In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Dominic Driscoll, Production Manager and award-winning brewer at Thornbridge Brewery.

Dominic shares his journey into brewing, from early days at Marble Brewery to helping shape one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries. The conversation explores how the UK beer scene has evolved over the last 20 years, why Jaipur became such a defining beer, and how Thornbridge balances tradition, consistency, and innovation.

We dive deep into Thornbridge’s historic Union brewing system, what makes it different from modern fermentation, and why it has re-energised the brewery’s creativity. Dominic also talks collaboration brewing, working with breweries like Northern Monk, and what brewers can learn from each other by sharing knowledge.

The episode also covers the challenge of alcohol-free brewing, what really matters when making great beer, and why process and teamwork are more important than chasing hype ingredients.

A must-listen for brewers, beer lovers, and anyone interested in how great beer is made — and why Thornbridge continues to set the standard.

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In the final episode of The Fab Four series, Martin sits down with Ben Saward and Simon Whittington from Muntons to explore the malt that shapes every beer we drink. They break down the malting process of steeping, germination, and kilning, and explain the differences between base malts, specialty malts, roasted malts, and adjuncts.

The conversation dives into brewing science, malt extract, consistency, kernel size, modification, and how malt affects everything from lagers to hazy IPAs. Ben and Simon also talk openly about the challenges of the 2025 barley harvest, sustainability, regenerative farming, and the innovations Muntons are developing for malt extract.

Whether you’re a pro brewer, an ambitious homebrewer, or simply a beer lover wanting to understand what’s in your glass, this episode is packed with knowledge and practical insight.

Topics include:
• How malt is made and why it matters
• Base vs specialty malts and when to use each
• The impact of weather and farming on barley quality
• Sustainable malting and regenerative agriculture
• Using malt extract for consistency and efficiency
• Innovations in low/no-alcohol brewing

A brilliant finish to The Fab Four series and essential listening for anyone in the beer world.

Muntons Homebrewing Supplies: https://www.muntons.com/home-brewing-supplies/

Muntons History: https://www.muntons.com/history/

Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message!

Support the show

Shop for craft indie beers at our online store and get 20% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on our socials for the latest beers to hit The Beer Rep shop.

We deliver to the UK only. Free delivery to UK mainland for all orders £60 or more.

Online Store https://thebeerrep.com/shop

Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith

TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk

YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith

Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith

This episode is Part Three of The Fab Four Series, where Martin breaks down the core foundations of brewing with industry experts.

Martin is joined by Iain Kenny of Murphy & Son for a practical and approachable look at how water treatment impacts beer.
They discuss how water chemistry shapes beer styles, the challenges brewers commonly face, how to build accurate water profiles, and the importance of brewing salts and chloride–sulphate balance.

Iain also explains Burtonisation and highlights useful Murphy & Son resources that help brewers improve their water quality.

A valuable, easy-to-follow episode for brewers and beer fans continuing the journey through the Fab Four Series.

Little Book of Secrets – Liquor Edition:
https://www.murphyandson.co.uk/wine-cider-brochures/

The Malt Miller Water Report:
https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/advanced-water-report-from-murphy-sons/

About Murphy & Son:
https://www.murphyandson.co.uk/about-us/

All Podcast Episodes:
https://thebeerrep.com/podcast-episodes/

Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message!

Support the show

Shop for craft indie beers at our online store and get 20% off your first order when you subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on our socials for the latest beers to hit The Beer Rep shop.

We deliver to the UK only. Free delivery to UK mainland for all orders £60 or more.

Online Store https://thebeerrep.com/shop

Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith

TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk

YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith

Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith