Nick Calder-Scholes, the talented brewer behind One Drop Brewing Co., has had an extraordinary journey that culminated in his recognition as Brewer of the Year at the 2024 Beer & Brewer Awards.
His career reflects a passion for quality, innovation, and community. We sat down with him to discuss his brewing path, the recognition he received, and his vision for the future of One Drop Brewing Co.
A passion for brewing and the road to success
Calder-Scholes’ brewing journey began like many others – with a love for well-crafted beer.
“I was fascinated by how a few simple ingredients could combine to create something extraordinary,” he told Beer & Brewer.
This curiosity led him to start homebrewing, where he honed his skills and experimented with various recipes. His passion soon propelled him toward formal training and a professional brewing role in the UK, where he dove into the complexities of the craft.
His career took him further afield when he joined The Garden Brewery in Zagreb, Croatia, helping to establish the brewery. It was there he met Meg Barbic and Clay Grant, the future co-founders of One Drop Brewing Co., during their family holiday. This serendipitous meeting brought Calder-Scholes to Sydney, where he joined the team in creating One Drop Brewing Co. in Botany.
Being named Brewer of the Year was a humbling experience for Calder-Scholed.
“Yeah, wow. I am incredibly honoured,” he says. “To be acknowledged by such a talented community who all understand the challenges and dedication brewing requires is truly humbling. Especially in the current market. A pinch-me (or hold my beer/s) moment for sure.”
Calder-Scholes credits his win to the dedication of his team and the brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity, noting their “banging lager program” over the past 18 months as a key element of their success.
Looking ahead: innovation, challenges, and growth
When it comes to brewing, Calder-Scholes’ philosophy is a delicate balance of tradition and innovation. He and his team strive to create beers that are exciting, approachable, and inclusive.
“We prioritise good quality ingredients, meeting the people who grow or make them, working closely with equipment suppliers, and collaborating with fellow peers to push each other,” he explains.
For him, brewing is about fostering connection, having fun, and constantly exploring new possibilities.
Recently, One Drop has been experimenting with new hop varieties, advanced fermentation techniques, and ways to enhance aroma and flavour stability. They’ve also been exploring fruit and sour beers, with a focus on inclusivity.
“We try to make products and curate our space in Botany to be as inclusive as possible,” he says, emphasising that brewing is about having fun with friends, regardless of your taste preferences.
The craft beer industry has faced considerable challenges. Calder-Scholes points to supply chain disruptions – especially during the pandemic – as one of the biggest hurdles, along with the ever-evolving nature of the market.
“The craft beer industry is competitive and constantly evolving, which means staying ahead of trends and customer expectations can be demanding,” he says.
Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic, viewing each obstacle as an opportunity to adapt and innovate.
“Managing growth while staying true to our core values has also been a complex but rewarding task,” he shares.
For the Australian brewing industry, Calder-Scholes points to the rising cost of ingredients, energy, and operational expenses as a significant challenge.
“The ATO and the structure of excise has a long, long way to go,” he says, but notes that there have been strides made in addressing these issues.
For those just starting out in the brewing world, he has a piece of simple yet invaluable advice: “Brewing is a career that requires equal parts passion, patience, and perseverance.”
He encourages aspiring brewers to master the basics, be open to learning, and surround themselves with experienced mentors.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they’re often the best teachers,” he says.
When asked about the most rewarding aspect of his job, he says it’s seeing people enjoy the beers they’ve crafted at One Drop.
“It’s an instant, in-person feedback loop that can spark conversation in any direction,” he explains. For him, knowing that their work brings joy, friendship, and connection to others is incredibly fulfilling. And of course, the collaborations and friendships that come from working within the tight-knit brewing community are just as rewarding.
One beer that holds special meaning for Calder-Scholes is One Drop’s lager program. It’s the most labour-intensive and challenging project the team has undertaken.
“It’s hands down the most labour intensive and hardest ongoing projects we have here at the brewery,” he reflects. “Blending traditional styles with modern techniques on our backwards brewhouse is both the challenge and reward bundled into one.”
Looking ahead, One Drop Brewing Co. has big plans on the horizon. With a focus on expanding their reach and continuing to innovate, Calder-Scholes is excited for what’s next.
“We’re excited about the future and have lots of plans in the works, so watch this space.”
In the end, Calder-Scholes’ journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and collaboration in the brewing world. As he and the team at One Drop Brewing Co. continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, they remain focused on creating exceptional beers and memorable experiences for their growing community of fans.