We’re excited to offer an opportunity for someone to join the Fyne Ales team and make their mark in the UK brewing industry as Head of Origins Brewing.

In 2017, after three years of development, we launched Fyne Ales Origins Brewing – a small-batch mixed fermentation and barrel-finishing project to create innovative, unique beers that explore what it means to brew right here, in our glen, in the west highlands of Scotland, right now, in each season of this year. We are now looking for an experienced brewer who is looking for a challenge to immerse themselves in the brewery, the project, and everything our beautiful corner of Scotland has to offer, with the goal of taking Origins Brewing to the next level.

To that end, building on our successful spontaneous programme, we want to develop a house mixed culture based on local wild yeast strains, so this role will involve a wild yeast capture project.  Fermentation in wood, as well as spirit barrel finishing, and letting the beer evolve with the seasons are a key part of the programme, so knowledge and experience here are key.  Then we want to bring the sense of place into the beers, this might be through foraging in the local area, or even growing some of our own fruits.  This all needs to come together to produce refined, elegant beers, so a great palate and some skilful blending are going to be needed.

The role includes full responsibility for all operations in the original 10BBL Fyne Ales brewery, now home to the Origins Brewing project and growing barrel collection; from brewing, to fixing fittings, to foraging fruit, we want someone who can tackle all parts of the Origins Brewing setup. As Head of Origins Brewing, the successful candidate will be responsible for creating and implementing a long-term plan for Origins Brewing, in addition to the creation of all beers under the project banner, from concept to launch. As Origins Brewing grows, we also need someone to take charge of the development of the brewhouse and kit and manage the barrel store expansion project scheduled for 2020. We need someone organised and driven, who can find solutions to challenges and make things happen to help Origins Brewing fulfil its potential.

Additionally, we are looking for someone with the creativity and experience to take an active role in Fyne Ales new beer development process on the clean beer side, working with the brewery, sales and marketing teams to create the best possible exciting clean-fermented, small-batch specials and one-off brews that compete with the UK’s finest. As part of the brew team, there may be times when brewing on the main 40BBL kit is required due to production demands.

Part of the role will include representing Fyne Ales and Origins Brewing at events and collaborations – we’re looking for a confident communicator who takes pride in their work and enjoys sharing the stories behind their beers with engaged beer lovers around the UK and internationally.

Ideal candidates will have a formal brewing qualification (IBD or similar), 3 or more years of commercial brewing experience at lead brewer level or above and a good amount of knowledge and passion for mixed fermentation brewing – with desire to learn more. We need someone with a good palate and experience with blending is desirable.

We understand that this is a demanding position, but believe this is a unique opportunity for a brewer to not only take ownership of an exciting mixed fermentation project as part of an authentic farm brewery, but contribute to the wider success of the brewery as part of an ambitious and motivated team who want to make the UK’s best beers. Origins Brewing is an increasingly important part of what we do at Fyne Ales – we hope to find someone who can embrace everything the project and Glen Fyne has to offer and help make it as integral as we believe it can be.

In exchange, we can offer accommodation on the brewery estate, living adjacent to the stunning shores of Loch Fyne, and a competitive salary, dependent on experience, plus benefits.

If you’re interested, please check out the job specification and apply by sending a cover letter and CV to work@fyneales.com.

Head Of Origins Brewing – Job Specification [EXTERNAL LINK]

We know we are looking for a lot, and this is a long term project, so if you are excellent in some areas and want to develop in others, then it’s still worth talking to us. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us an email.