Murray runs a brewery just off Kloof Street in Cape Town – a passion project he started in 2016. Murray gave us some insight into founding his own brewery so we could learn more about this career.

Murray runs a brewery just off Kloof Street in Cape Town – a passion project he started in 2016. Murray gave us some insight into founding his own brewery so we could learn more about this career.

Like most students, during his university days at the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University, Murray enjoyed drinking beer. After graduating, he spent some time at a small home-brew store where he was selling ingredients, equipment and giving lessons to home brewers.

“The more I learnt about brewing, the more my passion for beer grew,” Murray explains. After learning as much as he could at the brewing company, Murray found the opportunity to start his own brewing company, Metal Lane Brewery.

“Everyone in the industry says that owning a brewery just means you are a glorified cleaner,” Murray says. “And that isn’t far off from the truth.”

When he first started, Murray was running the brewery on his own which required that he manage every aspect of the beer production process, as well as the day-to-day operations of the business. Although he is still heavily involved in managing and running the business, these days he is assisted by one other employee.

“On a daily basis, I need to ensure that the beer in the tanks is fermenting and conditioning. I also need to make sure that all the outlets that stock Metal Lane are happy and have sufficient stock. Then, I do the necessary deliveries and collections of used kegs. It is also my duty to keep the brewing schedule full and the beer rolling out.”

“And more cleaning of course!”

In addition, Murray needs to keep abreast of international trends and beer industry movements. “The research allows me to stay ahead of the local curve.”

The brewing industry is forever buzzing, ever-changing, exciting and electric, and Murray loves that about his job. “The visible progress in the industry is amazing to see! And the people are all amazing too! It’s an open source community of brewers sharing their ideas, knowledge and passion. The fact is that if all craft beer is good, the industry will keep on growing – which benefits all the craft breweries.”

For those who would like to follow in his footsteps, Murray suggests having a willingness to learn. “The industry is young and forever changing. It is impossible to come in and know everything,” he says. “No matter how much you know or learn about beer or brewing, there is always more to learn! Be willing to ask other brewers questions, for advice and for help. It will only progress you and your brewery faster!”

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