With this in mind, they went about putting together a beer company with a difference. Setting up shop at festivals like 2000trees, ArcTanGent and Slam Dunk, Signature Brew’s name quickly became known for its strong ties to music. With a staff made up of folk who have done time in bands, at labels, in venues and as music journalists, their plans soon led them to begin working with bands on their own tipples – a tradition that’s now seen them working with over 25 acts, including Enter Shikari, IDLES, Frank Turner and Mogwai. Even Mastodon teamed up with them early on, and enjoyed the tasting session for their 2013 Black Tongue IPA collab so much that one of them ended up trashing their dressing room at Leeds Festival, as members of At The Drive-In and Billy Talent looked on in mirth.
But there’s more to Signature Brew than just sinking beers with bands, and not just with Jamie Lenman’s no-alcohol Lenmanade for all the teetotallers in the audience. In 2018, they opened their taproom in Haggerston, London, and have used it to host music photography exhibitions, movie screenings, and a live Enter Shikari Q&A.
“Signature Brew are a fantastic team of people,” says Shikari drummer Rob Rolfe. “We’ve known them for a few years now and have gotten close to them because they feel like very like-minded people. They have a real passion for good beer and live music, which is why their business model works so well for them! They’re relaxed and easy to work with but also hard working and constantly striving to do new things, support live music and create good times.”