Beer is a Conversation: Blair Hayden

This week in Beer is a Conversation James Atkinson chats with Blair Hayden, founder of the infamous Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in Sydney. Blair Hayden: Blair Hayden purchased the Lord Nelson Hotel in 1986, some 140 years after it was established by William Wells in one of Sydney’s most iconic areas, The Rocks. This business venture became the inception of Australia’s craft and independent brewing movement, as Blair set out to create his own take on English style beers with a strong, Australian influence. Following on from Blair’s 30th Anniversary with the premises, The Lord Nelson Hotel is now officially the oldest hotel in Sydney to be operating under its original licence - dating back over 175 years. Initially, locals were in dismay over Blair’s decision to serve their own brews opposed to the local CUB beers, but patrons gradually came to love the new identity and unique flavours coming from the newly converted brewery hotel. Blair's ongoing vision sees that Lord Nelson beers use all-English malts and hops, with the exception of some seasonal releases. This give their ales an undeniably British palate, whilst adopting Australian temperature and carbonation characteristics to produce classic styles of ale with a modern, home-grown twist.