Having previously shared the news that our head brewer, Oliver, had been shortlisted for the prestigious title of the British Guild of Beer Writers’ Brewer of the Year in our Christmas newsletter, we’re delighted to announce that he only went and won it!
The Guild’s annual competition for communications about beer and pubs took place as a Zoom event on December 10. Presenting the award, Guild chair Pete Brown said: “Oliver is a hugely popular figure in the brewing industry and his win this year in our vote was decisive. He’s taken on the mantle at Rooster’s and overseen the move to a new brewhouse, while continuing to produce a stunning core range of beers at the same time as creating new ones under the Outlaw Project. But on top of that, he’s been an excellent ambassador and role model for positive mental health in the industry with the launch of collaboration beer Mind Games, and through speaking out and writing publicly about his own experiences.”
In order to further highlight and discuss mental health, particularly amongst men, Oliver has teamed up with acclaimed Emmerdale actor, Reece Dinsdale to plan an event (once the Covid-19 pandemic has passed and it’s suitable to do so) in which they’ll share their own experiences.
A record number of brewers were nominated for the Brewer of the Year award, which was sponsored by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA). Oliver won the highest number of votes in a poll of Guild members. James Calder, chief executive of award sponsors SIBA, said: “Massive congratulations to Oliver Fozard of Rooster’s on being named the British Guild of Beer Writers’ Brewer of the Year 2020 - I can think of no more fitting recipient of this prestigious award. Oliver’s talent of absolutely nailing a diverse range of beer styles in varying formats is second to none and the work which he has done over the last twelve months to raise awareness of mental health issues is hugely commendable and necessary. The industry is lucky to have him and on behalf of everyone at SIBA I’d like to say a huge well done and congratulations. Cheers!”
Celebrating after scooping a coveted industry award, Oliver Fozard said: “To be considered and even shortlisted for Brewer of the Year, alongside such an eclectic group of talented people, was reward enough for what has been such a challenging year for me personally, for Rooster’s and the brewing industry on the whole, but to be recognised by a some of the most knowledgeable and revered writers in our industry and winning this award isn’t something I’ll forget in a hurry. The people I have around me at work, and further afield, are particularly important to me and have kept me going throughout the year. My next pint will be raised to them!”
Published January 2020