St Austell Brewery’s brewing director and creator of the Tribute beer Roger Ryman has passed away after a brave battle with cancer.
Roger, who was 52, led St Austell’s brewing team for over two decades,
starting at the brewery in 1999 with Daylight Robbery - a short-term seasonal beer to celebrate the upcoming total eclipse of the sun. Due to its phenomenal popularity, it went on to be relaunched as Tribute - the brewer’s first truly national beer and longstanding flagship brand.
Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery said: ’We’re devastated to have lost Roger - a much-loved friend, and highly respected colleague. All of our thoughts are with Roger’s wife Toni, his father, two sisters and wider family, at this terribly sad time.
He continues: ’Roger was a world-class brewer and a leader in his field, who we were incredibly lucky to work alongside. Passionate about people, he played a huge role in nurturing and developing young talent, both in our business and throughout the brewing industry. The growing reputation and quality of our beers, since Roger joined St Austell Brewery in 1999, is testimony to his hard work, leadership and passion. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and worked with him.’
Roger was twice awarded Brewer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers in 2006 and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group in 2009. Roger held the IBD Master Brewer qualification, and was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 2014.
In addition to his role in Cornwall, Roger also oversaw production at Bath Ales’ Hare Brewery – which St Austell acquired in 2016.