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Craft Beer Brewery London: Forest Road’s Exceptional Journey

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A Tale of Craft Beer Passion: The Journey from Russian River Brewing Co. to London’s Forest Road

Craft beer enthusiasts, gather around! Have you ever heard a story that begins in the picturesque landscapes of California’s renowned Russian River Brewing Co. and travels across the ocean to a spirited brewery in bustling London? This is the tale of how one brewhouse’s legacy found a new home, and it’s steeped in the craft beer culture that both sides of the pond have come to cherish.

The London Brewer with a California Dream

Picture this: Pete Brown, the enterprising founder of London’s Forest Road Brewing Co., stumbles upon an opportunity so rare it could only be described as a brewer’s dream. A four-vessel 50-beer barrel system, previously nurtured by the masterful hands at Russian River Brewing Co., was up for grabs. This wasn’t just any brewing equipment; it was a treasure trove that had crafted some of the most exceptional beers on American shores.

Now, one does not simply transport a brewhouse across continents and seas without a dollop of daring and a pint of passion. Sure enough, the same Pete Brown who once drove hundreds of miles to deliver a customer a single beanie, saw no ocean too deep or journey too long when it came to brewing excellence.

From Notebook Sketches to Brewing Reality

Every craft beer brewery in London—or anywhere, for that matter—starts with a vision. For Brown, it was a scribble in a notebook: a 50-hectoliter brewhouse accompanied by six fermenters. This vision fermented in his mind like a fine beer, with the recipe for his flagship Work IPA waiting for the perfect place to bubble to life.

The Labor of Love and Lager

When the brewing kit from Russian River Brewing Co. was finally nestled in Forest Road’s new London abode, it was a real ‘cheers’ moment. The treasured system wasn’t just equipment; it represented a legacy of craft beer making. And with the meticulous setup that Brown and his team undertook, it wasn’t long before they were brewing their first batch.

But hold your pint glasses high—it wasn’t just about replicating success. Forest Road Brewing Co. may have had Hendrix’s guitar, but they weren’t interested in cover songs. Their main beer, Posh, a crisp all-English lager, was set to become the quintessential modern brew for the British market. With over 1.5 million pints produced in a single year, they were playing their own hits to a symphony of clinking glasses.

Fostering Craft Beer Community and Connection

Walk into the Bermondsey tea warehouse taproom, a former Victorian building infused with the spirit of modern craft beer. Here, Forest Road isn’t just pouring beers; it’s cultivating a community. With a dĂ©cor showcasing skateboards, photos, and even a nod to the Panama Canal passage, there’s a story in every corner.

The brewery is Frankenstein’s monster in the best way possible—a patchwork of parts from legendary breweries, each telling its own tale of craft camaraderie. With its heart stemming from Russian River Brewing Co., there’s a resonance that goes beyond mere ingredients and fermentation—it’s about shared dedication to the art of brewing.

Keeping the Craft Beer Spirit True and Brewed

Pete Brown made a promise to the craft beer gods—that he wouldn’t ride on the coattails of Russian River’s legacy. Forest Road was to pave its own way in the beer world. That’s why, among the many craft beer breweries in London, Forest Road stands out as a beacon of originality, leaving its own hoppy footprint on the craft beer map.

For those thirsting for more than just a drink, but a journey through craftsmanship and dedication, look no further than Forest Road Brewing Co. As for Brown and his team, they’re not just making beer; they’re crafting a narrative of passion, resilience, and liquid gold—a story worth toasting to with every sip.

Relish the Craft Beer Experience with Forest Road’s Finest

If you’re ever in London and fancy a dance with craft beer royalty, make sure to swing by Forest Road Brewing Co. The brews, each with a personality as distinct as the vessels they were born in, are waiting to be savored. Allow yourself to be part of this boozy tale where London’s creative brewing spirit meets California’s legendary craft heritage. Raise your glass to a craft beer brewery in London that embodies the adventurous essence of brewing—one pint at a time. Cheers to the journey, cheers to the brew, and cheers to the craft beer lore that keeps on fermenting!

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Author

Ethan Parker is a seasoned craft beer aficionado with a palate fine-tuned through years of exploring breweries worldwide. As the founder of Brew Scoop, he blends his passion for storytelling with his extensive knowledge of brewing techniques and beer culture. Ethan’s dedication to the craft beer community is evident in his efforts to educate and connect beer lovers while advocating for sustainable brewing practices.