Mon 2nd Mar 2015 - Butcombe hires Molson Coors craft expert Stuart Howe Butcombe hires Molson Coors craft expert Stuart Howe: Butcombe Brewery has hired Stuart Howe as director of brewing. Howe is recognised as one of the leading brewers and innovators in the industry and joins Butcombe from Molson-Coors Craft, where he was responsible for beer quality and development at the brewing company’s three craft breweries in the UK and Ireland. He was formerly head brewer at Cornwall-based Sharp’s Brewery, where he was instrumental in growing production, overseeing increased productivity and environmental performance and improving quality in the range of award-winning beers since 2002. Howe designed and project-managed the £2 million expansion of Sharp’s Brewery in 2008, and oversaw increased production from 10,000 to 400,000 hectolitres per year. Sharp’s was acquired by Molson-Coors Craft in 2011.Butcombe Brewery became part of the Channel Islands-based Liberation Group in late 2014. Guy Newell, managing director of Butcombe Brewery said: “Butcombe has always been about quality products and excellent service, an ethos that is shared across The Liberation Group. Stuart Howe’s expertise and knowledge of the industry is going to be incredibly valuable in helping to shape the future of our brewery and the continued success of our beers.” Mark Crowther, chief executive of The Liberation Group, added: “We are delighted to welcome Stuart Howe to the Group. His record in the industry is second to none and he will play a key role in our plans to revitalise and grow the Butcombe business.” Stuart Howe said: “I am incredibly privileged to work in the brewing industry. My passion is to make great beers, and The Liberation Group and Butcombe Brewery have a fantastic reputation in the global beer community for producing some of this country’s top ales. I am looking forward to being a part of that story.” Stuart Howe was named Parliamentary Brewer of the Year in 2011, which is the highest accolade in British brewing, and has collaborated with a number of major figures in the brewing world to produce highly acclaimed beers, as well as hosting beer and food events with renowned chefs such as Rick Stein, Alyn Williams and Nathan Outlaw. Howe will take up his new role in May.