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Northern Ireland: A New Global Hotspot for Award-Winning Craft Brews

The Rise of 'Our Brewery' in a Competitive European Market: How a Northern Irish Enterprise Secured International Recognition

Europe boasts a rich brewing heritage, with established hubs like Munich, Bruges, and the Czech Republic renowned for their diverse beer offerings, from traditional lagers to artisan ales. While countries such as Ireland are celebrated for iconic brands like Guinness, a lesser-known contender from Northern Ireland, 'Our Brewery,' has recently garnered international attention. Located near Belfast, this innovative brewery has carved a significant niche by expertly fusing classic techniques with modern equipment, aiming to create beverages that blur the lines between beer and wine. Their meticulous approach has yielded highly praised concoctions, including a zesty American IPA with grapefruit and tropical fruit notes, an Imperial Stout matured in bourbon barrels for nearly two years, and a refreshing Italian Pilsner.

A Shower of Accolades: 'Our Brewery' Dominates at Prestigious International Competitions

In a testament to its brewing prowess, 'Our Brewery' secured an impressive twelve medals, seven of which were gold, at the 2025 World Beer Awards. This followed an earlier triumph of eleven Great Taste Awards, firmly establishing the brewery alongside celebrated Northern Irish distilleries like Bushmills. The brewery's ascent has been particularly remarkable given its relatively recent establishment in 2021. Their Seasur Mixed Ferm was crowned the world's finest Bi\u00e8re de Garde/Saison, a style originating from 18th-century Wallonian farmhouses. Similarly, their Low Land Oud Bruin, a Flemish-style brown ale aged in a red Bordeaux barrel, was recognized as the best in its class globally. Co-founder Johnny Mitchell expressed astonishment at these achievements, stating they surpassed all initial expectations.

Northern Ireland's Craft Beer Revolution: Growth Amidst Challenges

The craft beer movement has profoundly reshaped the global beverage industry this century, with Northern Irish brewers emerging as key players over the last decade. Belfast's dedicated craft beer establishments, such as The Woodworkers and Northern Lights, have been at the forefront of this surge. New breweries like Bullhouse Brew Co. and Boundary Brewing are integral to the revitalization efforts in East Belfast. Beyond the capital, breweries in Warrenpoint, Londonderry, and Randlastown underscore the widespread growth of craft beer throughout the region. This expansion is particularly noteworthy given the persistent challenges posed by antiquated and restrictive licensing laws, which have often stifled innovation and drawn criticism from both pub owners and brewers.

Accessing the Acclaimed Brews: Where to Find 'Our Brewery' Products

Enthusiasts can purchase 'Our Brewery' beers online through their distribution partner, Get 'Er Brewed, which offers a variety of gift sets and bundles, including two-can packs with branded pint glasses and barrel-aged bottle assortments featuring their top-tier selections. A hoppy bundle is also available, showcasing diverse ales such as the aromatic Modern Love Pale Ale, the hazy, malty-sweet Hang Up Your Hang Ups IPA, and the newly introduced A Hymn We Used to Believe DIPA, characterized by biscuit, caramel, and citrus undertones. The beers are also available in several pubs across Belfast, including The Cloth Ear, The American Bar, The Errigle, The John Hewitt, and Northern Lights, as well as the Holywood Wine Bar, Market Square Bushmills, and the Guildhall Taphouse in Derry City. Additionally, Tesco supermarkets and various off-licences throughout Northern Ireland stock these acclaimed brews, with potential appearances at the annual Belfast Beer and Cider Festival held each Novembe