New head brewer for Sharp's Brewery

Having recently embarked on a global talent search for a new head brewer, Cornwall based Sharp's Brewery has appointed Andrew Madden to take up the position. Andrew brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in the industry for nine years. He joins Sharp’s from one of Australasia’s most successful breweries, Lion Brewery, based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Andrew started his brewing career with Diageo in Belfast before moving to Scottish & Newcastle. In 2009, he was headhunted to join the Lion Brewery where he managed the commissioning of a new brew house and developed and brewed craft beers and contract brews. In 2011, Andrew was shortlisted for ‘International Young Brewer of the Year’ by The Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) and in 2015 Lion Brewery, under Andrew’s leadership, was awarded ‘Champion Brewery’ by the New Zealand Brewer’s Guild.

At Sharp’s, Andrew will be charged with maintaining the consistently high quality of the brewer’s core range of beers, including the UK’s no.1 cask beer, Doom Bar. He will also work on the brewery’s innovation and new product development, along with the experienced brewing team.

“I am incredibly excited that I am joining the Sharp’s Brewery team,” says Andrew Madden. “The UK cask and craft beer category is booming and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to grow and be part of a team where I can have close links with all aspects of the business; from production right through to sales.

“Sharp’s Brewery has an atmosphere and vibrancy that you just don’t get many places, and my family and I are really looking forward to meeting the locals and enjoying what Cornwall has to offer. I personally can’t wait to start work brewing the fantastic brands Sharp’s has built over the last 20 years – the sky’s the limit for the brewery!”

Dave Haskell, general manager of Sharp’s Brewery, adds, “After a lengthy talent search which had us scouring the globe for the very highest calibre individual to lead our brewing team, I am delighted to say that Andrew Madden has joined the team at Sharp’s. He is as thrilled to be joining the Sharp’s business as we are to have him and we look forward to continuing our ongoing development, growth and success under his guidance.”

Winners of over 80 international brewing awards for its portfolio, including new beers Wolf Rock Red IPA and Atlantic Pale Ale, Sharp’s continues to experience phenomenal growth with 70 jobs being created at the Brewery over the last four years.

14 November 2015 - Rebecca Sterritt Paragraph Publishing, content manager