With a new year stretching out before us, it’s a natural time to reflect on the highlights, challenges, and milestones of 2024. Here at Tig Bhric & West Kerry Brewery, it’s been a year of change, creativity and teamwork—qualities that are at the heart of everything we do.

One of the most significant moments for us was saying goodbye to our long-time colleague Daniel, who left in June after a decade with us. Of course, it was sad to see him go but reflecting on his journey here has been a source of pride and inspiration.

I still remember the day Daniel walked into the brewery back in 2014. The conversation was brief. “Do you have a job available?” he asked. Paul was hesitant, but I immediately jumped at the chance to say, “Yes!” Daniel had been a homebrewer and came from a fabric background—something I didn’t dwell on much. What stood out to me was his creative energy, a quality I’ve always believed is the most important attribute in the brewing business.

Over the years, Daniel’s role evolved from intern to brewer and finally to head brewer. However, our brewery has always operated as a collaborative team. My belief has always been that anything we produce for others to enjoy should never be dictated by one person alone. Flavours are subjective, and that’s what makes brewing so fascinating. There are countless variables to experiment with, and our process thrives on collective input and creativity.

Together, we developed a range of beers that highlight the critical roles of malt, water, and yeast. We also ventured into dry-hopped styles, always working in threes. Interestingly, only one from our dry-hopped series survived—Blue Rose. This beer resonated enough with our customers to earn a regular place in our lineup. It’s a reminder of the fragility of recipes and the fine balance between creativity and consumer appeal.

But beers, like stories, don’t exist in isolation. We’ve always aimed to create beers that belong to each other in some way, forming a cohesive narrative. This philosophy is something we’ll continue to explore and refine in the coming years.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, we’re excited about the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring. The team is already buzzing with ideas for the season ahead, and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests back to Tig Bhric, whether for a pint, a stay, a brewery tour or a chance to explore the beauty of West Kerry.

We’re also incredibly honoured to once again be included in the prestigious McKenna Guides for 2025. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our team throughout the year. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do and fuels our commitment to offering the best experiences—from our craft beers to our hospitality.

Here’s to a year of great brews, meaningful connections, and more stories to share. Sláinte!