Co-founder Q&A: James Kindred
Twelve questions for one of the two men behind the beer — including the racehorse, the guitar, and the era he’d travel back to.
We sat down with one of our co-founders, James Kindred, to get to know one of the two men behind the beer.
1. Which Big Drop is your favourite?
My regular go-to Big Drop has to be the Citrus IPA. When I was still drinking full-strength beer, I’d enjoy the hoppier, fruitier pale ales, and it fits the bill perfectly — with the added benefit of no booze.
2. What is your favourite album?
Mastodon’s Crack the Skye is up there. It’s insanely heavy, and the concept behind it is mind-bending: astral planes, Rasputin and more. If I’m looking for something a bit more laid back, Ben Howard’s debut album will be one of the first I’ll reach for.
3. If you were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would you want to have with you?
An acoustic guitar. I’m a bit of a fidget, darting around between things, but if I need to relax I’ll grab my guitar and play a few songs — or just noodle around a bit.
4. What’s the best thing about owning a beer company?
The variety of challenges. Having been a graphic designer for over twenty years, I’ve never really worked on the entire cross-section of what’s required for a single brand, and there’s a lot to cover for a beer brand.
5. What three bits of advice would you give your younger self?
Relax, trust your gut, get some sleep.
6. If you could drink a Big Drop with anyone — dead, alive or fictional — who would it be?
It’d have to be Dimebag Darrell from Pantera. The guy was a serious party animal but also seemed like a straight-up, genuine, friendly bloke. I’m not sure how Big Drop would have fit into his daily routine, but I’d raise a couple of glasses of Black Tooth Grin with him for sure.
7. If you had a racehorse, what would you call it?
Clive.
8. What is your favourite quote?
A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.
9. What is your go-to karaoke song?
You never want to hear me sing. I’m pretty sure ships have been wrecked because of better sounds. I can yell in key — that’s about as far as my singing skills go.
10. What is the best present you have ever received?
In 2021, just before he passed away, my father-in-law gave me his Fender acoustic guitar. It’s a lovely guitar, and its sentimental value is priceless.
11. If time machines were real, what year or era would you go to?
Any time after penicillin and before social media would be nice to visit.
12. What is your favourite book?
Hellraisers, which is about the life and inebriated times of Richard Burton, Richard Harris, Peter O’Toole and Oliver Reed.