From the home brew kits in the early days to navigating life under Heineken, Nick shares a candid glimpse into the world of brewery design and its challenges. What you'll learn: 💀 How Beavertown’s unique branding came to life 🏗️ The highs and lows of merging creativity with commercial goals 💘 Why authenticity is non-negotiable in brand evolution 🏆 Nick's top 3 tips for branding success 00:00 Introduction and Year-End Recap 03:38 Sponsor Message 04:53 Nick Dwyer's Journey and Beavertown's Early Days 06:05 Evolution of Beavertown's Branding 17:54 Challenges and Changes Post-Heineken Deal 24:27 Current Projects and Future Outlook 37:27 Balancing Consistency and Innovation in Branding 38:00 Navigating Brand Evolution with Heineken 41:10 Consumer Insights and Commercial Goals 43:23 The Role of Consumer Feedback in Branding 46:55 The Importance of Authenticity in Branding 53:07 Challenges and Successes in Brewery Branding 01:02:08 Nick's Top 3 Most Important Things For a Brewery's Branding 01:05:33 Personal Reflections and Future Endeavors 01:09:41 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up Whether you're a brewer, designer or just love a beer, this episode is a masterclass in standing out without losing your identity. Thanks to this episodes sponsor - SSV Limited - Brew more. Brew better! 🔗 Nick’s LinkedIn 🔗 Chris’s LinkedIn 🏭 SSV Limited Send us a text

In this episode of the Modern Brewer podcast, we focus on the growth of non-alcoholic beer, featuring an in-depth discussion with Jordan Childs, founder of Mash Gang. A leading non-alcoholic craft beer brewery. Jordan discusses the challenges and intricacies of brewing non-alcoholic beer, including recipe development, stabilisation and market perception. We touch on the importance of proper cleaning practices in brewing and the innovative methods Mash Gang employs to maintain quality. Listen to the end as this episode concludes with Jordan's advice for brewers venturing into non-alcoholic beer production. Tune in to learn... •⁠ ⁠The challenges and intricacies of brewing non-alcoholic beer, •⁠ ⁠Recipe development •⁠ ⁠Market perception •⁠ ⁠The Mash Gang way Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recent Events 01:25 Upcoming Projects and Sustainability 02:46 Non-Alcoholic Beer: A Growing Trend 04:22 Interview with Jordan Childs of Mashgang 06:14 Mashgang's Journey and Challenges 08:43 Developing Unique Non-Alcoholic Beers 20:52 Consistency and Quality in Brewing 34:21 Biggest Challenges in Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer 34:58 Innovative Brewing Techniques 36:43 Customer Perception and Market Challenges 41:43 Unexpected Brewing Issues 50:02 Altitude and Brewing 59:05 Sterilization and Stabilization in Brewing 01:09:38 Advice for New Brewers 01:12:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks to this episodes sponsor - SSV Limited - Brew more. Brew better! 🔗 Mash Gang 🔗 Jordan Childs LinkedIn 🔗 Chris's LinkedIn Send us a text

Ep 33 - How to Get to Net Zero: George Wade - Zevero Every brewery wants to be more Sustainable — but what does it really take to get there? In this episode, George Wade, founder of Zevero, guides us through the realities of reaching Net Zero. From the basics of carbon neutrality to the practical steps every brewery can take, George breaks down complex sustainability challenges into actionable insights. We dive deep into the hurdles breweries face on their journey to Net Zero, from understanding supply chain emissions to setting; and sticking to sustainability goals. Tune in to learn: •⁠ ⁠Defining Net Zero and its relevance for breweries 🌍 •⁠ ⁠Practical steps to reduce emissions in brewing •⁠ ⁠Engaging your supply chain in the sustainability journey •⁠ ⁠Overcoming measurement challenges •⁠ ⁠Setting realistic sustainability goals for the future Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Recap 01:27 Shoutout to Gamma Brewing 02:22 Introduction to Net Zero 02:54 Guest Introduction: George Wade 03:45 Sponsor Message: SSV Limited 05:01 Discussion on Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality 18:45 Challenges and Opportunities for Craft Breweries 24:34 Practical Steps for Breweries to Achieve Net Zero 32:44 Setting and Achieving Sustainability Goals 33:33 Flexibility and Long-Term Planning 34:21 Packaging and Transportation Emissions 35:54 Engaging with the Supply Chain 36:41 Challenges in Measuring Emissions 39:34 Future Trends in Sustainability 49:07 Misconceptions About Sustainability 52:30 The Journey to Net Zero 54:45 Resources for Sustainable Brewing 58:55 The Brewing Industry as a Sustainability Leader Thanks to this episodes sponsor - SSV Limited - Brew more. Brew better! Links: 🔗 Bi-Weekly Positive Sustainability News 🔗 Zevero’s Sustainability Blog 🔗 Free Benchmarking Tool 🔗 George Wade on LinkedIn Send us a text

Wastewater: Craft Beer’s Dirty Secret 💧🤐 The topic that no brewer wants to talk about. Wastewater. But what if that “waste” could power your brewery? In this "Tomorrow's World" style episode, Dr. Thomas Fudge, Founder of WASE, reveals how wastewater can be converted into valuable biogas—turning pollution into power. With brewing as a significant contributor to water waste, Dr. Fudge challenges the industry to rethink wastewater as an untapped resource. Explore the science, real-life examples like Hepworth Brewery, and practical advice to make your brewery greener. If you’re serious about brewing sustainably, this episode uncovers the next big step in eco-conscious brewing. Key Topics: •⁠ ⁠Brewing’s impact on water pollution 🌊 •⁠ ⁠Anaerobic digestion - transforming wastewater into biogas •⁠ ⁠Hepworth Brewery’s waste water case study •⁠ ⁠Practical advice for sustainable brewing Chapters 05:06 - Wastewater and its impact on the environment 13:51 - Key terms in wastewater (COD/BOD/TSS/TDS/pH) 24:01 - Anaerobic digestion overview and WASE solution to its problems 39:01 - The quality of biogas produced, can it be used as a like-for-like replacement to grid gas? 44:23 - Hepworth Brewery case study 52:07 - Top 3 questions brewers ask Dr Thomas Fudge Sponsor: Jack Coomber Marketing Links: 🔗 WASE Website 🔗 Article - Craft Brewers: Do We Need to Talk About Wastewater? 🔗 Chris' LinkedIn 🔗 Jack Coomber's LinkedIn Send us a text

In this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast, we sit down with Felix James, the mastermind behind Small Beer’s world-class water efficiency. Discover how they’ve redefined brewery operations with radical concepts like the Dry Floor Policy - NO floor drains, NO hoses, just innovative water-saving techniques that brewers globally are taking note of. Felix breaks down their approach to minimizing water use, from rethinking wort cooling to using hot water sanitizing over chemicals. Whether it’s cutting costs, saving resources, or pushing boundaries, this episode is packed with practical insights every brewer should know. Key Topics: Chapters: 01:48 - Water scarcity in the UK 19:44 - Dry Floor Policy 24:40 - Hot water sanitizing vs chemicals 33:16 - Water accountancy 49:57 - CAPEX costs for water savings Sponsor: Thanks to Brew Resourceful for supporting this episode! Check out their free benchmarking tool to optimise your brewery’s sustainability. 🔗 Felix's LinkedIn 🔗 Small Beer 🔗 Brew Resourceful Tune in now for innovative ways to transform your brewery’s water efficiency! Send us a text

In this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast, I sit down with Chris White, the founder of White Labs and a true G.O.A.T in the brewing industry. From pioneering yeast research to shaping the future of fermentation, Chris has been instrumental in the evolution of brewing science. Get an inside look at Chris's journey, the pivotal moments that defined his career, and his thoughts on the role of yeast in brewing today. We cover everything from common yeast misconceptions to how brewers can master fermentation. If you’re serious about brewing, this episode is packed with advice that will take your understanding of yeast to the next level - both your beer and your career! Key Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:20 - 5th Column advert 05:25 - Modern Brewer Podcast t-shirt link 06:03 - Chris White's journey so far 13:52 - What were the pivotal moments that shaped your career? 18:47 - Brewing Elements: Yeast book 22:47 - What are the common misconceptions with yeast 28:54 - What are the key ways brewers should manage their yeast and fermentation 33:21 - What are the common challenges brewers face when it comes to fermentation 37:09 - How important is a microscope? 42:46 - What makes world class yeast programs? 54:31 - How do you see the role of yeast changing? 59:43 - What is the role of GMO in yeast and what are your opinions on it? 01:07:20 - Top 3 things brewers should focus on regarding yeast and fermentation 01:18:57 - Whats one piece of advice you wished brewers would take to heart 01:20:56 - Where can brewers find the best resources regarding yeast and fermentation? 01:23:58 - Goodbyes and Youtube announcement Sponsor: A big thank you to 5th Column, creators of the best brewery apparel! Tune in to hear from one of the most respected voices in brewing! 🔗 Chris Lewington's Linkedin 🔗 White Labs 🔗 Fifth Column Send us a text

Get exclusive early access to the 2024 hop harvest insights from both America 🇺🇸 and Germany 🇩🇪 in this episode of The Modern Brewer Podcast! Myself, Chris Lewington is joined by Douglas Mackinnon, providing an independent resource for brewers looking to navigate the ever-evolving hop market. With practical advice on how to play the market this year, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about brewing in 2024. This is a true world exclusive, the only source of independent 2024 hop harvest data in the world Douglas breaks down everything from varietal issues to how this year's harvest will impact pricing and the wider market. He also shares his predictions for future harvests and offers invaluable tips on how brewers can make the most of the current hop landscape. Key Topics: Chapters: 01:57 - Brewers Congress Update 03:39 - World Class Canning Lines and Seaming Technology 08:30 - Douglas Mackinnon Intro 13:13 - Hop Harvest 2024 Report 22:47 - Are there any varietal issues? 25:29 - How the hop harvest will affect the wider market 36:08 - How does the harvest this year affect the prices brewers will pay? 40:39 - How does this harvest compare to last year? 43:59 - How does the increase in hop products affect the long term market? 53:14 - Doug's Predictions for future harvests 01:01:27 - How would Doug advise a brewer to navigate the hop market now 01:13:52 - Outro Sponsor: A big thank you to our sponsor, Pneumatic Scale Angelus, leaders in world-class canning lines and seaming technology. Learn more from Tom Bowlidge at tom.bowdige@bwpackaging.com. Connect: 🔗 Douglas Mackinnon’s LinkedIn Douglas Mackinnon 🔗 The Mackinnon Report: Read the latest 🔗 My LinkedIn: Chris Lewington Send us a text