So, I’m leaving the beer industry in a week or so.

I tried to work out how to say it, or even if I should, but I feel a duty of care to both @cloudwaterbrew, extended to @CloudwaterPaul, and myself.

I considered writing something on my long ignored site, but that seemed like too much of a task, so, no time like the present:

1) it is solely, and completely, down to my health

I long wrestled with it, contemplated it, talked to a lot of people (including medical professionals) about it

I currently, and have for a while, been experiencing excruciating back pain. The potential is a spinal disorder, and the worst case scenario is being unable to walk unaided by the time I’m 30.

I mean absolutely zero disrespect to anyone with limited mobility: this may be entirely inevitable, but I may be able to avoid chronic lifetime pain -this may be within my control

And... I can’t ignore that

2) There is absolutely nothing more that Cloudwater or Paul (seeing as some like to quantify everything that the brewery does as solely him) could’ve done. This is absolutely not the fucking opportunity to further your agenda.

Paul Jones categorically and unequivocally remains the most understanding, considerate and passionate boss I have had the privilege of working for.

Cloudwater is not a fucking cult, and he is not infallible. He is a damn decent human trying to make the best of people.

3) I hope it is not a permanent move away. I need to recalibrate, get a diagnosis, sort a treatment plan.

4) I felt like I was top of my game and I have dealt with the feeling of failure or tapping out

But I also feel like this isn’t talked about enough in the beer industry. I have heard of too many people sacrificing themselves for the sake of one brewery or another. Good people are not dispensable. (And you can’t pay them £8.72 an hour)

So I’m taking a very alien route of taking care of myself, and putting myself first.

I hope to be back in some form or another, though you bet I’m gonna have some spicy takes on whatever happens next in beer. (And strong food poll opinions)

If you want to know a longer extent of what is going on, come and ask me. But I’ll be damned if anyone is going to use this to further some fucking agenda of their own.

Finally:

Black lives matter. Trans lives matter. Focus on these issues, amplify those voices. The beer world is going to be a much better place for them.