In this episode, we sit down with Sonja Mitchell, the founder of Jump Ship Brewing, Scotland's only dedicated non-alcoholic brewery. Sonja shares her journey from beer enthusiast to brewing pioneer, driven by her frustration with the lack of high-quality alcohol-free beer options. Despite having no background in brewing, Sonja was determined to create a delicious non-alcoholic lager that would stand up to the best in the market.
Sonja talks about the challenges of setting up a brewery, especially one dedicated to non-alcoholic beer, including finding the right brewing partners and navigating the complexities of scaling production. She also discusses the explosion of interest in alcohol-free beverages, driven by both younger generations and those looking to moderate their drinking habits without sacrificing flavour.
Throughout the conversation, Sonja shares insights into the brewing process, the importance of maintaining control over every aspect of production, and the innovative steps Jump Ship is taking to expand its range of non-alcoholic beers. We also touch on the recent legal battle with BrewDog over the use of the name "Shore Leave," highlighting the challenges small breweries face in protecting their brand identity.
Whether you're a fan of craft beer, interested in the alcohol-free movement, or curious about the entrepreneurial journey of starting a brewery, this episode offers a deep dive into the world of non-alcoholic brewing. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!