Episode 184: Proper Sound Beers from Liverpool [with Colbier Brew Co]

Hop Forward: Getting You Ahead in the Brewing and Beer Business

Liverpool has long been a musical powerhouse. From Echo and the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood to its most famous sons, The Beatles, the City of Pop has shaped global culture. But Liverpool is far more than music and mop-tops.
Home to two iconic football teams, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., the city is also a gem for beer and food tourism. The Grapes pub offers cosy vibes and well-kept cask ales. Dead Crafty on Dale Street showcases rare international beers, while Azvex Brewery & Taproom is a must-visit. For amazing vegetarian Indian street food, Bundobust is unbeatable—don’t miss the Paneer Tikka skewers!
One of my all-time favourite breweries, now sadly closed, was Liverpool’s Mad Hatter Brewery. Known for unique beers like Tzatziki Sour and the outrageous Smokey Bacon and Banana Rauchbier, they embodied creativity in brewing. Though gone, Mad Hatter remains a legend in the modern beer scene.
Today, a lesser-known brewery, Colbier Brew Co, is carrying the torch. Founded in 2024 on a Bootle industrial estate, Colbier is making waves with Proper Sound Beers inspired by music. Founders Mike Corbett, Vik, and Stu have already showcased their brews at top venues like Manchester’s Port Street Beer House and Sheffield’s The Old Shoe.
In this episode, I chat with Mike and Stu about launching a brewery with tight budgets, digging drainage channels with jackhammers, and crafting great beers on a DIY setup. I also speak with Sarah Marshall from Crisp Malting Group about the 2024 British malt harvest and what brewers can expect.
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)
Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.
Crisp Malting Group (crispmalt.com)
Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.
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