We have a new Playlist, it is already the 17th! On this occasion the protagonist, in addition to being a good friend, is the Key Account / Brand Manager at Naparbier, one of the pioneering craft breweries in Spain. I’m very grateful for his participation, and that is why I want to warmly welcome Jamie Cruickshank, new selector of the Bottle Share Playlist series of C R A F T E D.
Jamie was born in Folkestone (Kent, UK) in the 70s, and for as long as he can remember, he has lived surrounded by beer culture. He tells us that "my grandmother worked on Kent hop farms, and my grandad made yeast - for bread and cakes - and home brewed". That background was the spark that ignited his love affair with the world of beer, and in particular, his love for Cask Ales.
His memories during the nineties are strongly linked to the world of surfing and music, an industry where he worked while studying ESL. Later, he got a sponsorship as a surfer and moved to New Zealand. Jamie tells us that during his time in New Zealand, he worked on a Nelson hop farm.
An injury forced him to abandon his career as a professional surfer, and in 2002, he decided to come to Barcelona and began working as an English teacher and teacher trainer.
When asked about his beginnings in the craft beer world, Jamie is clear: "It all started through trips to California in the early 2000’s where I fell in love with the West Coast IPAs".
Jamie, who has experienced the craft beer boom in our country first hand, has been linked to the industry for many years now. His knowledge and passion for the product have not gone unnoticed, and that is why, after dealing with NaparBCN's social media for some time, the legendary brewery from Noáin (Navarra) Naparbier decided to recruit him as a key part of its team. Naparbier, for those who do not know it, is one of the most well-known breweries in our country and also enjoys a great (and deserved) national and international recognition.
His tasks in the brewery are a clear demonstration of the multidisciplinary profile that characterizes Jamie, since in addition to being in charge of international sales, he performs tasks related to the marketing / social media of the brand, assists in production and manages trips for the collaborations and festivals. In fact, Jamie himself admits that "the variety keeps me happy along with our tight teamwork”.
And what music is sounding in Jamie's headphones while he's on his way to have a morning swim in the sea, or when he's enjoying a good beer? Well, if we are guided by his selection of songs, the answer is a lot of heavyweights and classics ranging from NWA's “Straight Outta Compton”, the mythical “Jolene” by Dolly Parton or blues-rock by The Doors and their “Peace Frog”. Listening to this Playlist makes me feel good. I hope you too! Thank you very much Jamie!