Celebrating 25 Years of Brewing Brilliance

Celebrating 25 Years of Brewing Brilliance: Alex Ratter’s Silver Anniversary

Today we raise a glass (purely for professional reasons, of course) as Alex Ratter celebrates 25 years since his very first commercial brew.

That’s right - for a quarter of a century Alex has been turning water, malt and hops into exceptional beer.

From Ancient Shellfish to Fresh Ale...

Before becoming one of the UK’s most respected brewers, Alex earned a doctorate from Cardiff University studying Silurian bivalves from Wales and the Welsh Borderland.

That sounds wonderfully complicated! It essentially means Alex became an expert in ancient shellfish - mussels, oysters, cockles, scallops and their long-extinct relatives.

So yes, before he mastered malt bills and mash tuns, Alex was already fluent in clams.

To fund his studies, he also delivered pizzas for Domino’s - even making the front page of the Western Mail with the glorious headline:

“PhD stands for Pizza Home Delivery!”

When Academia Lost, Beer Won

After university, Alex looked to continue his research career in the museum world but found himself in that frustrating no-man’s-land of being overqualified for some jobs and underqualified for others.

With bills to pay and pub visits becoming an expensive luxury, he turned to home-brewing in a carpeted galley kitchen in Cardiff!

He started with beer kits, moved into full mash brewing and the rest, as they say, began fermenting nicely.

Alex's First Commercial Brew – 1st May 2001

Alex’s big break came when he saw a brewer vacancy at Mighty Oak Brewery in Essex.

He drove from Cardiff for the interview and was offered the job before he’d even made it home.

Alex started on 30th April 2001 and brewed commercially for the first time on 1st May 2001.

That debut beer was a 4.5% Mild called 0Beer1 - a Star Wars-inspired nod to Obi-Wan Kenobi brewed for CAMRA’s Mild Month of May.

Award-Winning Success...

The early years were tough. No assistant, long hours and a brewing industry going through a lean spell but talent has a habit of rising to the top.

As Mighty Oak grew, Alex helped create standout beers including Maldon Gold, before winning Champion Beer of Britain in 2011 with his Oscar Wilde Mild.

Alex Ratter at Bishop Nick Brewery

Alex joined Bishop Nick Brewery in 2018 and we’ve all benefited ever since.

Known for precision, consistency and a remarkable depth of brewing knowledge, Alex has also guided countless visitors through our Brew Day Experiences.

Alongside Rikki Lovett, he forms a brewing duo we are hugely proud of.

Introducing REVELRY 26...

To mark this special milestone, Alex has, today, been brewing our latest limited edition beer: REVELRY 26. (pictured)

This fresh golden ale features Nectaron hops from New Zealand, a variety we've not used before - bringing juicy tropical fruit character perfect for summer.

Coming Soon:

• REVELRY 26 will be on cask in June

• In bottle before Revelry Day on 21st June

When asked why the beer looked cloudy mid-brew, Alex replied:

“This is the real beer — the first runnings are always cloudy... It tastes perfectly drinkable already.”

They all taste perfectly drinkable Alex. You are, quite simply, a marvel!

Happy Silver Anniversary

Thank you for 25 years of skill, dedication, humour and brilliant beer 🍻