Pioneering a new way of thinking and how we drink beer, Small Beer Brew Co is a specialist lower alcohol beer brewery producing award winning, classic beer styles below 2.8% ABV. Their beer gives you all the enjoyment without the bleary-eyed consequences.
London's first B Corp certified Brewery, they are rooted in history, brewed for today, regenerating this once common drink of the people so beer lovers can balance great taste with a healthier lifestyle.James Grundy, his Co-Founder, Felix James, and their team pride themselves on innovation, quality and the responsible manner in which they produce beer.
Their beers are crafted with quality, packed with the finest ingredients and ‘long lagered’ for six weeks to maximise flavour. They are also naturally lower in carbs, calories and sugars.
James’s passion for their business was awe-inspiring. He should be bottling that as well as the beer! I loved learning about the brewing process and hearing about James’s journey and values.
You can find out more about Small Beer Brew Co’s refreshing take on doing business in beer here.
Overview:
In our enlightening conversation, James:
Talks about the brewery's signature 'mid-strength' beers and gives a brief history of the term 'small beer' itself.
Explains how their modern production methods differ from the past.
Explores the current trend for lower ABV (alcohol by volume) beers and how Small Beer aims to maximise flavour.
Summarises his history working in the drinks industry and how it’s informed his mindset with Small Beer.
Gives an insight into the early days of the business, and challenges they faced.
Talks about their first client being the Savoy Hotel bar, and how pivotal early deals with Majestic Wines and Waitrose were.
Describes Small Beer’s B Corp journey, describing their pioneering water saving techniques and other energy saving measures.
Discusses that becoming a ‘1% for the planet' partner means that 1% of the brewery's revenue goes to an environmental cause – in their case, Project Coral, a world leading coral restoration project based in South London.
Details the range of beers produced by Small Beer.
Focuses on the importance of having a passionate team, and the logistical details of the business.
Looks to the brewery’s future plans and goals.
Delves into why ‘contract’ brewing isn’t an option for international growth, due to the specialist equipment required.
Shares his learnings, including the importance of always having a back-up plan.
