Next up in our Meet the Team series is the finest example of nominative determinism since journalist Phil McCann covered the petrol shortage, our silver-tongued Sales Manager Oli Sellings! Not only will our Kentish cheeky chappy be on hand to provide your bar, pub, bottle shop, and/or restaurant with some quality beer this summer, but – as you’ll read – there’s a very good chance he could put together a killer playlist for your venue whilst he’s there!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your brewing journey up to this point?
I’ve always been exposed to craft beer in some way or another! I grew up in Kent, land of the hop, so I have fond memories of going to beer festivals with friends and family. I have worked in craft pubs in Kent and Brighton, and I got interested in brewing. I got my first job out of Uni in a lab looking at hops and that was when I got more serious about brewing. After homebrewing for a bit, I decided to take the plunge and apply for Heriot-Watt!
What’s your role in the project?
Sales! Contacting pubs and bottle shops around the country and beyond to gain interest in the beer and develop relationships with customers. But most importantly sell, sell, sell!
What are you hoping to get out of the project?
A job. But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, being dropped in the deep end to cover all aspects of beer production is the best way to learn and be exposed to the industrial brewing environment and the whole industry. Stewart Brewing is a leader in the craft sector, so this opportunity is a great way to learn how craft beer is made, marketed and sold. I’m hoping to gain a wider understanding of the industry and how people are working together for the greater good of beer!
What part of the project are you most excited about?
Meeting other people in the industry. The brewing industry is full of excitement and passion as people only get into it for the love of beer. I’m excited to have the final package in my hands!
Without giving away too many spoilers, describe the beer in three words?
My magnum opus
Hit us with an interesting fact about yourself?
I can play the didgeridoo
What’s your favourite Edinburgh pub?
Brass Monkey!
Tell us about your favourite beer?
Fosters. But my two true loves are Saison Dupont and Late Shift by Fierce.
You’ve got three songs to add to the brewery playlist – what are you picking?
Madonna – Holiday
Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get it On
Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man
Outside the brewery, what can people find you doing?
Kayaking, playing bass, travelling, hill walking, running, and listening to Jazz. All at the same time.
Natural Selection Brewing 