15 Years of Vibrant Forest with Ryan Dack

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.

UK Pubs & Indie Breweries: What’s Next? with CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin speaks with Ash Corbett-Collins, Chairman of CAMRA, about the growing challenges facing UK pubs and independent breweries. From pub closures and rising costs to the lack of access to market, this conversation dives into why it’s becoming harder for drinkers to find local, independent beer—and what needs to change. Ash also shares insights on CAMRA’s future strategy, the end of the Great British Beer Festival, and whether micro pubs could help keep cask beer alive. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with brewers, industry experts, and beer insiders. Pod Website https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] Become a member of CAMRA: https://camra.org.uk/membership [https://camra.org.uk/membership] Society of Independent Brewers & Associates https://siba.co.uk/ [https://siba.co.uk/] CHAPTERS 00:00 - 04:40 A Difficult Year for CAMRA 04:41 - 08:38 CAMRA’s New Strategy & Future Focus 08:39 - 12:55 The “Illusion of Choice” in UK Pubs Explained 12:56 - 17:27 Trade Bodies, Government & Industry Challenges 17:28 - 19:20 Are More UK Pubs Going to Close? 19:21 - 26:54 Listener Question: Market Control & Super Complaints 26:55 - 31:14 The Role of Micro Pubs in Supporting Independent Breweries 31:15 - 40:56 Positive Changes in Northern Ireland's Beer Scene 40:57 - 49:07 Cask Beer as Cultural Heritage 49:08 - 50:17 CAMRA Members Weekend in St Albans See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.