Get to know our Managing Director with these quick Q&As!
Q: Why did you choose to make your beers gluten-free?
A: We realised there was a gap in the market for gluten-free beers. You go into your bog-standard craft beer bar, and you may find one or two gluten-free beers, which are most likely a session pale ale or IPA. It’s rare to find a gluten-free lager or stout on tap. We want to expand the gluten-free range and offer more options for a night out or a dinner with your mates.
Q: Do you think there is a vast difference in taste between gluten-free beers and gluten-full beers?
A: Truthfully? No, I don’t. I think a gluten-free beer tends to feel less bloated and gassy, meaning I don’t feel as full or sickly after a few pints, but I don’t think there is a significant taste difference to put me off one or the other.
Q: Do you have a favourite gluten-free beer?
A: Yes, I do. Without trying to toot our own horn but I do think Bricklayer is a wonderful gluten-free lager. Now that the weather is changing, I’m starting to prefer a nice crisp lager over an IPA, and I think we have perfected the gluten-free lager.
Q: What’s your favourite style of beer?
A: I think my favourite changes frequently throughout the year, its all dependent on the scenario and weather. Guinness will always be a favourite of mine but I’m picky on other types of stouts. I would probably say a fruity pale ale is my absolute favourite but close second is a nice cold lager.
Q: If you had to pick between a sour or stout, which one would you pick?
A: Oh a sour 100%. When I was first introduced to craft beer I couldn’t get enough of sours. I thought they were brilliant. Don’t get me wrong, I love an imperial stout every now and again but its a very wintery drink. I think sours come in so many variations its hard to go wrong. I would love to introduce a sour to the Turtle Head range.
Q: Describe your perfect night with a beer.
A: Like many British people I would say, peak summer in a beer garden, hot enough that you can still be sat outside even when its getting dark. Surrounded by your mates playing card games and listening to good music, all having a proper laugh. The perfect pint that’s cold and crisp, not flat and not too lively, maybe even in a pint glass that wouldn’t look bad in my own home.
Q: What interested you in working in the craft beer industry?
A: I’ve been working with beer since I was 18. I was first introduced to craft ales when I was working in a pub in Preston, then become more familiar with the different styles when I moved to Manchester. I wanted to do something with my knowledge in beer, to create my own and give a purpose to beer I know lots about. If you do a job you love you don’t work a day in your life. I like to think I love my job!
