This volume is inspired by the makers; the men and women who pedal against convention in pursuit of their craft. It’s inspired by the people who dismiss the culture of mechanisation and automation; the fervid artisans who choose to maintain traditional practices. It's a celebration of these industries which, in the face of adversity, have not only survived, but thrived - buoyed by our insatiable thirst for good beer.

It’s a theme driven by the stories of strong, fiercely independent characters; from the Master Cooper’s search for an aspiring apprentice, to one man's fight to preserve Britain's oldest floor maltings. It’s a theme in which we meet those working in a diverse range of practices, and discover an affinity based on both passion and provenance. From the cheesemakers pushing the frontiers of fermentation, to the coffee roasters blending with the brewers; the shared ethos and mutual appreciation continues to form ever closer bonds across our industries.