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The term “craft brewer” has often used to describe a beer maker who was in charge of a small-scale brewing operation that used traditional brewing methods. Typically, craft brewers did not use mechanized production lines like larger breweries. With the increase in popularity of craft beer over the past few years, the term is now used to describe any brewer that works in a brewery producing original and marketable beers.

A craft brewer is a very knowledgeable beer maker who is deeply involved in the creation of new beers. Craft brewers have a deep understanding of the entire brewing process, are passionate about beer-making and are very creative. They enjoy experimenting with different flavors and are interested in making unique beers that customers will enjoy.

Craft Brewer Job Responsibilities

The craft brewer has a very significant role at a craft brewery. They can be involved in many aspects of the beer making process including product development, sourcing of raw materials, brewing beer, shipping beer, meeting customers, and marketing beer. Their key responsibilities are:

• Product development
  They will work in conjunction with management, brewery owners to develop interesting and unique beers that consumers will enjoy while fitting within current market trends & budgets for both the taproom and in distribution. This will involve creating recipes and brewing small batches for testing. The beers must be designed to not only taste great, but to satisfy consumer demand in the market.
• Sourcing raw materials and dealing with suppliers
  The craft brewer is responsible for assisting in sourcing high quality raw materials required for the brewing process. They must determine if the raw materials are of sufficient quality for the beer being produced. The brewer will also help ensure that the materials needed are sufficient but not excessive for the current beer production rate.
• Brewhouse operations
  The key responsibility of the craft brewer is to oversee the brewing process. They will ensure the brew recipe is being followed accordingly and accurately and the beer is stored correctly. They often direct other staff to ensure brewhouse operations are being performed adequately.
• Equipment maintenance and purchasing
  They must maintain equipment within the brewery and assist with making decisions about equipment purchases. They must also create a maintenance schedule which works well with production requirements.
• Quality control
  The craft brewer must assess the quality of the brew throughout the brewing process. They will be responsible for both scientific and taste-testing of the brew. Any changes to the process or recipes would be done through a testing plan.  
• Production record keeping
  Detailed records must be kept, with the goal of improving beer quality and production processes.
• Managing cellaring of beer
  They must ensure that different beers are correctly stored.
• Maintain safety and hygiene standards throughout the brewery
  The craft brewer must ensure that work is performed in a safe manner and strict hygiene standards are maintained.
• Represent the company at trade events and liaise with customers
  Typically, a craft brewer will have a fair amount of interaction with customers and members of the public at beer tastings and trade shows. Ideally, they should be great communicators who can promote the beers being produced and the brewery itself.
• Managing key production requirements and setting KPIs
  They may be responsible for setting production goals and identifying key performance indicators at the brewery.
• Manage kegging and delivery processes
  The craft brewer will be required for the kegging of the beer per the production and sales schedules.
• Budgeting
  There will be budgets for beer production, marketing, product development, staffing and purchasing equipment. The craft brewer will have to deal with these budgets and report to management.
• Brewery improvements
  In conjunction with management, the craft brewer must create a plan for improving the brewing and setting up goals for improving the productivity, hygiene and safety of the brewery.

Craft Brewer Education

While some craft brewers develop into the role by working their way up from junior positions at a brewery, most craft brewers have an IBD/Brewing qualification. Other qualifications that can beneficial to a craft brewer include:

• Chemistry or Chemical Engineering degree
• Marketing degree
• Microbiology degree
• Food science or food technology degree

Craft Brewer Work Experience

A craft brewer needs to have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a brewer and procuring raw materials for the brewing process. Ideally, they will also have experience with:

• Brewery equipment maintenance
• Budgeting
• Developing new beers
• Record keeping
• Quality control
• Project management

Key Skills of the Craft Brewer

Some of the key skills that a craft brewer should possess include:

• High level written and verbal communication skills
• Leadership skills and the ability to motivate staff
• Time management skills
• A passion for beer making and developing new beers
• High-level brewing skills
• Physically fit and able to lift weights of up to 50lbs.
• Personable and able to communicate well with customers.
• Problem solving skills.
• Mechanical knowledge and familiarity with brewing components
• Innovative, creative and motivated to create some new and delicious beers
• Quality assurance skills and drive for continual improvement

Duties

In conjunction with management as a craft brewer many things are required to get beer from the idea to delivery:

• Developing recipes
• Making beer
• Cleaning equipment
• Inventory control
• Cost analysis
• Washing kegs
• Working with maintenance on equipment controls
• Educating staff on beer
• Assisting with tasting/pairing events.
• Attending tradeshows, festivals and other company events
• Socialize with customers and staff and assist with beer education