“The understanding of the science of brewing should be a fundamental part of the skills of the brewing team, to optimise efficiency, consistency and, above all, quality.”
Rob Smith

Back in October 1989, we wrote and ran the first “Fundamentals of Mini-Brewing” course in Malton, and this has now become what we believe is the longest-running brewing course in the world dedicated to those working in smaller brewing enterprises. The initial reason for writing and running the course was that no one else had considered that training for those working in the smaller brewing community was necessary or worthwhile.
David Smith approached Geoff Woollons, owner and Head Brewer at the Malton Brewing Co., someone with over 40 years brewing experience under his belt, to help change this. We set about firstly writing a book, and then running a course, which explains the underlying principles and basic science underpinning the brewing process, and how this can be applied to small scale brewing operations.
Since then, this biannual course has attracted many attendees from all parts of the UK and occasionally abroad. The attendees come from all areas of the brewing fraternity including brewers, those about to start a brewery, those who have recently joined a brewery, and brewery suppliers. All are people wanting a greater insight into the why’s and wherefores of making beer.
So, this November we have celebrated 35 years since we ran that very first course in Malton. The first course tested the water for a requirement for such a course, but the fact that the course has continued for so long shows the need was and remains real. It has struck a chord with the many brewers who have attended over the years, and equally with the brewing companies who, year-on-year, continue to send their new brewing trainees.

Graduates, November 2024

Some positive comments from this latest cohort of course attendees:
“A lot of what I’ve learned practically while brewing, I now actually understand on a technical level”
“It was the perfect balance between the finer details and the tools / knowledge required to explore creativity for future brews”
“Everything was covered in a learner friendly and well-structured way”
“Incredible knowledge and passion from our hosts”
“I enjoyed it very much – Thank you all”

Roll on our 36th year and the next course of Brewing: The Fundamentals which is running in York from Sunday 30th March to Wednesday 2nd April 2025.
Interested? Contact Brewing Services Ltd, www.brewingservices.co.uk