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Meet the Women in Beer: Shannon McFarlane from Tempest Brew Co

7/3/2018

 
Part 5 of our Women in Beer series for International Women's Day
International Women's Day Logo
What have Kylie Jenner and Instagramers got to do with beer?

It turns out quite a lot. Brooklyn Brewery's Garrett Oliver spoke out recently attributing the phenomenal success of NEIPA (New England IPA)  to its photogenics and ability to influence on Instagram.

There's a new generation coming into beer, not just in brewing and bars but, in the crucially important work of communicating what a brewery and its beers are all about.

​Read on to hear from Shannon McFarlane on promoting Tempest Brewing Co and working with co-founder Annika Meiklejohn.

A new generation of influencers

Shannon  McFarlane is the person behind Tempest Brewing Co's marketing and branding. Her days are all about photography, marketing strategy, merchandising and, of course, sharing the spirit of the company on social media. The sense of community within the brewery is clear when she describes Annika, Tempest’s co-founder and director, as “the driving force behind the business side of the brewery.”
Photo of people at a beer event
Shannon McFarlane from Tempest Brew Co and her sister
The people you meet who work in breweries are some of the nicest, most passionate people you’ll ever come across"
Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?
​I didn’t have many expectations about the beer industry. I think the obvious expectation was that it might be difficult as a girl in an obviously male dominated field, but for the most part it’s not been an issue. The people you meet who work in breweries are some of the nicest, most passionate people you’ll ever come across.
Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?
I don’t think we’re necessarily in a golden age so much as we are on the cusp of one. The Scottish brewing industry is still fairly young, a lot of breweries are just now starting to have access to resources that’ll allow them to grow and make their mark on the world. We recently entered the RateBeer Top 100, and we’re only one of two breweries on there despite the masses of talent in Scotland!
What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
I think it really is just the passion and enthusiasm that people have for this industry. You’ve got not just the passion from the brewers and the people working day-to-day in the industry, but also this incredibly motivated, close-knit, excited community of people who drink the beer. That kind of excitement is so hard to find in other comparable industries.
Do you think that people are more open to trying new beer styles lately?
Absolutely. You’re starting to see a more diverse audience for craft beer. Maybe a year ago, craft beer was stuck in a bit of a rut of having this stereotype of a plaid wearing, tattooed, bearded man swirling an imperial stout in a glass, and I think people were reluctant to try it because they couldn’t relate to that stereotype. But as the people in these breweries become more visible, especially more women becoming visible and vocal, I think people have seen that beer isn’t just for a particular group of people.
What’s the current beer trend?
Haze. I heard recently about a guy who returned a beer to a bar for being “too clear”! This year I’m hoping we see more experimentation with session styles.

NEW BEER: Powder Day DIPA - 8.7% made with cryo hops □□

Una publicación compartida de Tempest Brewing Co (@tempestbrewingco) el Feb 21, 2018 at 8:39 PST


Quick Beer Q&A
  • Where do you like visiting for beer? San Francisco. I just love how they’re creating all these really amazing beers, and they’re just so laid back about it. 
  • Favourite kind of beer? It’s a toss up between proper Belgian lambics, and American style session beers.
  • Warm beer or cold beer? Almost always, cold.
  • Best food to pair with beer? Pizza! And sushi and lager is a match made in food heaven!

Women in Brewing Beer Fair
8th March 2018 from 6:30pm
Teviot Row House, Edinburgh
RSVP
Tempest Springfest
12th May 2018
Tweedbank
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Meet the Women in Beer: Jo Stewart from Stewart Brewing

6/3/2018

 
Part 4 of our Women in Beer series for International Women's Day
International Women's Day Logo
Fourteen years ago brewing and beer was very different. This was four years before Brewdog. Four years before Heineken acquired Scottish & Newcastle for £7 billion. Four years before "craft beer" even registered as a search term in Scotland.
Into this world stepped Jo Stewart, co-founder of Stewart Brewing. 
Read on to hear from this pioneer of the Scottish craft beer scene in part four of our build up to the "Women in Brewing Beer Fair" on International Women's Day, 8th March. Pop along on the day to meet Jo and sample some Stewart's beer.

Pioneering spirit in the Scottish craft beer scene

With a background in environmental consultancy, events management and marketing Jo co-founded Stewart Brewing with husband Steve in 2004. The combination of Jo's talents and Steve's brewing skills proved a winning combination and it's a formula they are keen to support in a new generation with the annual "Natural Selection" competition where teams compete to brew and market a new beer.
Photo of Jo Stewart co-founder of Stewart Brewing
Jo Stewart, co-founder of Stewart Brewing
If it gets stressful I remind myself it’s only beer and should be fun!"
Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?
You know I never really had any expectations and I am a ‘can do’ person who can get on with most people so I find it a great industry to work in.  If it gets stressful I remind myself it’s only beer and should be fun!
Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?
It certainly feels like a special time for Scottish Beer.  We have some of the best and most exciting craft breweries in the UK based here and we are producing some really exciting and attention-grabbing beers not to mention some great bars and festival to drink them at.   The industry has certainly come a long way in the 14 years we have been brewing.
What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
Brewing is great fun and a creative industry so it’s an exciting arena to work in.  Personally I love the new beer styles we are seeing and a whole new generation of craft bars and destination breweries which enthuses me.
Do you think that people are more open to trying new beer styles lately?
For sure, without a doubt.  In our brewery tap, brews which are more ‘out there’ or different are our most popular.
What’s the current beer trend?
Sours are in as are beers with big fruit notes such as the NEIPAs.  Consistent and good quality beer will always be on trend in my opinion.

□ HAPPY NEW YEAR □ • We can't wait for what's to come in 2018, including some new beers, exciting collaborations, our beer festivals and more! • Thanks for joining us on this incredible journey for another year! #cheers □

Una publicación compartida de Stewart Brewing (@stewartbrewing) el Ene 2, 2018 at 7:36 PST


​Quick Beer Q&A
  • Where do you like visiting for beer? Brussels. I also loved a visit to Oregon a few years ago, it’s a total Mecca for craft breweries.
  • Favourite kind of beer? I like Belgian styles, pales ales and IPAs. Owning a brewery for 14 years does make you appreciate all good beer though!
  • Warm beer or cold beer? I can do both but if I had to choose I would go with a chilled one.  If a pub had a choice of craft keg or craft cask I would go with the keg (don’t tell CAMRA!).
  • Best food to pair with beer? Anything! Our Jack Back is amazing with fish and chips though...

Women in Brewing Beer Fair
8th March 2018, 6pm
Teviot Row House, Edinburgh
RSVP
Stewart Brewing MayFest
11th and 12th May 2018
​Stewart Brewing, Edinburgh

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Meet the Women in Beer: Amy Rankine from Hipsters & Hobos

5/3/2018

 
Part 3 of our Women in Beer series for International Women's Day
International Women's Day 8 March
Today more than ever people care about not just how their food is made but the people and stories behind it. Scotland’s burgeoning food markets and street food festivals are all about eating and drinking local. Amy Rankine takes things to a whole new level foraging ingredients for local brewers and her very own “wild confectionery.”
​
You can meet Amy and taste the fruits of her foraging at the Women in Brewing Beer Fair on Thursday 8th March. Read on to learn more about foraging and its role in today's craft beer scene.

A walk on the wild side with foraged beer and confectionary

When not studying towards her MSc in Gastronomy at Queen Margaret's University, Amy can be found out in the woods with dog Ru, doing a rekkie for upcoming brewing collaborations and guided foraging walks. She's sourced ingredients for many local brewers including Campervan Brewery in Leith.
Gastronomy and forager specialist in Scotland
Amy Rankine, Hipsters and Hobos
With the desire for reconnection and ‘local’ increasing, craft beer is well placed to fill this need"
Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?
I’ve been always quite involved in the scene in general, my first degree was food science at Heriot-Watt  University and we crossed over with the brewing undergrad, and through being involved with the Brewing Soc & speaking to breweries, I’ve been reasonably exposed for a good ten years or so.
Is this really a golden age of Scottish beer?
The industry growth and public interest at the moment give some breweries the chance to get the recognition they deserve as well as allowed for expansion and creation of new breweries. I’m not sure that we’ve reached peak beer yet but I’d certainly hope that it becomes well placed and continues to break down barriers.
What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
With globalisation people have become more dissociated with their food & drink - much of it is ‘placeless’. Beer is something that can help to address this - you can pop down to your local brewery, speak to the brewer, see the kit. Through using other ingredients - such as foragables - we can bind beer to the land and thus help people rediscover this lost link. With the desire for reconnection and ‘local’ increasing, craft beer is well placed to fill this need.
Likewise the transparency you can see in the brewing industry is missing from many others - I think this is something that will become increasingly important for consumers.
Do you think that people are more open to try new beer styles lately?
Yes, partly due to things like #tryanuary, also with the wide range of potential offerings alongside the fuss generated by one off brews.

Winter shanks bursting out all over - these little babies are breakfast bound with some eggsies! #fungi #mushrooms #foraging #wildfood #winter

Una publicación compartida de Amy Rankine (@hipstersandhobos) el Ene 24, 2018 at 9:19 PST

What’s the current beer trend?   
I recon pastry stouts still have a bit to run, a move to IPA or PA from DIPA but still with a whack of hops is about, and I’d expect to see more farmhouse and foraged in 2018.

Quick Beer Q&A
  • Where do you like visiting for beer? I’ve had some good Lithuanian beers so I’d like to pop out this year - I think Vilnius is a place to keep an eye on!
  • Favourite kind of beer? Can’t beat a thick malty choc stout.
  • Warm beer or cold beer? I’d say more room temp than warm.
  • Best food to pair with beer? Completely depends on the beer, but I think you have more room with beer than with wine to get something that really brings out the best in both.


Women in Brewing Beer Fair
8th March 2018, 6pm
Teviot Row House, Edinburgh
RSVP
Hipsters and Hobos
Guided Woodland Walk and Urban Foraging
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Meet the Women in Beer: Dani Mountain from Cross Borders Brewing

4/3/2018

 
Part 2 of our Women in Beer series for International Women's Day
International Women's Day Logo
​Over sixty Scottish breweries have launched in last six years. With so much excitement in the industry and International Women’s Day approaching, we’re shining a spotlight on the lassies leading the charge in Scottish brewing. What's more, you'll have the chance to meet and learn from all our featured women at the free "Women in Brewing Beer Fair" 6pm on Thursday, 8th March at Teviot Row House.

Traveling for the love of beer with The Wandering Hoptimist

Working with one of Scotland’s newest micro-breweries, Dani Mountain spends her days traveling to festivals, trade shows, distributors as well as local shops and pubs getting the word out about Cross Borders beer. As a freelance digital marketer she’s also responsible for building their brand on social media.

With the envy inducing nickname, The Wandering Hoptimist, and a job description to match, read on to hear Dani’s thoughts on Leeds, Lithuania, cheese and today’s Scottish brewing industry.
Cross Borders Micro Brewery social media and sales person
Dani Mountain, Cross Borders Brewing
I do hope that breweries begin to take more chances with their beers and experiment with the fantastic resources the country has to offer"
Is working in the beer industry different than what you thought it would be?
I knew more or less what I was getting into. A lot of smaller breweries may not understand the need for social media presence, for instance, or think they can just do it themselves, which is not always the case. It's certainly harder to prove your necessity sometimes but, lucky for me, the guys at Cross Borders appreciate and understand what it is that I bring to the team. My role has certainly changed in the past 15 months I've worked with them but it's the nature of the changing of the business as they grow. It certainly keeps things interesting!
Is this really the golden age of the Scottish beer?
Things are only just beginning for Scottish beer. At times, it's hard to understand how much of a difference there is between the beers south of the border and here but you can see people' perceptions are beginning to change. There is demand for Scottish styles and beers in export markets but I do hope more also gets to move within our own markets to build up that reputation and sense of pride with UK beer as a whole.
What is the most exciting thing about the future of brewing in Scotland?
Because there is a wealth of skill and knowledge here in Scotland, I do hope that breweries begin to take more chances with their beers and experiment with the fantastic resources the country has to offer.
Do you think that people are more open to trying new beer styles lately?
Absolutely. There's always going to be a need for the pint market but with the success of bars such as The Hanging Bat, Salt Horse and Usher's can surely prove, there is certainly a thirsty market for interesting styles, served in smaller quantities.
Beer Maps
What’s the current beer trend? 
While the NEIPA/DIPA trend may be waning slightly, I think it's still hanging on. Mixed/spontaneous fermentation beers are certainly going to be a trend in the coming years with many breweries building coolships and adding barrel ageing programs to their repertoire.

Possibly the furthest 'cross borders our beer has been! Our sales/marketing gal, @missmountain17 is visiting family in Canada and had to bring a few cans to share! Minus 18 is a bit colder than we'd suggest to serve at, though, so best get them back inside!

Una publicación compartida de Cross Borders Brewing Company (@crossbordersbrewing) el Ene 31, 2018 at 3:07 PST


​Quick Beer Q&A
  • Where do you like visiting for beer? I love going to Leeds. Country-wise - I really enjoyed Lithuania. I love Belgian styles but have yet to do a beer vacation there.
  • Favourite kind of beer? Sours, Gueuze or Imperial Stouts. Can't pick just one!
  • Warm beer or cold beer? I'll always aim toward cooler beer - but a stout deserves to be room temp.
  • Best food to pair with beer? Always cheese.

Women in Brewing Beer Fair
8th March 2018, 6pm
Teviot Row House, Edinburgh
RSVP
Cross Borders Tap Room
Fortnightly on Friday and Saturday
Dalkeith (near the train station)
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