Episode 115: From Bishop to Beercraft [with Bishop Nick's Nelion Ridley]

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

On the podcast this week, we're joined by Nelion Ridley, family brewer and owner of Essex based brewery, Bishop Nick.

With a rich heritage of traditional brewing as part of the Ridley brewing family that dates back to 1842, Nelion briefly moved out of the industry after the family brewery was sold to Greene King in 2005.

However, it wasn't long before he was persuaded to give it another go, buying a small kit installed in the back of a pub. Since then, Bishop Nick brewery has scooped numerous leading industry awards including the highly coveted Campion Beer of Britain (SILVER overall) for their leading brand Ridley's Rite in 2017.

In this episode, Nick talks to Nelion about some of the challenges the brewery has faced, discussing everything from the pandemic's impact on the business, to canning and the increasing consumer demand for cans, all over a few Bishop Nick beers.

In addition to the discuss, Nick references and reads from the SIBA Independent Brewer Magazine article on 'Influencers', which can be found here.

This Week's Episode is Sponsored by Crisp Malt
Since 1870, Crisp Malt has been producing the finest malt at Great Ryburgh in Norfolk. With 5 maltings located in the best barley growing areas in the UK, they produce a wide range of malts and non-malted cereals in 25kg sacks for craft brewers and distillers all over the world.

They still work one of the last remaining floor maltings in England and use it to make their pioneering heritage malts. They also craft roasted and crystal malts of unprecedented consistency on their vertical, all electric tower roasting plant, the only one of its kind in the UK. Check out their website for more information about their range of malts and also their educational blogs and webinars too.

Visit crispmalt.com to find out more.
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