Jo Stewart from Stewart Brewing talks about the beer business

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

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.

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...