Ireland: Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers acquires craft brewer Eight Degrees Brewing

Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers - a supplier of spirits and wines and producer of Jameson Irish whiskey - has acquired craft brewer Eight Degrees Brewing, BeverageDaily.com reported on May 11.

The acquisition of the Mitchelstown brewery will ensure long-term beer supply to sustain the global growth of Jameson Caskmates, which is made by finishing Jameson Irish Whiskey in craft beer-seasoned barrels.

Meanwhile, Eight Degrees Brewing says the deal will give it the long-term capabilities to continue to create new and exciting beers for its customers.

Eight Degrees Brewing is the first beer in wine and spirit giant Pernod Ricard’s portfolio.

Jameson Irish Whiskey, which sold 6.5 million cases in 2017 and is available in more than 80 markets worldwide, launched Jameson Caskmates in 2014. It says this has been ‘undoubtedly one of our most successful innovations’, with 200,000 cases sold in more than 40 markets last year.

“With this success comes a need to plan for the future and that’s what led to this exciting deal with Eight Degrees Brewing,” said Tommy Keane, production director for Irish Distillers.

“We’re looking forward to working with their team to continue to grow Jameson Caskmates on the world stage from Midleton and Mitchelstown.”

Eight Degrees Brewing was set up in 2010 to brew ‘naturally adventurous, great tasting beers’. Its core range includes Bohemian Pilsner Lager, Howling Gale Irish Pale Ale, Sunburnt Irish Red Ale and Knockmealdown Irish Stout.

“Becoming part of the Irish Distillers family means that we have the long-term capabilities to continue on this mission as well as being part of the very exciting Jameson Caskmates story,” said co-founders Scott Baigent and Cam Wallace.

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