Joe Thomson
Our Suppliers: Firebrand Brewing Company
Name: Joe Thomson
Job Title: Head Brewer & Managing Director
Nickname: I don't really have one because Joe is pretty easy!
Time in Role: About 10 years
Favourite part of the Job:
Creating new recipes for all of the different beers we brew. It’s really exciting to experiment with different flavours and ingredients.
Favourite Food:
Curry, I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Favourite Place:
Coverak on the Lizard, I like to go paddle boarding there.
Why I like Veggies &More:
They have a great connection to local businesses and carry lots of high-quality products.
Unusual fact about me:
Was once mentioned in a national newspaper as the youngest brewer in the country when I first started Firebrand.
Dream Job?
Running my own brewery, so I guess I’m living the dream.
What inspired you to create a range of craft ales & how did you come up with the names?
We created our Core Range because we are inspired by a variety of different styles and flavours. Graffiti was the first craft beer we brewed, and we were spray painting the branding, so we named it Graffiti. Patchwork Rocket Pale is named with synonyms for the hops that are used in the beer. West Coast IPA is a West Coast style IPA, so the name is fairly simple. Thundercloud is named after its cloudy appearance. Helles Beach is a Helles style lager and it’s nice to drink by the beach. Citra Simcoe NEIPA is named after the two hops that are used in the beer. Coffee Stout is a super simple one because it’s a stout made with coffee.
Why cans instead of bottles?
Cans are more environmentally friendly and also keep the beer tasting better because it doesn’t allow light and oxygen inside.
The micro-brewery market is highly competitive. Who is your key target audience?
Anyone who likes beer is our target audience. We have something for everyone.
What makes Firebrand Craft Ales so unique?
We use all-natural ingredients to produce a modern and progressive style of beer.
Who do you see as your closest competitor?
All of the other Cornish breweries - Sharps, St Austell, Harbour, Verdant. We have so many great breweries in Cornwall.
What foods would you pair with each flavour?
The IPA’s are awesome with curry and other big, flavourful dishes. Coffee Stout is nice with a roast or even a chocolate dessert. Our lager goes really well with fish and chips because it’s super crisp and refreshing.
If you knew then what you know now what would you do differently?
I would definitely get some experience on how to run a business before starting a business…
What’s next for Firebrand Brewing Co?
We are moving from our current farm to a large industrial unit in Launceston. We have totally outgrown our converted milking parlour and are really excited to open a taproom and shop at the space as well.
Covid 19 specific question – what’s the most positive thing you will take away from this time?
I’ve really enjoyed spending time with my family.