Ric Brown

Ric set up the successful beer programme at Atlanta neighbourhood restaurant Muss & Turners. This included tastings, education and beer dinners. From many visits to the UK, he developed a passion for the pubs and real ale that the country is famous for. Ric embarked on a marketing management programme at Edinburgh Napier University, earning a degree in 2011. He worked in some of Edinburgh's best real ale pubs, gaining experience in sourcing, selling, cellaring and pairing real ale with food and whisky. Ric moved to London in 2011 and became a Beer Academy Beer Sommelier later that year. Soon after, the Pubs of Distinction group, owners of the Dean Swift and Old Red Cow, brought him aboard in a newly created position as Product Manager. His duties included designing and delivering beer events with an American touch, along with sourcing the best modern breweries from the UK and US. His unique writing style is featured on both pubs' websites in the beer descriptions. In early 2012 Ric left the pubs and started the Modern Beer Co, a full-service consultancy based around his product management experience. His first client was the Bottle Shop, where he established and directs the wholesale operation, now based in an arch in Bermondsey, South London. In August 2013, Ric took on a new client, Dam Tasty Beer, directing their wholesale efforts in Sussex. Maintaining a good supply from existing breweries, whilst identifying the best new breweries are just two of the services provided by The Modern Beer Co. With much of the beer brewed in the UK influenced by American breweries, Ric is well-placed to bring a unique, international perspective to the UK beer industry.