St Austell brewing boss’s double win

Young, who joined St Austell Brewery in 2019 after leaving her role as head brewer at Fuller’s won the Brewer of the Year award at this year’s British Guild of Beer Writers awards​ as well as receiving a Lifetime Achievement award at the Brewer’s Congress in October.

Young saw off competition from five other finalists in the Brewer of the Year category and said: “I am absolutely made up by this award. I couldn’t do any of this without my great team and everyone at the brewery. We work for an amazing business.”

Georgina’s win was preceded by the Lifetime Achievement award presented to her at the Brewer’s Congress earlier this year. The award recognises a brewer who has shaped the industry, supported others around them and strengthened the UK brewing scene.

In honour of Roger Ryman​

The award was even more special for Young because it was named in honour of St Austell’s late head brewer Roger Ryman who was a good friend and mentor of Young.

On receiving her Lifetime Achievement award, she said: “It’s a huge honour to have won the award and it’s the perfect homage to Roger.

“The brewing industry is really special so it’s wonderful to be recognised. I’ve had huge support during my career, from Fuller’s and John Keeling, as well as everyone at St Austell.”

Her passion for brewing started during her student years at King’s College London. She studied biotechnology at undergraduate level, before completing a master’s degree in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh.

Increased capacity​

Young joined St Austell Family Group in May 2019 as head brewer for Hare Brewery, optimising the new brewing and bottling facilities that had been installed the year before. Fermentation capacity increased to 50,000 barrels by the end of the year through the installation of further kit. She introduced a second shift and went on to install a new kegger and robotic palletiser.  

Following the passing of Ryman, who had led brewing operations at St Austell since 1999, Young was promoted to brewing director in July 2020.

She now oversees brewing at both Hare Brewery and St Austell Brewery. Since taking on this enlarged role, she has successfully commissioned a new canning line and launched a new permanent cask beer – Anthem British pale ale.