Powderkeg | The West Country Produces Podcast Episode 06

What does it take to start an independent craft brewery and challenge the traditional beer scene in Devon? In this episode of West Country Produces, we sit down with Jess McGill, co-founder of Powderkeg, to discover how she and her husband John turned an idea into an independent brewery with a rebellious streak. Founded in Devon in 2014, Powderkeg began with a desire to do something different. After discovering the emerging craft beer movement, Jess and John saw an opportunity to move away from traditional real ale and bring new flavours and ideas to Devon’s beer scene. They sold their house, raised investment and pieced together the funding needed to bring Powderkeg to life. Jess shares the story behind the Powderkeg name, their philosophy of “stirring things up”, and how her background in music, record labels, DJing and festivals has influenced the personality and creativity of the brand. We also go deeper into the craft of brewing, from longer fermentation times and multi-stage hopping to Powderkeg’s experimental pilot brews. Jess explains why they refuse to cut corners and how those decisions influence the flavour and quality of the finished beer. The conversation also explores Moko Brewing, Powderkeg’s contract brewing operation, the challenges facing independent breweries and pubs, “craft washing” by major beer brands, and why supporting independent producers matters. Finally, we talk about what makes the West Country such a strong home for food and drink producers, collaboration between local businesses and why every customer makes a difference to an independent brand. 00:00 Introduction 00:46 How Powderkeg Began 01:12 Discovering Craft Beer 01:30 Starting a Brewery in Devon 02:13 Where the Powderkeg Name Came From 04:15 The Rebellious Thinking Behind Powderkeg 05:47 From Music & Festivals to Craft Beer 09:07 Moko Brewing & Contract Brewing 11:11 Experimenting With New Beers 13:11 Why Craft Beer Costs More 13:44 Why Powderkeg Doesn't Cut Corners 15:47 The Story Behind Powderkeg's Can Designs 17:22 The Meaning Behind Speakeasy 18:19 Powderkeg's Biggest Milestones 19:54 Challenges Facing Independent Breweries 21:16 Craft Beer vs Big Beer 22:00 What Is 'Craft Washing'? 23:36 Why Quality Matters 24:19 Being a Producer in the West Country 25:09 Collaborating With Local Producers 26:12 Why Supporting Independents Matters West Country Produces celebrates the makers, growers and producers shaping the South West, sharing the stories, people and passion behind the products. #Powderkeg #CraftBeer #DevonBeer #IndependentBrewery #BritishBeer #Devon #SouthWestUK #WestCountryProduces #SupportIndependent