Meet MD Miles
It’s all change at the top so we met up with Miles to find out a bit more about the man behind the beer and how his first couple of weeks have been in his new role as MD.
Q: When did you join Hog Back Brewery?
A: Way back in the summer of 2012 as Head Brewer.
Q: What was your first day at the brewery like?
A: It was a bit of a culture shock after only working for the global brewers. The smallest brewery I had ever worked in was 1,000,000 hectolitres per year but at Hogs Back it was just 13,000hl!
Q: What’s your favourite beer?
A: That’s a bit like asking which is your favourite child! I believe we have a portfolio that caters for all beer drinkers, from lagers to traditional ales to alcohol-free beer.
Q: Why did you choose brewing as a career?
A: My father was on a brewery tour as I was being born, and it all started from there....I also find the science fascinating and it is a very sociable industry to work in.
Q: How did it all start?
A: I started with Bass as a temp brewing operator after completing a lab placement at University. Then it was off to Budweiser Brewery in London for 9 years starting in the lab and working my way up to brewing team management. After that, I moved to Molson Coors for 5 years, initially as a project brewer but finished up by running a brewing department, where each brew was 1,100hl or 194,000 pints!
Q: Why did you choose to become a Master Brewer?
A: I completed my Diploma in Brewing when working for Budweiser and wanted to continue my studies. I started the Master Brewer qualification while I was working for Molson Coors and finished it at Hogs Back. The development of Hogstar Lager was my Master Brewer Project.
Q: How has Hogs Back Brewery changed since you first joined?
A: We have increased the capacity and capability of the plant dramatically and now brew a far more varied portfolio of beers, with a wider customer base. The brewery had great foundations to build on from its inception in 1992 and the core range from the early days is still an integral part of the portfolio.
Q: What makes Hogs Back Brewery different?
A: There are many things that make us unique, the hop garden, the solar brewery, the manual nature of our brewery and the hop harvest party to name but a few.
Q: What do you see as the challenges going forward?
A: The economic climate means trading will become tougher. Increases in National Insurance, Business Rates and Minimum Wage will affect us as well as many other businesses in hospitality. The new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging will also have an impact, as will the journey to net zero and the changing consumer habits of the next generation of beer drinkers.
Q: What are you most looking forward to as MD?
A: Continuing to grow the business and working closer with all the teams.
Q: Finally, your favourite football team?
A: Arsenal, my Dad was a Gooner so another team wasn't an option!!
We wish Miles every success in his role as MD of Hogs Back Brewery!
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