Meet the Brewer
Ian Cowling at The Old Bear Brewery. Interview by Lynda Smith.
Ian Cowling is the owner/head brewer at the Old Bear Brewery, Pitt Street, Keighley. The brewery was previously situated at the Old White Bear, Crosshills. Brewing at the Keighley address commenced on January 25th 2005.
How did you start brewing?
It all started in 1984 with homebrew kits.
What was your previous background?
I was a Design Engineer.
When did you take over the brewery?
1st July 2004 (this was then at The Old White Bear, Crosshills).
Who taught you to brew commercially?
Through my previous job delivering to Trough Brewery I started helping them on Saturdays.
Who and what are your main influences?
During the 80’s I would travel to find Taylor’s Ram Tam. Also spent many a happy time drinking Goose Eye beers when they had the mill at Goose Eye. Keighley beers are a big influence.
How often do you brew?
Two or three times a week.
What are your ambitions and aspirations for the brewery?
A bigger brewing capacity and to handover a successful business to my children.
Where do your recipes come from?
In house trials using the one-barrel plant, this is the reason we have so many specials.
What is the brew length?
10 barrels.
Is your water source treated?
Yes.
Where do you source your raw materials?
The malt from Fawcett’s and whole hops from Hereford.
Who’s beers do you drink, apart from your own?
Timothy Taylor’s, Goose Eye and nearer home Sam Smiths.
What is your dream beer?
Hibernator!
How do you relax away from the brewery?
Relax is almost an unknown word but I enjoy drinking with family and friends. During the summer Barbequing and caravanning.
What is your favourite pub?
It was the Hill Inn!
What is your favourite restaurant?
Korks in Otley and they occasionally sell Old Bear Original.
What is your favourite food, particularly to eat with beer?
I tend to have beer before and after a meal and drink wine with the meal.
What do you think about the new licensing law?
It’s very good, been needed for a long time.
What is your opinion on the abolition of the beer orders?
I feel it had no real effect as the door had already been closed. In the last two or three years there has been a real resurgence of real ale so what is needed now is freedom for pub landlords.
