Zapato Brewery is a cuckoo brewery based in Leeds, and is run by the notorious go-to beer guy Matt Gorecki.
How long have you been brewing
3 Years as Zapato
How did your brewery get started?
I learned a lot about beer running North Bar for 10 years. After I left I learned more running Beer Press – a craft beer consultancy. As a side project I started Zapato, making beers on the low-down for three years to make sure I got it right. I now brew mostly at NMBCo and occasionally at others. We’re a cuckoo brewery but not for much longer…
What makes your brewery or beers unique?
The application of everything I know about beer! You can taste experience with each sip.
What have you been working on since LBW17?
Making beer, selling beer, producing Dark City, Hop City, IndyMan – consulting for the best beer businesses in the UK.
How would you describe the style your brewery?
AnarchoTranshuman
What are your thoughts on the UK and Leeds beer scene?
I feel we’ve reached a tidy, comfy plateau and now it’s time to shake stuff up.
How do you feel your brewery fits into the UK/Leeds scene?
I feel very much part of the scene and play an active role in producing Leeds Beer Week and some really great events that connect people within the scene and help everyone move forward, hopefully! I’ve always been keen to foster relationships and develop connections with Leeds and the rest of the UK and I’m proud of where we all have got to. REALLY pleased to see so many new breweries coming up and the massive success of our bigger breweries in the city too. The Leeds beer scene has definitely never been better – can’t wait to see it in a couple of years time!
How can people find your beer?
Do a google search.
What are your brewery plans for the next 12 months?
Building a peng new brewery in the hills that you can all come and visit, and obviously making more sick beers.