Stronge believes that smaller, independent breweries need to do more to prove their beers are worth the higher price tag than so-called commodity rivals that line pub, bar and shop shelves.

“We’re in a sector where quality and consistency is improving all of the time, but there is still a long way to go,” he explains. “I’m seeing more of the larger breweries dedicate time and resources to quality assurance, but that doesn’t mean smaller outfits should feel they can avoid this part of their business, either.”

Stronge has a decorated career that has involved working at Marble Brewery, Black Isle and Buxton Brewery. He’s just celebrated his first year overseeing ambitious expansion at Leeds-based Northern Monk, and says innovation in beer is fine, as long as it doesn’t compromise quality output.

“For years you could argue many breweries were chasing fads and the next big thing and with that, attention to detail was somewhat ignored,” he says. “You must have belief in the quality of your beer, and not accept mass variations in what you’re putting out.”

He adds: “Previously there was an attitude among some that if something went wrong, it would simply get chucked in a barrel. That wasn’t acceptable then and it’s not acceptable now.

“As more and more people are moving into the world of craft beer, you cannot send out a product and hope for the best. The guesswork in that beer should have been removed long before it leaves your brewery.

“You need to be meeting the high demands and expectations of the customer. They might be used to the consistency of a pint of Guinness or a Fosters. If you’re not striving for repeatability in your beer, you cannot expect repeatability from your customers.”

Stronge, who is speaking at the Brewers Congress in London next month, has helped coordinate significant capacity expansion at Northern Monk, and has just overseen the commissioning of its new 6,000cph canning line.

The brewery produced 65 beers in its last calendar and when the latest expansion is completed, Stronge is looking forward to turning his attentions back to refining the brewery’s portfolio.

He says: “Our core and special beers are working really well for us. Currently 40% of our output is dedicated to limited and special beers but I see the core increasing as we go forward to account for 75% of what we produce.

“You cannot underestimate the importance of a core range of beers for your brewery. People enjoy the new and the limited, but you need that reliable, constant range of beers in your armoury. They are the beers that people associate with your name, your brand.

Picture credit: Northern Monk