James Smith, Brewery Lead at Stomping Ground Brewing Co., has dedicated nearly two decades to the beer industry, working in a variety of roles since starting at the Belgian Beer Café in Melbourne’s Southbank in 2006. With an extensive career that spans across different facets of the brewing world, Smith’s passion for beer evolved after a stint in the UK that significantly shaped his path.
“I fell backwards into the brewing industry,” Smith jokes, recalling how his travels in the UK sparked a fascination with regional breweries and the unique offerings they produced. As part of his job, he visited many towns and made a point of sampling local beers while exploring European varieties available in the UK. Returning to Australia, he found that the local beer scene was in its early stages, with venues like the Belgian Beer Café offering more adventurous brews compared to what was common at the time.
In 2008, Smith secured a position at The Local Taphouse, just a short distance from his childhood home in Melbourne. The bar’s wide selection of both local and international beers provided Smith with the opportunity to deepen his knowledge of the beer industry. It was also here that he first became involved in beer festivals and education, later becoming one of the first Australians to complete the Cicerone Certification Program.
Smith’s involvement in the industry continued to grow, including a role as bar manager for the GABS Festival, where he eventually oversaw the setup and running of all the container bars. It was during this time that Smith realized he had a deep passion for the hands-on aspects of brewing, which led to his decision to join Stomping Ground Brewing Co. in 2019.
Starting in the cellar and moving quickly to the brewing side of things, Smith is now the Brewery Lead at Stomping Ground. His work at the brewery has allowed him to further explore his affinity for classic European and UK beer styles. Thanks to the mentorship of Head Brewer Ashur Hall, Smith has not only brewed a wide variety of these styles but has also honed his skills in creating them from scratch.
Smith highlights the diverse range of beers Stomping Ground produces, from European and UK styles to more modern classics from the US. He notes that having two beer halls allows the brewery to experiment with both new styles and old favorites, making it a hub of creativity and innovation.
Beyond brewing, Smith cherishes the relationships he’s built with colleagues throughout his career, many of whom have become close friends. These connections make the long, early-morning shifts during Melbourne’s cold winters more enjoyable. He also values his interactions with consumers, reflecting on the surreal experience of hearing customers praise beers he’s personally crafted. One such memorable moment involved a handwritten note from a Yorkshire native who praised Smith’s Yorkshire Bitter, which had been served on hand pump at the beer hall.
Among his other career highlights, Smith recalls a trip to Bavaria, Germany, where he toured the historic bierkellers of Bamberg, and a special brewing experience in Grimsby, UK, where he brewed beer with a former colleague.
James Smith’s journey from an enthusiastic beer drinker to a leader in the brewing industry underscores his dedication, passion, and the relationships that have shaped his successful career.
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