Brewing Success: Georgina Young scoops prestigious award

Georgina, who has led our production teams for the past five years, was recognised at the APPBG’s annual dinner earlier this July. The Brewer of the Year award is nominated by an expert panel including representatives from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), Frederic Robinson, Titanic Brewery, and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). It celebrates not only brewing excellence but also wider contributions to beer, brewing, people, and the community.

Rita King, Honorary Secretary of the APPBG, said:

“Georgina was a standout candidate and a truly deserving winner of this year’s award. Her dedication to brewing, her innovative spirit, and her passion for educating and welcoming others into the industry are highly respected across the beer community. When we speak to people about influential brewers, Georgina’s name is often mentioned as an inspiring figure whom many admire.”

Georgina joined us in May 2019, leaving her role as Head Brewer at Fuller’s to return to the West Country, where she grew up. She was promoted to Brewing Director in 2020 and now oversees production at both of our brewing sites – St Austell and Hare Brewery in Bath. Under her leadership, our beers – including Proper Job, Tribute, and korev – continue to receive international acclaim.

Last year, Georgina led the launch of our first no and low alcohol beer, Proper Job 0.5%, which has already won awards just nine months after its debut. She also released a canned version of her refreshing pale ale, Anthem, made with 100% British ingredients.

Georgina said:

“I’m incredibly proud to have been given this award, which I was truly not expecting. It is a real privilege to be a brewer at St Austell Brewery and to be able to collaborate with such talented individuals across the industry.

Together, we are committed to celebrating great British beer, inspiring the next generation of brewers, and advancing sustainable practices in an ever-evolving world.”

This latest recognition follows a string of accolades for Georgina, including being named Brewers’ Brewer of the Year at the SIBA Business Awards 2025, Brewer of the Year at the Guild of Beer Writers Awards 2023, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Brewer’s Congress.

Georgina is also a trustee of the Chartered Institute of Brewing & Distilling, a member of the Worshipful Company of Brewers, and a key member of our Sustainability Steering Committee, where she champions energy-saving and environmentally responsible initiatives. She plays a vital role in helping us progress towards our ambitious goal of achieving net zero ahead of the government’s 2050 deadline.

The Annual Beer Awards Dinner, supported by the APPBG for over 30 years, celebrates achievements across the beer industry and Parliament. This year’s event welcomed 170 attendees, including 70 MPs and peers.

The APPBG’s mission is to promote the enjoyment of beer and the unique role of the pub in UK society – values we proudly share and champion every day.