Brewers

simon gill – Head Brewer

Where do you live? Clitheroe

How long have you been with Bowland Brewery? Eight years

What attracted you to a career in brewing?  I’ve always been fascinated by the process of brewing and the almost infinite variety of beer styles, tastes, flavours and aromas that it can produce. To be given the opportunity to experiment with the almost unlimited range of raw ingredients and methods feels like an amazing privilege. Every day throws up different challenges and we need to constantly tweak our brewing techniques to ensure we get a consistently high quality product.

What brewing qualifications do you have or are working towards?  I have completed my Institute of Brewing and Distilling qualifications.

Have you worked for any other brewers?  I spent 10 months at Thwaites between 2021 and 2022 before returning to Bowland Brewery.

What makes Bowland Brewery and its products so special?   It’s great to be part of a close-knit team within what is essentially a traditional family business, where everyone feels valued. We simply won’t compromise on the quality of the raw ingredients and we always prioritise the quality of our products ahead of cost. While producing the core range of beers requires consistency and attention to detail, I also have the freedom to experiment with seasonal beers and limited edition products.

What’s the best aspect of your job?   Our core range is designed to appeal to a traditional palates, but I also keep an eye on new trends and styles and try to incorporate some of these new approaches and methods in our limited editions.

Most memorable beer experience?    The first time I was let loose on the full-scale brewing kit. I was supervised by the then head brewer, but the whole process seemed to be impossibly complicated and by the end of the day I was completely frazzled. It’s a real test of science, maths and timing and I never thought I would master the process, but now it’s become second nature and I really enjoy the challenge.

If you were to order a taster flight in Bowland Beer Hall, which three Bowland Ales would you choose?    IPA, Deer Stalker & Bumble.

What’s your favourite Bowland limited edition beer?    Dragonglass – an award-winning limited edition liquorice stout (7.2%) inspired by Game of Thrones which won a SIBA Northwest Independent Beer Award.

Favourite pub in Bowland?   The Waddington Arms – the perfect spot for a post-work pint of Hen Harrier on the terrace outside.

james bridge – Apprentice Brewer

Where do you live: Burnley

How long have you been at Bowland brewery?   Approximately two years. I first started in packaging and cask handling after completing my A-Levels before travelling India and Thailand. I was then invited back to take a brewing apprenticeship at Nottingham University.

What attracted you to a career in the brewing sector? I was never expecting to work within the beer industry. However, after my first spell at Bowland Brewery I saw the passion that goes into the production of beer and the first-hand enjoyment of the products from the customers.

What Brewing qualifications do you have or are working towards?  I am working towards a Brewer Standard apprenticeship with HIT training in partnership with Nottingham University.

Have you worked for other brewers?  No.

What makes Bowland brewery and its products special?   There are many things that makes the Bowland Brewery brand and its products special, but most important is the togetherness and team cohesion, where work and social life is a great mix within the brewery.

What’s the best aspect of your job?   Seeing first-hand the customers’ enjoyment of the product that I have played a role in making.

Most memorable beer experience?  Finishing and then tasting a pint of the first beer that I independently brewed, which was Boxer Blonde.

If you were to order a taster flight in Bowland beer hall, which three Bowland ales would you pick?   IPA, Bumble and Deer Stalker.

What’s your favourite Bowland limited edition beer?  Hoppy Christmas.

Favourite view in the Forest of Bowland?  There are just so many beautiful spots it’s almost impossible to choose a favourite, but the view from the top of Pendle takes some beating.

Favourite pub in the Bowland area?   The Assheton Arms in Downham.

harry oldfield – Cask Handler

Where do you live: Clitheroe

How long have you been at Bowland brewery?  Just over a year.

What attracted you to a career in the brewing sector?   I got talking to Simon (the head brewer) one night and he was explaining what it was like working in a brewery and also the theory/science side of it and it really interested me and made me think that it was something I would like to have a career in.

What Brewing qualifications do you have or are working towards?   I have a Credit in the Institute of Brewing and Distilling foundations exam. I am also looking towards doing the General IBD exam which is the next one up form the foundation.

Have you worked for other brewers?    No – this is the first job I have had in brewing.

What makes Bowland brewery and its products special?    It’s the amount of work that goes into making our beers. We have an enthusiastic team of people who enjoy the jobs they are doing and are really passionate about the industry they work in and also put in a lot of hard work into making beer.

What’s the best aspect of your job?   I really enjoy working with a good set of people that are always working hard and having a good laugh at the same time.

If you were to order a taster flight in Bowland beer hall, which three Bowland ales would you pick?   I would choose Hoppy hedge Hog, it’s a really easy-drinking flavour some beer that has a fruity/tropical taste and I would say is the perfect pint for a sunny day outside. I would also choose Deer Stalker – a stout that is packed with malty flavours like roasted barley. My third choice would be Boxer Blonde as it’s a good all-round beer with a bit more of punch of alcohol.

What’s your favourite Bowland limited edition beer?   Hoppy Christmas.

Favourite view in the Forest of Bowland?   I enjoy a walk around Stocks Reservoir near Slaidburn. On a clear and crispy day the views are stunning.

Favourite pub in the Bowland area?    The Royal, in Kirkby Lonsdale. It’s a really busy town centre inn with lively feel during the day and into the evenings.