Cornish Brewing Giant Sharp’s Celebrates 30 Years of Success: Doom Bar Strikes Gold Again

Sharp’s Brewery Founder Bill Sharp Returns to Reflect on Three Decades of Brewing Excellence

Sharp’s Brewery, a cornerstone of Cornwall’s brewing industry, is celebrating a major milestone this month as it marks 30 years since its founding. The brewery, best known for its flagship beer, Doom Bar, has grown from humble beginnings to become a leader in the UK beer market. As part of the celebrations, founder Bill Sharp returned to the brewery in Rock to reflect on the journey from a small microbrewery to a major player in the industry.

From Garage Experiments to National Success

The story of Sharp’s Brewery began in 1994 when Bill Sharp, a Cornish local, decided to turn his home brewing hobby into a business. What started as a few experimental batches brewed in his garage quickly evolved into a full-fledged enterprise. Recognising the potential of his creations, Bill leased a 1,000 square foot unit on Rock’s Pityme Industrial Estate, a space that was once a store for speedboats.

With a four-year lease and a determination to serve the local summer holiday trade, Bill set up a microbrewery next to the local milkman. His first beers, Sharp’s Own—a rich, malty best bitter—and Cornish Coaster—a light, hoppy pale ale—were well-received by local pubs. These early successes laid the groundwork for what would become a Cornish brewing legacy.

The Accidental Creation of a National Favourite

The creation of Doom Bar, now a household name across the UK, was a fortunate accident. Bill recalls how the idea for the amber ale struck during casual Friday afternoons at The Maltsters pub, where he and his father would bet on what customers might order next. His father’s habit of mixing Sharp’s Own and Cornish Coaster in the same glass sparked an idea that would change the course of Sharp’s history.

Inspired by this blend, Bill began experimenting with the combination at the brewery. The result was Doom Bar, named after the treacherous sandbar in the nearby Camel Estuary. This new ale quickly became a favourite in Cornwall, and its popularity soon spread beyond the county. By the early 2000s, it was clear that Doom Bar had struck a chord with beer lovers across the country.

Expansion and Growth Under New Ownership

As demand for Doom Bar and other Sharp’s beers grew, Bill made the difficult decision to sell the brewery in 2003 to Nick Baker and Joe Keohane. The new owners were eager to introduce Sharp’s beers to a younger audience, and under their leadership, production volumes tripled within just a few years.

In 2011, global brewing giant Molson Coors Beverage Company acquired Sharp’s Brewery, marking the beginning of a new era. Molson Coors invested over £20 million into expanding the Pityme Industrial Estate site, enabling Sharp’s to increase its production capacity and expand its distribution network across the UK. By 2013, Doom Bar had become the UK’s number one selling cask ale—a position it holds to this day.

A Legacy of Awards and Innovations

Sharp’s Brewery’s success has been recognised with numerous awards over the years. Most recently, Doom Bar was awarded the Gold medal and named the Country Winner in the Amber Ale category at the prestigious World Beer Awards. Chalky’s Bite, a Belgian Blonde, also won Gold and Country Winner in its category, adding to Sharp’s tally of over 170 international brewing accolades.

These awards are a testament to the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Sharp’s has consistently stayed ahead of industry trends, whether by launching Doom Bar Zero, a no-alcohol version of its flagship beer, or introducing Cold River Cider, which has quickly become a medal-winning favourite in its own right.

Personal Stories of Growth and Dedication

Sharp’s Brewery is not just a place of work; for many, it is a way of life. Chris Winn, who started as a summer worker in 1997, has seen the brewery grow from a small team of six to a major operation employing 72 people. Now the Racking Leader, Chris reflects on his journey, noting that the camaraderie and opportunity for personal development have kept him at Sharp’s for nearly three decades.

James Nicholls, another long-term employee, began working at Sharp’s in 1995 as a summer job. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks to become part of the Senior Leadership Team, playing a key role in the brand’s marketing and expansion efforts. James’s passion for Sharp’s and its Cornish roots is evident in his work, from national advertising campaigns to collaborations with local chefs and musicians.

Community Commitment and Environmental Initiatives

Sharp’s Brewery has always been deeply connected to the local community. The company sponsors grassroots rugby clubs across Cornwall and has partnered with organisations like Surfers Against Sewage to protect the region’s coastlines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharp’s donated essential first aid equipment to volunteer-run Surf Life Saving Cornwall clubs, further solidifying its role as a community pillar.

In addition to its community work, Sharp’s has also taken steps to address environmental concerns. The innovative “Keynvor” project, which produced the first playable vinyl made from recycled ocean plastic, highlights the brewery’s commitment to sustainability. Proceeds from the project were donated to Surfers Against Sewage, raising around £10,000 for the cause.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter for Sharp’s

As Sharp’s Brewery celebrates its 30th anniversary, it shows no signs of slowing down. The company continues to invest in its facilities and expand its product offerings, with Molson Coors recently announcing further investments to support both new and existing brands.

The brewery’s mantra, “We are only as good as our last pint,” remains at the core of its operations, ensuring that every pint of Doom Bar and other Sharp’s beers upholds the high standards set by Bill Sharp 30 years ago. With a passionate team and a commitment to quality, Sharp’s is poised to continue its legacy of brewing excellence for many more years to come.

For more information on Sharp’s Brewing Co and its products, visit their website or follow them on social media.