Norfolk's largest brewery has announced its new head brewer, who will bring "unrivalled knowledge" as the business looks to accelerate its growth plans.
Aaron Taubman has taken on the brewhouse reins at Woodforde’s Brewery, based in Woodbastwick, and he was previously at Purity in the Midlands for a decade.
Before that, he worked for numerous craft breweries and also at MillerCoors in California.
He honed his skills at the prestigious Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago and has won five Great American Beer Festival medals.
Mr Taubman said: "I already knew about the brewery and have holidayed around here a few times.
READ MORE: TV stars announced for Bear Grylls' new four-day Norfolk festival
"I was always really impressed by the beer and the kit they had – so when the job became available, I was like ‘oh yeah’.
“I wasn’t really looking for a new job at the time. But this is a great challenge.
“I want to see Woodforde’s grow and expand its diversity of beers to build on the successes of customer favourites like Wherry, Volt IPA and Nelson’s Revenge.”
Mr Taubman has been amazed by the history of the award-winning Broadland brewery and the scale of its operations.
One item of particular interest is the brewery’s older, wooden mash tun – a vessel used to mix water and grain to create wort, the sugary solution which is then fermented to create beer.
Joe Parks, CEO of Woodforde’s Brewery, said: "We are delighted to welcome Aaron to the team.
READ MORE: Coffee bar opens in former Norwich Gospel Hall and Rage Rooms
“He has an unrivalled knowledge of brewing and the science behind making the perfect pint.
"His experience of both modern craft brewing as well as traditional British brewing has already proved a fantastic asset to us."
He will be supported by the new deputy head brewer Craig Bennett, who has more than 30 years of experience in the industry.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here