Brewmaster
Name: Charles "Chuck" Hahn
Age: 59
Job: Brewmaster, Malt Shovel Brewery
What skills do you need to be a successful brewmaster?
Scientific background and qualifications in chemistry, chemical engineering, microbiology or food technology; flavour-tasting ability; on-the-job training in different breweries from brewpub and microbrewery to larger commercial breweries.
What professional training have you had?
I started at the Coors Brewery in Colorado in 1971, after obtaining a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. After 10 years with Coors, I came to Sydney as General Manager Brewing -- Tooths and Reschs Breweries. After three years with Tooths, I spent almost four years in New Zealand with Steinlager and Lion Breweries. Came back to Sydney in late 1987 to build the Hahn Brewery in Camperdown. Hahn Brewery became part of Lion Nathan in 1993 and I became Chief Brewer for the group (10 breweries). Still a part of LN, we started up the James Squire brews at Malt Shovel Brewery in 1998. I still operate the Malt Shovel Brewery but remain involved with all the premium and craft brews, including the full Hahn range.
How much taste-testing does your job involve?
I taste beer every day, and try to taste every tank of beer before we bottle it. A tough job!
What makes good beer?
It should look good in the glass as you savour the flavour. It should have a creamy head and distinctive deep golden colour if it's a lager, and pleasant hop character on the aroma and taste, maltiness to balance out the hoppy bitterness. Balance is the key. It should deliver on flavour in addition to being refreshing. The best beer in the world is the one that you enjoy drinking. Beer preference is a very personal thing.
Did you like the taste of beer before you entered the industry?
Yes.
Best part of the job?
Brewing good beers that people enjoy drinking and tasting. Seeing the enjoyment that evolves as people taste your own beers.
Worst part of the job?
Not too many worst parts -- when the job is your hobby and your hobby is your job. I enjoy it all.
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