How Great Teams Build Great Beer with Dominic Driscoll of Thornbridge Brewery

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Dominic Driscoll, Production Manager and award-winning brewer at Thornbridge Brewery.

Dominic shares his journey into brewing, from early days at Marble Brewery to helping shape one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries. The conversation explores how the UK beer scene has evolved over the last 20 years, why Jaipur became such a defining beer, and how Thornbridge balances tradition, consistency, and innovation.

We dive deep into Thornbridge’s historic Union brewing system, what makes it different from modern fermentation, and why it has re-energised the brewery’s creativity. Dominic also talks collaboration brewing, working with breweries like Northern Monk, and what brewers can learn from each other by sharing knowledge.

The episode also covers the challenge of alcohol-free brewing, what really matters when making great beer, and why process and teamwork are more important than chasing hype ingredients.

A must-listen for brewers, beer lovers, and anyone interested in how great beer is made — and why Thornbridge continues to set the standard.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome & Dominic’s Journey into Brewing
• 3:19 Brewer of the Year & The Power of Teamwork
• 5:10 How the UK Beer Scene Has Changed
• 6:49 Jaipur: From Breakthrough Beer to National Staple
• 11:47 Inside Thornbridge: Team, Culture & 20 Years
• 15:02 How Thornbridge Creates & Develops New Beers
• 18:14 Collaboration Brewing & Learning from Others
• 20:51 Brewing on the Historic Union System
• 25:30 Jaipur Today, Alcohol-Free Beer & Consistency
• 29:50 Brewing Wisdom, What’s Next & Final Thoughts