The first time I met Milo Oddi he was the manager of the Beer + Burger Store (B+B) in Willesden Green. This was the very first branch of the chain which now also has branches in Dalston, Kings Cross and Walthamstow. He was an engaging character with a keen interest in beer. Milo moved on and upwards within the B+B group but has now set up his own venture, the Standard Brew Co.
As well as managing a bar, Milo was also a keen home brewer and had a wish to convert his at-home recipes into something more commercial for a wider audience. But, rather than set up a physical brewery, Milo has established what he plans to be a customer-owned, subscription based enterprise called the Standard Brew Co.
I was fortunate to be sent some samples of the first publicly available beer in 440ml cans. It was called IPA #003 and very pleasant it was too. I assume #001 and #002 were trial brews. My better half’s tasting notes follow: ‘Fresh lemony nose with a little zest, notes of mango and sweet biscuit. These are in the flavour complemented by piney hops which become more spicy in the warming dry, bitter finish’.
So how does the venture work? Subscribers will be sent a six pack of new, small batch IPAs every month. The beers will all be IPAs in style, although it is intended that each IPA will be different. Subscription costs £20 a month, plus shipping.
The beers will arrive on or around the 22nd of each month. In addition, subscribers will receive shares in the business, awarded to anyone who completes a full year’s subscription, every year.
While at B+B, Milo struck up a relationship with the One Mile End Brewery in Whitechapel, which is where he is brewing the beers. Perhaps as a thank you to his former employer, a keg version of the beer was on tap at B+B Willesden Green in the week before Christmas. At £4.50 a pint it was good, tasty value.
For further details go to www.standardbrewco.co.
John Cryne
Editor’s note: This article should not be taken as a recommendation. Readers subscribe at their own risk.