You’re going to want to grab your nearest law student. Tap Social is bringing you criminally good beer to kick off this “silly season”, as their Marketing Manager, Brian, enthusiastically shared with our team (Cheers, Brian!). So, if you’re feeling “silly” and want to appease your drinking appetite this summer , you’re going to want to keep reading. You might even find yourself being enticed to take a friend and head down to one of Tap Social’s many Oxford locations by the time you’re done.
Our team here at The Oxford Blue was recently invited to come learn more about the exciting new projects that Tap Social are working on, as well as the community-driven work they’ve developed over the last decade. This year, in anticipation of their ‘Change is Brewing’ festival this Saturday 6th of June, they’ve introduced ten collaboration beers. Of these ten, five are brewed in-house in Oxford, while the remaining five have been made in partnership with breweries all across the country, from Cornwall to Manchester. Working with Closet Brewing based in Edinburgh on their Double Hazy IPA, taught them a lot about different techniques and constructions of beer, reinforcing the importance they give to maintaining a personalised touch when it comes to brewing their own beers, all of which enhances your drinking experience.
When asked about his personal recommendation, Brian was entirely diplomatic, explaining that of all the eight beers they brew year-round are specially crafted and equally unique. Thanks to our powers of persuasion, he eventually revealed his personal recommendation. Drinking his (potential) favourite, ‘Time Better Spent’, a 5.1% juicy IPA, I’m sure you’ll all agree with the sentiment. Its notes of “grapefruit, citrus, and stone fruit” are perfectly suited for the sunny weather we were recently blessed with, but equally enjoyable in colder temperatures, perhaps explaining why it’s their best selling beer.
If you’re reading this as a beer novice as opposed to an enthusiast, we’ve also managed to gauge the best recommendations to make you fall in love with not just Tap Social, but beer altogether. Hazy IPAs and pale ales have a “direction and intention” that Brian says is perfect to spark a lifelong interest and appreciation of beer. Our Managing Director, Tallulah, had the opportunity to give ‘Home & Dry’, one of their hazy pale ales, a try. Having tried it, her hazy outlook on beers has certainly much improved (Cheers again, Brian!).
Direction and intention is not just something that Tap Social finds in its beers, but it’s what runs at the heart of this small business. The founders have a unique outlook into this industry with no background in ‘good beer’ but plenty in ‘criminal’ justice. For Tap Social, Brian told us, the purpose came before their product. First-hand experience working in the criminal justice system and specifically their awareness of the vicious cycle of criminal reoffending inspired Tess, Amy, and Paul to create a space that offered employment to ex-offenders, giving them a genuine chance to rehabilitate. Ten years on from the conception of this idea, a third of Tap Social’s total employees are ex-offenders. A testament to what they have achieved, in terms of rehabilitation, are their in-company re-offending rates; a true inspiration for all businesses. They identified Oxford as the open-minded and supportive community it is to provide the perfect space for such an experimental and ambitious business model, having delivered on their promises and continuing to expand.
When asked what overall message the company wants to give to our readers, a resounding statement of “support small businesses”, has given us a great excuse to go grab a ‘criminally good beer’, and what better place to do this than their ‘Change is Brewing’ festival this weekend. The event promises 11 fantastic breweries from across the UK at your service and while your tastebuds are experiencing brewery bliss you’ll be satisfying your ears with some great music too. It’s a not to be missed event so grab your tickets now, on their website.