Leading brewer, 52 dies from cancer

ONE of the South West’s leading brewers has died from cancer at the age of 52.

Roger Ryman, who was brewing director at St Austell Brewery and invented the popular Tribute beer, also masterminded Bath Ales’ Hare Brewery, which opened in 2018.

Roger, pictured, who led St Austell’s brewing team for more than two decades, played a leading role in the Cornish company’s growth and success.

Since joining the brewery, he has been responsible for transforming the family brewery’s portfolio of brands, including its three flagship beers: Tribute Pale Ale, Proper Job IPA and Korev Cornish Lager.

Roger’s first original brew when starting at the brewery in 1999 was Daylight Robbery – a short-term seasonal beer to celebrate the upcoming total eclipse of the sun. Due to its phenomenal popularity, it went on to be relaunched as Tribute – the brewer’s first truly national beer and longstanding flagship brand.

Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re devastated to have lost Roger – a much-loved friend, and highly respected colleague. All of our thoughts are with Roger’s wife Toni, his father, two sisters and wider family, at this terribly sad time.”

He added: “Roger was a world-class brewer and a leader in his field. Passionate about people, he played a huge role in nurturing and developing young talent, both in our business and throughout the brewing industry.”

James Staughton, president of St Austell Brewery, who worked with Roger for 20 years, said: “I recruited Roger in April 1999, and he immediately wowed all of us with his passion for beer and brewing within minutes of his interview starting. The job of head brewer was already effectively his, right there and then – we need not have seen anyone else.”

Roger was twice awarded Brewer of the Year by the British Guild of Beer Writers in 2006 and the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group in 2009.

Roger held the IBD Master Brewer qualification, and was elected a Fellow of the Institute in 2014.

In addition to his role in Cornwall, Roger also oversaw production at Bath Ales’ Hare Brewery, which St Austell acquired in 2016.