Mar 06 2025 73 mins 4
I'm sure you'll forgive the clickbaity title but it's a question I've been asking for the last 10 years. Most brewery businesses start by obtaining a premises, purchasing equipment, commissioning a brewhouse and getting to work making beer. However, what happens to those of us out there who don't have access to the kinds of capital required to open their own brewhouse and taproom but still have the passion and zeal, business and brewing skills required to make a go of it...?
In this episode, Nick chats to Colin Stronge - a well-known and highly respected figure in modern British beer about he and his wife, marketing executive Vik Stronge, moved out of employed work to start Lost Cause Brewing Co. without owning a brewhouse of their own. Nick shares his own journey and how, by asking whether contract brewing is a long-term viable option, whether - ultimately - a owning your own plant and equipment is the only real way forward.
We dig into details surrounding industry and customer perceptions about contract brewing, what to look for in a brewery partner, and how to navigate the many unknowns of building a brewery brand without a brewery of your own.
Since recording this episode in January, Lost Cause Brewing Co. announced a Crowdfunder project to raise £60,000 in order to build their own brewhouse in Castleford, near Leeds, where their taproom and storehouse is currently located.
Please take a moment to help Colin and Vik by pledging some money towards their project, if you are able:
Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-the-cause
Website: Lost Cause Brewing Co.
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)
Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.
Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)
Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.
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