First Draught: Beer Podcast explores the journeys people have made into the professional beer industry, from their very first pints to award-winning careers in brewing, marketing, entrepreneurship and much more. Host and brewery co-founder Elizabeth Townsend speaks to guests from around the world in a new series for 2026.
Episode 10 features Brian Spencer, Marketing Manager at Tap Social brewery and bakehouse in Oxfordshire, England.
We chat about Brian's journey of discovering craft beer, the importance of independence in beer, plus the purpose-driven approach of Tap Social and the impact of the SIBA Indie Beer Campaign on their supermarket expansion, community support and growth.
29 Jul 2026
Episode 9: Building Community in Beer
Episode 9 features Jess Merritt and Jenny Mann.
The conversation delves into the world of craft beer, exploring the evolution of beer preferences, the impact of women's beer organisations, the influence of the European beer market on the US, and the importance of community engagement and inclusivity within the craft beer industry.
Jess and Jenny share their experiences, insights, and recommendations, shedding light on the dynamic and evolving nature of the craft beer community.
15 Jul 2026
Episode 8: Beyond Beer
Episode 8 features Jonny Hamilton and Craig Thomas, both of whom transitioned from careers in brewing to explore diverse opportunities beyond beer.
We discuss the importance of diversifying skill sets, balancing personal, professional, and financial development, and the significance of creativity and passion in various roles within a brewery setting.
The conversation covers their early days in the UK "craft beer revolution", education, career transitions, and the exploration of new horizons beyond brewing, offering valuable insights for individuals seeking career growth and fulfilment.
8 Jul 2026
Episode 7: A New Brewery? In This Economy?!
Episode 7 features Vik Williams and Mike Corbett of Colbier in Bootle, Merseyside, in a "field recording" podcast recorded live in their brewery. We cover the challenges of starting a brewery in a post-Covid hospitality landscape, little wins, market trends, and the importance of customer feedback in developing a solid, saleable beer range.
1 Jul 2026
Episode 6: Women! In Beer!
This week, we're joined by Amélie Tassin of Tipple Marketing and Women in Beer, following her journey from corporate employment to entrepreneurship.
We discuss the importance of inclusivity in the beer industry, and support for women and non-binary individuals through the Women in Beer mentorship scheme, awards and festival, which this year takes place in Manchester in October.
In part two if this episode, we visit Kerroo Brewing Company on the Isle of Man for the 2026 International Women's Collaboration Brew Day.
24 Jun 2026
Episode 5: Sláinte!
Episode 5 features two brewers working in the Republic of Ireland, Sarah Branagan and Marco Mammoli.
The conversation delves into the world of brewing, exploring the challenges and opportunities in the industry from the heart of the Emerald Isle.
We chat about Italian brewing culture, the impact of licensing laws on beer distribution and domestic sales, challenges for small breweries in Ireland, adapting to beer preferences and the export market, and the promotion of craft beer in Ireland.
Stay tuned towards the end of the episode for some genuinely excellent beer and brewery recommendations.
17 Jun 2026
Episode 4: Pints and Pivots
Episode 4 features two iconic women in beer, who segued from corporate careers to award-winning roles within the beer industry.
Guests Catherine Webber and Lucy Stevens discuss the importance of diversity in the beer industry and the skills they brought with them from their previous careers in corporate roles.
Chapters
00:00 Can Passion Prompt a Career Change?
06:17 Growing in the Beer Industry
11:36 Creativity and Skills from Previous Careers
17:58 Beer Scenes and Inspiration
23:42 Importance of Diversity in Beer Industry
10 Jun 2026
Episode 3: Ties and Tides in Northern Ireland
Episode 3 features Jen Noble and Alastair Treliving from Treble Brewing in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a brand new farmhouse-style brewery launching in the summer of 2026.
They discuss the craft beer scene in Northern Ireland, the challenges and peculiarities of local licensing legislation, and their upcoming brewery launch and eventual expansion plans.
Sections:
05:05 Beer Styles and Treble's Brewery Vision
11:17 Market Strategy and Distribution
23:27 Impact of Northern Irish Licensing
32:33 Export Plans and Shipping Challenges
42:12 Upcoming Launch and Future Plans
10 Jun 2026
Episode 2: Women? In Beer?
Episode 2 features brewers Sophie Ashdown and Eloise Nicholson-Phillips, as they discuss their journey into brewing professionally from packaging operatives at Buxton Brewery and Everards of Leicestershire respectively.
Sophie and Eloise chat about their experiences as young female brewers, and the changing landscape of beer culture and trends. They also share insights into International Women's Collaboration Brew Days, and offer advice for aspiring brewers.
Sections:
00:00 Journey into Beer
06:15 Career Paths into Brewing
15:03 Women in Brewing
32:27 Advice for Aspiring Brewers
37:31 Beer Recommendations
10 Jun 2026
Episode 1: Who Am I To Judge?
Episode 1 features Eva Rainey and Ady Floyd discussing their journeys into professional beer judging, how they overlook personal taste in order to judge beer to strict guidelines, and the challenges and opportunities that come from being a woman in the world of beer judging.
Eva and Ady also recommend their favourite Scottish beers and breweries. The conversation provides insights into the world of beer judging and the experiences of women in the industry.
Sections:
00:00 Introduction to First Draught Podcast
06:28 Beer Tasting and Judging
12:49 The Role of a Head Judge
20:29 Inclusivity in Beer Judging
28:38 Scottish Beer Recommendations
7 Jun 2026
Trailer: First Draught
An introductory trailer for the first series of First Draught: Beer Podcast, hosted by Elizabeth Townsend.
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11 ratings
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