Some of Wales’ finest independent brewers have enroled in a brewing curriculum organised by the Welsh Drinks Cluster in partnership with Food Skills Cymru.
Though the experts from Greys Trees Brewery, Felinfoel Brewery, Boss Brewery, Bragdy Twt Lol (the Treforest Brewery), Tomos a Lilford Brewery, Llanllyr Source, and Bluestone Brewing have already won numerous awards between them, the opportunity to gain the latest techniques and scientific knowledge was too good an offer to miss.
The four-day training course was designed and delivered by Brewlab, one of the UK’s foremost training academies. It was hosted at Rhymney Brewery, in Blaenavon.
Ray Davies, founder and head brewer at Grey Trees Brewery, in Aberdare, said: “Taking part in the training was really beneficial for us, and we’re very grateful to be one of the first to have the chance. We walked away from the first session with new ideas, excited to see how the science of better brewing could be applied to our beer.
“The ability to learn about new processes and incorporate the results of Brewlab’s research into our brewing has shown immediate results. It’s also rewarding to confirm that our existing techniques, processes, and equipment are already meeting the high standards we should be aiming for.
“I can only speak for ourselves, but I think all brewers looking to ensure consistent quality would benefit from taking part in this training.”
‘The goal is to ensure Welsh beer develops the reputation it deserves’
Mark Grant, who leads the Beer and Cider Group as part of the Welsh Drinks Cluster, said: “Wales has a long history of producing high-quality beers and ales through a wide range of world class brewers.
“The inaugural training session will help to develop the breweries in Wales and will ensure that, as a nation, we deliver consistently high-quality beer and ale, which will enhance our reputation on the global stage.
“The training will enable the Welsh breweries to further demonstrate their passion for quality beer, and ensure that the Welsh beer and ale industry can grow sustainability.”
He added: “By supporting Welsh brewers to access the knowledge, training, and skills, we hope to ensure a level playing field that will help our Welsh industry grow.
“The goal is to ensure Welsh beer develops the reputation it deserves, both at home and abroad, and becomes one that is synonymous with consistent quality.”
