1) When was Freddo Fox founded?
Freddo Fox officially launched January 1, 2021 with our first beers being released in February. Behind the scenes, Robin, Marcus, and myself began speaking during the summer of 2020. It’s been known that the owner of Edge Brewing had been wanting to sell so we began speaking about the possibilities of coming to an agreement with him to purchase the equipment and take over ownership.
2) Will you keep producing any beers from Edge Brewing? For example, Hoptimista?
Sadly nothing from Edge Brewing will carry over aside from the remaining inventory that is left in our cooler so enjoy it will it lasts.
With the change in ownership we made the decision that we wanted to start something new and fresh that was 100% ours and for that reason we decided to close Edge and launch our new brand, Freddo Fox. Edge had a very important and meaningful impact on the craft beer community locally, nationally, and internationally during its 7 years and the brewery, its beers, people, and events, will always be remembered warmly.
3) What are the goals of Freddo Fox, beyond creating delicious beers?
We are a small, independent brewery made up of passionate people with the goal of making life a little more enjoyable for everyone with delicious craft beers. Freddo Fox beers will focus on 3 styles: Hop-forward beers loaded with the best hops, sours created with delicious, fresh fruits and dark, strong beers filled with creativity.
Our mission is to make big, adventurous and delicious beers of the highest quality offered in creatively designed cans inspired by street art and our neighborhood, Poblenou. While Freddo Fox was born with a global soul, we are proud to be a Barcelona-based factory.
4) How many beers have you already created?
We released our first 5 beers in February and the next 5 beers to be released are expected in mid-March. This next round includes our first in-house collaborations with breweries like Finback (NY-USA), North Brewing (Leeds-UK), and Northern Monk (Leeds-UK). Our plan is to release 4-6 new references a month.
5) What’s your take on the evolution of craft beer culture in recent years in Catalonia and the rest of Spain?
From the time I arrived to Spain in 2014, the craft beer culture in Catalunya and the rest of Spain has continuously been growing stronger and defining its place in the market. New breweries and brands have continued to enter the market and more and more bars, restaurants and cafes have either opened or transitioned into making craft beer a focal point of their offerings.
It’s been really exciting to be a part of it and see the growth just in the short time I have been a part of it. Even during the past year with all of its difficulties, we have seen breweries throughout the country find their way to adapt and continue producing thanks to the craft beer community that has formed around them. Online sales from breweries, distributors, and local bottle-shops have helped keep breweries alive while the hospitality industry has been restricted and new beers to continue to reach the market and keep craft beer fans hydrated while being stuck at home.
6) What differences do you see in terms of beer consumption in Barcelona and the rest of Spain compared to the United States?
There’s definitely a big difference between how beer is consumed here compared to the U.S but I don’t find that difference to apply to the craft beer sector. In both places craft beer tends to be enjoyed at the breweries, in specialized bars, or in restaurants who offer it along with their food. And if not enjoyed at a specific location, bottle-shops and web-shops help those who enjoy the beers keep their fridges stocked to enjoy at their leisure.
Where I see the largest difference between the countries is in the day-to-day drinking of the everyday person during their daily routine. Typically this is seen with the industrial beers found throughout the country. Here it is much most customary to have a beer throughout the day with your lunch, your snack, etc. I’ve definitely seen much more beer drank here before noon than I have living in the U.S. (aside from my college years in Florida)
7) Do you have a favorite beer?
This is always a tough question to answer as there are so many breweries out there right now working hard and creating some amazing beers. If I had to choose one today it would be Odd Breed Wild Ales from South Florida. They have been brewing some of the best wild ales aged in oak barrels that I have ever tasted over the past few years and whenever I go home I load up my suitcase up with their bottles to bring back with me.
Sadly with the current situation I haven’t been able to return home to get more of their bottles but thankfully I have Cyclic here locally whose beers I love as well.
8) How do you see the beer industry in 2021, especially after what we’ve experienced?
Everything for this year (2021) depends on how quickly the restrictions are removed for good and we can begin to normalize and go back to our daily routines. This of course all depends on how quickly we can get access to the vaccine. While of course things won’t be like they were before and we will all be more conscious of our personal space and hygiene (which is definitely a good thing), people will surely go back to their favorite bars, restaurants, and shops to socialize and consume which they haven’t been able to do regularly for roughly a year now.
For the craft beer industry I think we will return quickly to the growth we were experiencing before the Covid situation began. The bars dedicated to the product will begin to see its taps flow and kegs will start being consumed in volume again. Many breweries took the time to reassess their processes and reinvest in equipment and installations so the improvements in the quality of beer from many brands will be noticed. I also believe that we will see that there has been an increase in the number of consumers of craft beer thanks in large part to the easy availability of beers via online stores during the past year and the constant marketing and publicity of beers and breweries via social media during the same time.
9) Anything else you want to add?
It’s been a difficult time for everyone this past year but thankfully we are nearing the final stretch of it and soon we will all be back at the bars and restaurants soon with our friends eating, drinking and being merry (DMB ref).
Once we can make sure to go out and support your favorite bar or restaurant serving great, independent, craft beer as they can certainly use all of our help after the nightmare they’ve had to endure this past year. And lastly….If you haven’t had a chance to try the mac & cheese from CocoVail/House of Mac, STOP WASTING TIME AND TRY SOME TODAY!!!! The Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese is fire!