First ever female head brewer in the North

Brewster Michelle Bright has been promoted to the position of head brewer at Wentworth Brewery in South Yorkshire at the age of just 26. This makes her the only female head brewer in the North of England, and the youngest of her kind in the country to boot.

There is only one other female head brewer in the country – Sara Barton in Grantham, but this was not always the case. During the 1700s, nearly 80% of brewers were female. It was traditional for women or ‘alewives’ to brew beer for the household – that is until monasteries began larger scale brewing for passing travellers, so women became less involved in brewing.

Michelle is also thought to be the only award winning brewster in the land, after winning the Gold Medal accolade at the Oakwood Beer Festival in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. She is an ex-army chef who has served in Kosovo and has since turned her skilful hand to brewing.

Steve Beech, Wentworth Brewery’s managing director, said: “Michelle has been with Wentworth for a few years now and has well and truly served her apprenticeship. She is a model employee and we are delighted that she has risen through the ranks to the dizzy heights of head brewer. She really deserves it and we are looking forward to tasting further exciting, new and interesting brews from Michelle in the future.”

Wentworth's popular Oatmeal Stout - brewed by Michelle - scooped the best in show prize last year; at 4.8% it is dark, smooth, deeply delicious and definitely 'moreish'! The outstanding Oatmeal Stout has already won many awards across the country and must be tasted to be fully understood. The satisfyingly malty flavour is achieved partly from the roasted barley and Golding hops.

Here’s to more female brewers picking up where they left off all those centuries ago.
E-mail info@wentworth-brewery.co.uk

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