Meet the team
Here at S43 Brewery we’re a personable bunch. Meet the talented team that make it all work. We strive to deliver with quality, flavour, individuality, and a little personality.
Alex Rattray
Senior Craft Brewer / Yeast Wrangler
How long have you been with S43?
I started wrangling for S43 in 2018
Where did your love of beer start?
During University I did a study abroad in London and on a weekend trip to Dublin I toured the old Guinness brewery and was fascinated with the history and process. That then got me into homebrewing over 13 years ago and I’ve loved beer ever since.
What’s your favourite S43 beer brewed to date?
Tough one, might go with Jorts. A west coast pale that was super citrusy, piney and refreshingly bitter. It’s the kind of beer I brewed a lot of back in the States and it was the perfect can to have on a hot day while brewing over the summer.
What would win in a fight; one grizzly bear or two gorillas?
2 gorillas easy. I think a gorilla could lift a car pretty easily, so you get two of those, one jumps on the bears back and puts it in a head lock and the other starts wailing on the bear from the front. Game over Paddington.
All time favourite beer?
Numb Comfort: This was a 13% American Barleywine brewed with a bunch of crystal rye and aged in rye whiskey barrels by a brewery in Dallas called Deep Ellum. It was so intense and yet you could drink the whole 750ml bottle by yourself. Massively sweet and boozy but with a really aggressive bitterness. Amazingly complex flavours but somehow really drinkable. Heavenly.
Tom
Assistant Brewer
How long have you been with S43?
Since February 2022
Where did your love of beer start?
It started when I was a teenager when I began to drink cask stuff like Wylam Red Kite and their Golden Ale at Tyne Bar (just couldn’t stomach Foster’s). I then really got into craft beer at Uni, finding Wylam Jakehead (before it was cool) in a tiny bottle shop in Brighton; also sampling some of the great craft beers produced down there from Laines Brewing Co, Brighton Bier and Holler Brewery. Also, after spending lots of time in Germany, sampling Bock Beers and arguing about which country produces the better brews.
What’s your favourite S43 beer brewed to date?
Juicier Cannon
What would win in a fight; one grizzly bear or two gorillas?
I think the Grizzly Bear’s teeth and claws would make it too much of a match for the Gorillas. Although the Gorillas could learn to fashion weapons and ambush the Grizzly. Who knows…..
All time favourite beer?
John Smith’s Extra smooth, there’s also a really good one called Stella as well.
Lex
Head Of Colouring In And Silly Words
How long have you been with S43?
I joined S43 and Tavistock Hospitality in October 2019!
Where did your love of beer start?
I’ve always loved beer, but my love for crafty boys started when I joined the Brewery in all honesty! I didn’t truly appreciate how much versatility there was out there and once I found a few styles of beer I got on with I was down. Plus the can artwork’s a major hook.
What’s your favourite S43 beer brewed to date?
My favourite can’s probably Wu Tangy Clan, my favourite beer is a toss up between Jorts and Yeep I reckon. Crimble Crumble was pretty good mind… So was Low Hanging Fruit… Ah I dunno.
What would win in a fight; one grizzly bear or two gorillas?
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica. But the bear would most definitely win. Bears are absolute beasts. You can’t beat a bear. Nothing can beat a bear. Two gorillas wouldn’t stand a chance. Ten wouldn’t. I proper love bears.
All time favourite beer?
My first love is, and always will be; Red Stripe. Come at me.
Brad
Sales Manager
How long have you been with S43?
I joined in 2020
Where did your love of beer start?
Working behind the bar of a country pub got me into cask, then as the UK started to follow the craft trends set in the US. I got interested in craft and hazy beers
What’s your favourite S43 beer brewed to date?
Too many to name, but probably from this year I would have to say Yeep (Strata, Galaxy & Citra Cryo).
What would win in a fight; one grizzly bear or two gorillas?
Grizzly bears are great at wrestling plus they have claws, and I think 1v1 the grizzly has it. But I think in a 2v1 the gorillas would win, they are super strong and agile.
All time favourite beer?
I’ve always really enjoyed the Wylam beers from cask to craft. Living in Newcastle you’re never that far from a pint of Jakehead!
Mike
Head Brewer
How long have you been with S43?
Since day dot, I’m just part of the furniture.
Where did your love of beer start?
My dad giving me Theakstons Old peculiar
What’s your favourite S43 beer brewed to date?
Probably Big Dank
What would win in a fight; one grizzly bear or two gorillas?
Two gorillas
All time favourite beer?
Anything over 4.5% that doesn’t taste like crap
MEL
Sales Executive
How long have you been with S43?
I joined in June 2022
Where did your love of beer start?
My love of beer started a few years ago after my husband started enjoying them, he introduced me to beers he thought I would like (sour, fruity) and it has just progressed from there
What’s your favourite S43 beer brewed to date?
Before Eton Mess, Big Battenberg was my fav, but Eton has taken it now
What would win in a fight; one grizzly bear or two gorillas?
100% one grizzly bear. teeth, claws, massive. It would tower over the gorillas, I’m sure they reach like 8-9ft standing
All time favourite beer?
Vault City Rhubarb and Custard
Or Rhubarn – either or