Fuller’s head brewer quits post to join Bath Ales
Young, whose start date has yet to be confirmed, is currently head brewer at Fuller’s and – in her new role – will oversee all aspects of the brewing and packaging of Bath Ales brands and report to St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales brewing director Roger Ryman.
She will be based at Hare Brewery – Bath Ales’ new brewhouse in Warmley, on the eastern outskirts of Bristol, which opened its doors in May last year.
Having grown up in Bristol, Young started her brewing career at Smiles Brewery working alongside Richard Dempster – one of the founders of Bath Ales.
She then went on to run the pilot brewery at the Brewing Research Institute before joining Fuller’s as production brewer in 1999, where she served in roles across all aspects of production. She rose to the role of head brewer in 2017 – the first female at Fuller’s to take on the role.
Home town return
Young holds a masters degree in brewing and distilling and is a master brewer of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.
She said: “I’m delighted to be heading back to my home town of Bristol. It is where my parents and sister still live and it’s something I’ve been mulling over for some time.
“So when a great brewer like St Austell offered me such a fantastic opportunity, I just couldn’t say no. The role at Bath Ales will allow me to take total control of the operation including brewing and packaging, which gives me a new challenge.
“It is sad to be leaving Fuller’s after all these years but I’ve left a first-class brewing team at Chiswick and I know they will flourish in the future.”
St Austell chief executive James Straughton welcomed Young to the team and outlined how she will be developing brands.
Full potential
He said: “We couldn’t be more delighted that Young is taking the helm as head brewer at our Hare Brewery in Warmley.
“We look forward to welcoming her and to exciting times ahead as she helps us to realise the full potential of the Bath Ales beer brands.”
St Austell and Bale Ales brewing director Roger Ryman highlighted his history working with Young previously.
Ryman added: “Young and I have known each other for many years both as brewers and friends.
“I’m therefore hugely excited she will be joining our brewing and production team at Hare Brewery. I look forward to working and brewing alongside her in the years to come.”
