Butcombe appoints new director of brewing

Howe joins the brewery from Molson-Coors Craft, where he was responsible for beer quality and development at the company’s three craft breweries in the UK and Ireland.

He was formerly head brewer at Cornwall-based Sharp’s Brewery, which was acquired by Molson-Coors Craft in 2011, where he was instrumental in growing production and improving quality in the range of beers. He also designed and project-managed the £2 m expansion of Sharp's Brewery in 2008, and oversaw increased production from 10,000 to 400,000 hectolitres per year.

Howe was named Parliamentary Brewer of the Year in 2011.

'Incredibly valuable'​

Guy Newell, managing director of Butcombe Brewery, said: “Butcombe has always been about quality products and excellent service, an ethos that is shared across The Liberation Group.

“Stuart Howe's expertise and knowledge of the industry is going to be incredibly valuable in helping to shape the future of our brewery and the continued success of our beers.”

Mark Crowther, chief executive of The Liberation Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stuart Howe to the Group. His record in the industry is second to none and he will play a key role in our plans to revitalise and grow the Butcombe business.' 

Howe will take up his new role in May.

He said: “I am incredibly privileged to work in the brewing industry. My passion is to make great beers, and The Liberation Group and Butcombe Brewery have a fantastic reputation in the global beer community for producing some of this country's top ales. I am looking forward to being a part of that story.”