A Cup of Camaraderie | Ferment Magazine
David Jesudason – 24 August 2025
A Cup of Camaraderie
In this article David explores how ‘rival’ breweries have a big sense of community that is baked into the spirit of independent brewers.
Our founder Miranda Hudson discusses how independents in industries dominated by ubiquitous multinationals often rally for each other
“There is a sense of alliance, and big breweries don’t tend to experiment or push the boundaries”.
She goes on to discuss a collaboration with a coffee roaster that came about in the depths of lockdown which spurred her to set up an ‘essential shop’ forming bonds with the local butcher, baker and coffee maker as an alternative to Tesco!
Ultimately what truly unites the makers of beer and coffee is, in Miranda’s words
“A shared love of what they put on the table for people”.
It’s an ethos that makes such collaborations greater than the sum of their parts, spurring creativity, providing support where needed, and most importantly giving customers a fantastic experience.
“You form coalitions and partnerships as a way of getting through incredibly tough times. It gives you the chance to bounce ideas off each other and it helps you navigate situations. Independent businesses are the lifeblood of communities”
Duration have brewed dozens of beers in collaboration with the likes of Cloudwater, Deya, Verdant, Burnt Mill, Pressure Drop, Newbarns and Burning Sky in the UK as well as venturing further afield to brew with brewers in the US and even Vietnam! As well as breweries they have made beers with foragers, clothing brands, vintners and oyster growers, apple farmers and hop merchants!
To learn more hop on our beer library and search out a few from the list below to learn more.
Difficult Takes a Day, Impossible Takes a Week
Infact, their best selling award winning lager Good Times started life as one of 4 collaboration brews with their pals at Cloudwater in Manchester.
Order Good Times HERE
