The Malt Maven

"There's so much more than just drinking a beer. It's about the environment, the culture, and sharing it with friends."

Most people in their very early 30s are probably just about working out what they want to do with their lives. In Steph Howard's case, she's already off to start a new career having left an indelible mark on the beer industry on both sides of The Ditch.

For many, the young Kiwi has been the face of Cryer Malt, then Barrett Burston – certainly once David Cryer had sold his business and returned to his epic collection of comic books – and an everpresent at industry events not just in Australia and New Zealand but across the globe.

After landing a job with David straight from uni, Steph swiftly moved from someone who didn't drink beer to someone intricately involved in the craft beer scene as it evolved from the fringes. A baptism of fire showed this was someone who would most definitely swim not sink, making her recent announcement that she was moving back to New Zealand and into the dairy industry one that caught many in the beer world by surprise.

In the midst of packing her bags, Steph joined us to reflect on her decade in the beer world, the changes she's witnessed, the friends she's made, and the people that inspired her over the years.

Before we join Steph, Will and James chat about TWØBAYS' remarkable success at the World Beer Cup, the latest example of a brewery opening an experience-led space – Chalky's from Bucketty's, HPA's 2025 hop report, and Pint of Origin, which runs from May 9 to 18.

Start of segments:

• 13:02 – Steph Howard Part 1
• 36:42 – Steph Howard Part 2

Relevant links:

• Steph Howard's New Heights
• David Cryer – 30 and Out
• Cryer Malt
• TWØBAYS World Beer Cup Win
• Bucketty's Open Chalky's
• Pint of Origin 2025
• Beer Cocktails
• Roxset Australia

To find out more about supporting the show or otherwise partnering with The Crafty Pint, contact [email protected].