Brains master brewer retires after 40 years in the industry

Jeffrey began his career as a production trainee at Courage in the 1970s, moving across various sites including John Smith’s, Tadcaster and Simonds Brewery. In 1979 he joined Guinness, Park Royal, producing both Harp and Guinness, before relocating to the Isle of Man to become head brewer at Castletown Brewery, which later became Okell’s.

In 1988 he became head brewer at Buckley’s, which was later taken over by Brains. It was there he brewed The Rev. James, named after one of the brewery’s early owners, Methodist minister James Buckley. Jeffrey’s last move was to Brains’ Crawshay Street site in 1999, becoming packaging manager.

Pivotal​

Bill Dobson, head brewer at Brains, said: “Don has been a pivotal member of our production team for the last 15 years, supporting the growth of Brains brands, and more recently was part of the team to establish Brains Craft Brewery.”

Jeffrey said: “There have been many changes during my years in the industry – often challenging and demanding, but always stimulating. I’ll miss the day to day contact with my colleagues but I’m now looking to put a bit back by offering my skills as a brewing consultant and trainer, for both brewing apprentice programmes and formal qualifications for the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.”

To mark his retirement, Jeffrey has brewed his own Alt style beer with a name that plays on his other passion – magic. He is a long-time member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. Old Tricks uses Munich and Crystal malts, Hallertau and Saaz hops and Dusseldorf Alt yeast and will be available in 30 Brains pubs from 14 May.