Returning from several years working overseas, sixth-generation Coopers family brewer Iain Cooper has joined the brewery as Technical Brewer.
Cooper brings international experience to the role, having spent the past three and a half years conducting malt research and honing his brewing skills with Carlsberg in Copenhagen. Coopers brews and distributes Carlsberg pilsners in Australia.
“Any family member keen to join the brewery is strongly encouraged to first earn their stripes outside the business. So, I headed overseas to do just that,” Cooper explained.
In May, Cooper returned to his home state of South Australia and began working at Coopers’ Regency Park brewery.
“The brewery has been such a big part of my life from as long as I can remember,” said Cooper. “Growing up I watched and listened intently to my dad and grandfather as they worked at the brewery and discussed the business at the family table. I worked in the school holidays assembling home-brew kits and helping with Christmas deliveries, but I wasn’t always sure I’d end up joining the family business.”
Initially, Cooper pursued a degree in media and economics at the University of NSW due to a strong interest in film. However, he later turned to his passion for brewing, traveling to Edinburgh to work in local breweries and complete a Master of Science in brewing and distilling.
“I had always enjoyed experimenting with home-brews and wanted to develop my
skills and knowledge,” he said.
In Copenhagen, Cooper had the opportunity to immerse himself in the science of brewing, and was able to pilot a malting plant during his time with Carlsberg.
“It’s been a steep learning curve and I’m now looking forward to contributing to the family business alongside our world-class brewing team. I’m really excited about what lies ahead for our brewery, particularly with construction underway of the new visitor centre, microbrewery and whisky distillery,” Cooper added.
“Australian beer has a strong reputation on the world stage, and I’m pleased to say that Coopers is at the forefront in terms of quality and taste. A lot of that comes down to the ingredients we source and the skills of our dedicated brewers. I’m hoping I can help continue that tradition,” he concluded.
Iain Cooper is the latest sixth-generation member of the Coopers team. He will join his cousin Andrew Cooper, the export beer manager, and his sister Louise Cooper, the strategic development manager.
Iain’s father, Coopers Managing Director and Chief Brewer, Dr Tim Cooper, Iain’s father, expressed his pride at his son’s decision to continue the family’s brewing tradition.
“Iain has developed his own unique style and approach to brewing and demonstrated a real commitment to the craft,” Dr Cooper said. “It’s great to see Iain now join Louise and Andrew as sixth-generation family members here at Coopers, which all bodes well for the long-term future of our company.”