British Guild of Beer Writers honours Derek Prentice with brewer of year award

One of the highlights of the British Guild of Beer Writers annual dinner is the announcement made for our brewer of the year. The award is made by the committee following nominations from the membership.

This year’s accolade was given to Derek Prentice, pictured left. In making Derek our brewer of the year – we paid tribute to someone who has made an unmatched contribution to London’s vibrant and vital brewing scene.

I don’t know if there is such a thing as a London brewer, but if there is, then this man is it. He is held in high esteem by his peers and also in the wider community of those who love beer.

He started work at the age of 17 in 1968 and across his more than 45 years career he has worked for four of the Capital’s greatest known brewing names – Truman’s, Watney’s, Young’s and Fuller’s.

He is an outstanding and meticulous brewer who still passionately believes in the romance of brewing. In his current job at Fuller’s, which continues to the end of the month, not only is he the curator of some celebrated beers, but he has helped develop some great new ones too – including Seafarer, Frontier, Imperial Stout and Past Master. That’s quite a legacy.

His vast experience and attention to detail combine in perfect harmony. Always genial and enthusiastic, he generally avoids the limelight, but he richly deserves to enjoy the admiration which this award expresses.