Back from the Brink

with Buxton Brewery

Season 6

·

Episode 186

When Buxton Brewery announced it had gone into administration, shockwaves could be felt across the craft beer community. As a pillar of the UK craft beer scene since 2009, setting benchmarks for quality and innovation with beers like Axe Edge, it was unthinkable that a brewery with such a solid reputation could be amongst the casualties of the current economic climate. However, no business is immune, and Buxton Brewery, it appeared, was no exception.

After facing the challenges of the pandemic and navigating a pre-pack administration in 2023, the brewery is now under new ownership and back on stable ground.

In this episode, Nick travels to the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District to chat with Dominic Metcalfe, Managing Director of Buxton Brewery, in their stunning taproom opposite the brewhouse. Together, they explore the tough realities of running a brewery in today’s climate, the impact of supermarket sales on craft beer, and how Buxton Brewery is forging a path forward in an ever-changing market.

Recorded in September 2024, this candid conversation reveals the complexities of pre-pack administrations, the pressures of the brewing industry, and the enduring passion for quality beer that defines Buxton Brewery.

This episode is sponsored by...

Charles Faram & Co

Charles Faram have been hop suppliers for over 150 years and has one of the largest range of hop varieties available from stock in their temperature-controlled hop storage warehouses.  Hops come nitrogen-flushed in leaf, T90 T45 pellets direct to your door, with varieties from the UK, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, New Zealand and the USA.
Faram’s provides an artist’s palette of flavours to create every type and style of beer from the traditional varieties to exciting new developmental varieties from Faram’s own breeding and development program.
Additionally, Charles Faram is a one stop shop for a wide variety of ingredients, brewing aids, yeasts, shives and keystones, fruit juice, purees, sensory training kits and brewing liquids such as HopAlpha from TNS, Skyfarm from Abstrax and HyperBoost from Yakima Chief Hops.  You name it, Farams do it so you can brew it.
And of course, the good folk at Charles Faram can help you with brewing technical advice and variety recommendations.  Visit charlesfaram.com to find out more.

Crisp Malting Group

Crisp Malt has been combining traditional and modern malting techniques at their sites in England and Scotland since 1870. They produce an impressive range of malted and non-malted products, including unique and exclusive barley malts such as Chevallier Heritage Malt and Clear Choice Malt.
As brewing malt suppliers, Crisp Malt partners with a diverse range of customers, from small independent craft breweries and whisky distillers to large global beverage companies. They take a tailored approach with every client, ensuring only the best malt is supplied for award-winning beers and whiskies.
Based at their head office in Great Ryburgh, Norfolk, Crisp Malt’s dedicated Technical Team oversees malt analysis and ensures all barley meets the highest grade. They also work closely with brewing and distilling customers, providing expert advice on brewhouse process improvements and beer recipe development. Whether troubleshooting issues in the mash tun or advising on washback challenges, Crisp Malt offers invaluable support.
Committed to sharing their expertise, Crisp Malt provides customers with production knowledge and best practices through webinars, online articles, calls, and regular site visits. Their aim is to help customers make the most of Crisp Malt products, fostering satisfaction and loyalty year after year.

Ready to Hop Forward?

Want to get ahead in the brewing and beer business? Looking for a bespoke brand, marketing solutions and business advice from a craft beer specialist? Then get in touch today!
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Hop Forward Ltd
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Tel: +44(0)7881 995604
Company No: 11600526
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