Adnams is celebrating after head brewer, Dan, was declared Brewer of the Year at The Brewer’s Choice Awards. Dan was among the figures from the beer, brewing and hospitality sectors recognised at this year’s event, which took place on 30^th September as part of the annual Brewers Congress, held at The Big Penny Social in London.

The Brewers Congress is a two-day conference organised by The Brewer’s Journal, which showcases the very best in brewing, and day one finishes with the awards ceremony. Unfortunately, Dan was unable to receive his award in person because he is currently in American selecting our hops, so Fergus, our head of production, collected it on his behalf.

On the evening, Tim Sheahan, group editor at The Brewers Journal, said: "The 'Brewer of The Year' category recognises the brilliant brewing talent we have here in the UK and Ireland. Competition was predictably incredibly high across the board, but Dan Gooderham is an incredibly worthy winner.

"As head brewer at one of the UK's most revered breweries he has shown immense skill in recipe development, equipment commissioning and leading a team. He is an inspiration for brewers far and wide."

Dan is travelling around America with fellow brewer Sean Knight from Siren Craft Brew in Berkshire, who helped us plan a surprise presentation and capture his “I’m sorry I can’t be there,” speech. News travels fast, and his industry friends in the States have marked the occasion with a selection of celebratory apparel – from commemorative caps to a sash and a party hat.

When Sean made the announcement, Dan was taken aback: “That’s a bit of a surprise. Thank you! Well, we’re a sum of our parts, aren’t we. So, thanks to all of the team as well, because we’ve got some super-talented brewers.”

Dan grew up around a brewpub called the Green Dragon in the neighbouring Suffolk town of Bungay. This experience nurtured his love of brewing and inspired him to study for a BSc in Brewing & Distilling at Herriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Before enrolling in the final year of his degree, he took a voluntary year out to gain hands-on experience in the industry and worked as a laboratory technician with Fullers in Chiswick, West London. Dan graduated in 2010 and took a position with Adnams in early 2011.

As a technical brewer, he honed his craft in every aspect of brewing, becoming increasingly responsible for the brewery’s daily operations and in 2021, his expertise was rewarded with the role of head brewer. With a firm nod to 150 years of brewing tradition and a passion for the future of the craft, he is continuing to develop the reputation of Adnams beer brands.

“There may be something in the water in Bungay, said Fergus, when speaking about Dan’s career to date. “I believe five of Dan’s classmates at Bungay High School also went onto be brewers. Their school motto is 'Clarior Usta Rogo' - “I beseech thee to burn more brightly." I think Dan has embraced that in his own charming, beer-related way.

“In Dan's time as a brewer with Adnams, he has commissioned lots of new equipment, including a new cellar and bright beer facility and is, I would suggest, the UK's leading expert on reverse osmosis dealcoholisation, having installed the equipment in 2018. He then went on to help Adnams Ghost Ship Alcohol Free to become one of the best-selling low-and-no ales in the UK.

“He is an excellent technical brewer, often getting lost in long discussions about the intricacies of whatever problem he's dealing with. He is also a wonderfully creative brewer, taking influence from all parts of the beer world and beyond.

“Dan has thrown himself into hop selection, moving it to a precise analysis, while still leaving room for intuition and that subjective, human touch. He has developed a reputation in hop circles as being an authoritative and collaborative voice when selecting new varieties and products, so now sits on at least two panels tasked with steering the future of hops.

“He has also championed the brewing apprenticeship at Adnams and is always keen share his extensive knowledge. He has a deeply thoughtful, moral and fun approach to the role and is a very fitting recipient of the honour.”