Building a Brewery for the Community: The Howe Beer Project Story

Inside 3 Locks Brewing with Kuba Zaleski

This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Kuba Zaleski, brewer at 3 Locks Brewing [https://www.3locksbeer.com/], to explore his journey from homebrewing to crafting award-worthy beers beside London's iconic Regent's Canal. We discuss how a chance encounter with a bottle of Hobgoblin sparked a brewing career, and why great brewing is about far more than just recipes. Kuba shares his passion for traditional European beer styles, including the brewery's much loved Schwarzbier, German-style Pilsner, and seasonal Vienna Lager. We also dive into brewing science, recipe development, fermentation techniques, sour beer acidity, and the challenges of creating unique beers such as a hibiscus and rose petal Gose. Along the way, Kuba explains why lager is enjoying a renaissance in craft beer, how Camden's international visitors influence the beers brewed at 3 Locks, and what the future holds for the brewery, including a rebrand, expanded capacity, and new taproom developments. If you're interested in craft beer, lager brewing, brewery growth, recipe design, fermentation, beer styles, or the evolving UK beer scene, this episode is packed with insights from one of London's most thoughtful brewers. Pod Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] 3 Locks Socials Website: https://www.3locksbeer.com/ [https://www.3locksbeer.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3locksbeer/ [https://www.instagram.com/3locksbeer/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3locksbrewerycamden [https://www.facebook.com/3locksbrewerycamden] Powered by The Keg Warehouse [https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/] CHAPTERS 00:00 - 01:04 Introduction and Meet Kuba from 3 Locks Brewing 01:05 - 04:00 From Hobgoblin Fan to Professional Brewer 04:01 - 05:31 Homebrewing Lessons That Still Matter Today 05:32 - 08:45 Brewing Unusual Beers and Sour Beer Science 08:46 - 11:38 Joining 3 Locks Brewing 11:39 - 16:24 Brewing in Camden and Serving Beer Tourists 16:25 - 20:46 Growing 3 Locks Brewing and Expanding Capacity 20:47 - 26:14 Recipe Development and Brewing Challenges 26:15 - 31:06 Fermentation Secrets and Brewing Better Beer 31:07 - 37:14 Craft Beer Trends, Lager and Low-Alcohol Growth 37:15 - 42:11 Favourite Breweries and The Future of 3 Locks Brewing 42:12 Final Thoughts and Outro #CraftBeer #3LocksBrewing #BeerPodcast #Brewing #CraftLager #Schwarzbier #Camden #IndependentBeer #BeerRepChats #IndieBeer See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

15 Years of Vibrant Forest with Ryan Dack

This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Ryan Dack, General Manager of Vibrant Forest Brewery. We dive into the brewery's 15-year journey from a garage brewing project to one of the UK's most respected independent breweries. Ryan shares the story behind their iconic Pupa Pale Ale, how the brewery has adapted through changing beer trends, the importance of collaboration in the independent beer scene, and why community remains at the heart of everything they do. We also chat about taprooms, beer styles making a comeback, lessons learned from opening and closing a high street venue, and what the future holds for Vibrant Forest as they celebrate their milestone anniversary. Follow Vibrant Forest Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vibrantforest/ [https://www.instagram.com/vibrantforest/] Website: https://vibrantforest.co.uk/ [https://vibrantforest.co.uk/] Pod Website: https:www.beerrepchats.com [https:www.beerrepchats.com] Powered by The Keg Warehouse CHAPTERS 00:00 - 04:10 Intro to Vibrant Forest 04:11 - 08:52 Ryan's Journey to Vibrant Forest 08:53 - 12:48 A Beer for Every Palate 12:49 - 18:39 Lessons Learned from the Vibrant Tap 18:40 - 23:06 The Popularity of Pupa 23:07 - 25:25 The Southampton Beer Scene 25:26 - 31:33 Building Connections in the Brewing Community 31:34 - 37:04 Future Collaborations 37:05 - 40:04 Memorable Moments at Vibrant Forest 40:05 - 44:53 Excitement for the Future of Vibrant Forest 44:54 - Quickfire Questions and Wrap Up See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

It’s Craft, Not Daft. Todd Fullarton on Building Wilful Beer

This week on The Beer Rep Chats With [https://beerrepchats.com], I’m joined by Todd Fullarton of Wilful Beer, one of the UK craft beer scene’s fastest rising breweries and multiple gold medal winners at BeerX and Maltings Fest. We dive into Todd’s journey from TQ Beer Works to launching Wilful Beer in 2024, why modern West Coast IPA deserves more attention in the UK, and how the brewery built such a strong identity from day one. We also discuss hop saturation, advanced hop products, cask vs keg, the state of UK craft beer, and why Todd believes “it’s craft, not daft.” Expect plenty of brewing geekery, honest opinions on hazy IPA culture, and insight into what it really takes to run an award-winning independent brewery in today’s beer industry. If you enjoy conversations about craft beer, independent breweries, brewing techniques, and the UK beer scene, make sure to subscribe and leave a review. Check out Wilful Beer Website: https://www.wilfulbeer.co.uk/ [https://www.wilfulbeer.co.uk/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilfulbeer/ [https://www.instagram.com/wilfulbeer/] Facebook: https://facebook.com/wilfulbeer [https://facebook.com/wilfulbeer] CHAPTERS 00:00 - 03:56 Intro & The Birth of Wilful Beer 03:57 - 09:17 Branding and Identity in Craft Beer 09:18 - 13:57 Brewing Philosophy: Getting That Balance 13:58 - 19:08 The Role of Modern Hop Products 19:09 - 21:40 Listener Question & Brewing Challenges 21:41 - 25:19 Beer Representation 25:20 - 28:35 Challenges of Direct Trade and Growth 28:36 - 32:08 Brewery Recognition  32:09 - 35:00 Listener Question: Celebrating Success and Awards 35:01 - 37:04 Current Trends in the UK Beer Scene 37:05 - 39:36 Future Aspirations for Will Full Beer 39:37 - Quickfire Questions & Wrap Up See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Building a Brewery for the Community: The Howe Beer Project Story

This week, I’m joined by Kevin Kelly of Howe Beer Project, fresh off winning Best New Independent Brewery at BeerX. But what really sets them apart? Community. We dive into how Howe Beer Project was built with people at its core, creating a space that’s welcoming, inclusive, and designed to bring locals together. From turning a huge empty venue into a thriving taproom/brewery, to focusing on customer experience over chasing distribution, Kevin shares a different way of thinking about what a modern brewery can be. We also talk about the realities of starting a brewery in today’s climate, the impact of their BeerX win, and why success for them isn’t about scaling fast, but about building something meaningful that people genuinely want to be part of. If you’re into independent beer, taproom culture, or just the idea of creating spaces where people feel they belong, this one’s for you. Podcast Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] Proudly sponsored by @thekegwarehouse  https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/ [https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/] Howe Beer Project: Website - https://www.howebeerproject.co.uk/ [https://www.howebeerproject.co.uk/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howebeerproject [https://www.instagram.com/howebeerproject] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/howebeerproject [https://www.facebook.com/howebeerproject] CHAPTERS 00:00 - 02:22 Introduction to Howe Beer Project & Kevin Kelly 02:23 - 05:13 Kevin’s Background: From Forestry to Brewing 05:14 - 11:54 The Decision to Start a Brewery 11:55 - 18:19 Creating an Inclusive Taproom Environment 18:20 - 23:32 The Future of Beer Culture 23:33 - 28:39 Biggest Start-up Challenges: Listener Question 28:40 - 33:09 Growth, Sustainability & Future Plans 33:10 - 35:43 Collaborations and Community Engagement 35:44 - 37:52 Hardest Decisions & Early Struggles 37:53 - 43:37 Quick Fire Questions (Beer Styles & Inspirations) 43:38 - 46:52 Advice for Starting a Brewery in 2026 46:53 - Outro & Final Thoughts See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Building a Brewery on Passion with Ross Gandon of Swallow Brew Co

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined by Ross Gandon, founder of Swallow Brew Co, a new independent brewery based on the outskirts of Folkestone, Kent. Ross shares his journey through the highs and lows of the beer industry, from previous ventures like Angels & Demons and McCann’s Brewery, to starting fresh with a smaller, more creative setup focused on quality, experimentation, and most importantly… having fun. We dive into: * Why scaling down can sometimes be the smartest move in brewing * The realities of running a modern independent brewery * Why Swallow Brew Co has chosen a Pilsner and Stout as core beers (no IPA!) * The importance of taprooms for survival * The challenges of access to market and pub company control * Trends like low & no alcohol beer, and whether they’ll last * The power of branding, word of mouth, and first impressions * What needs to change in the UK beer industry Ross also talks about building a brewery around creativity, from split-batching beers to constantly rotating styles, and why keeping things simple might be the key to long-term success. If you’re into craft beer, independent breweries, UK beer industry insights, or thinking about starting a brewery yourself then this episode is packed with honest, no-nonsense insight. 🍺 Check out Swallow Brew Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swallowbrewco/ [https://www.instagram.com/swallowbrewco/] The Blind Pig: https://www.instagram.com/theblindpig.folkestone/ [https://www.instagram.com/theblindpig.folkestone/] 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with brewers, industry experts, and beer insiders. Powered by The Keg Warehouse https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/  [https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/ ] Pod website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 02:13 Intro & Meet Ross Gandon 02:14 - 05:55 Ross’ Brewing Background & Previous Ventures 05:56 - 09:05 Core Beers: Why Pilsner & Stout 09:06 - 11:30 Launching in a Tough Beer Market 11:31 - 13:35 Early Days & Homebrewing Background 13:36 - 19:50 The Realities of Running a Brewery 19:51 - 23:44 The Folkestone Beer Scene 23:45 - 26:25 The Role of a Tap Room in Brewery Success 26:26 - 28:25 Industry Challenges & Access to Market 28:26 - 32:37 Low & No Alcohol Beer: Trend or Future? 32:38 - 39:31 Turning Drinkers into Fans, Beer Styles, Dream Collabs 39:32 - 43:48 What Needs to Change in the UK Beer Scene 43:49 - Advice to New Brewers & Wrap Up See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.