I’m not sure I ever honestly believed we’d make it this far.

A lot has happened since we set up the brewery in 2017/2018 (five years ago?! perhaps don’t look too closely at the chronology).

In the space of about 18 months I moved across the country, got married, had a child, started a business and bought an orchard. Those were pretty tough times, and I need to thank my wife Holly for all of the support and sacrifices she made to enable us to get established. We’ve had up and downs - pandemics, awards, vinegary barrels, international invitations, dream collabs.... but the thing that stands out to me the most is the people we’ve met along the way.

We had a lovely 5th birthday party earlier this week (hosted by the wonderful Balance team), and I was looking round at a room full of people that I’m proud to call friends. That includes from breweries that I respect wholeheartedly, from wonderful bars and pubs and people I’ve just happened to meet over a beer in a pub. But the person that stood out most is my colleague Helen.

They joined a couple of years ago, just helping me out one day a week with a little social media and marketing. But they’ve grown into the most important person in the company. Everything you see now, from our lovely artwork, the way we present ourselves, the beers we’ve made, the smile on my face. That’s all been organised by Helen. I’m so proud of them, and I hope they don’t move onto to greatness elsewhere just yet - maybe stay until our 10th birthday, please?

We’ve got some special beers to celebrate our 5 years - I’m sure Helen will tell you all about them over the next few weeks

Thanks all

James x