Looking back at 2024, and where I was in terms of the brewery’s development this time last year is quite amazing now that I actually think about it. So I hope you don’t mind me taking through a few facts and figures, some highlights, and some reflection.
In August this year we celebrated the first birthday of Brid’s Cross Brewing on the anniversary of our first commercial sale. However, the tail end of 2023 was very much a false start. In fact, in November 2023 I was very concerned that the brewery’s days were numbered. In many ways, the move into cuckoo brewing at Serious Brewing in Rochdale in December was the real beginning of Brid’s Cross. Prior to this, I had developed my recipes, but someone else was brewing my beer for me, and scheduling production was problematic. Now I was fully in control and able to brew whenever I wanted to.
So here, as promised are some numbers – in 2024 I have brewed 23,667 litres, or 41,667 pints of beer. I have made 146 deliveries to 62 pubs. Together with Ruth, I have been at 45 markets selling cans and assorted merch to countless customers, including several who come back every time we are in their area. It will be interesting to look back in another twelve months to see how those figures compare. Right now ,I am quietly confident that they will be up next year.
It’s difficult to pick out highlights as there have been quite a few:
– from collaborations with Mysterious and, especially, Moon Gazer,
– obviously the Birthday Bash, especially having some really special friends come to brew with me,
– walking into Emoingham Cricket Club and being referred to (tongue firmly in cheek I am sure) as a rock star brewer,
– being told that Ash & Elm is somebody’s favourite beer ever
– seeing my beer in renowned pubs such as Port Street Beer House in Manchester and the Free Trade in Newcastle
To be fair, there have been lowlights as well. There have been a couple of brewdays, when things didn’t go to plan and I’ve spent 12 hours or more at the brewery. Leaving home at 6 in the morning to get to a market that was starting early. Markets that were a waste if time as punters stayed home rather than come out in awful weather. However, those days are few and far between.
To everyone who has followed me and supported me this year, I offer you a heartfelt thank you. I hope that you have a happy and prosperous New Year ahead of you and I look forward to continuing to share the journey with you.
