Interview: Newcastle’s Full Circle Brew Co 'hops' into 2023

Welcome to Day 5 of Bdaily’s 12 Days of Christmas (December 14). Today, we hear from Alex Redpath, head brewer at Full Circle Brew Co, based in Hoults Yard, Newcastle, who reflected on the brewing industry in 2022 and now looks ahead to what’s brewing in 2023. Read on to find out more…

How would you sum up 2022 for both yourselves and the industry at large?

“2022 has had its highs and lows in our industry, with the pre-Christmas 2021 cancellations of most staff parties, which all took place in January and February. which made it a great start to the year.

“However, the war in Ukraine and its shock waves around the world have caused our industry to be badly affected by the cost of living crisis and increase in raw material costs. Not only are drinkers being more selective about how often and where they drink but it will soon cost a fair bit more to purchase a pint.

“We are also seeing breweries go into administration weekly, with the total for 2022 being in excess of 60 so far, with more expected in the new year. Times are tough but there is always opportunity during a recession and we’re hoping to have a strong 2023.”

Do you have any special festive drinks to commemorate the season?

“We’ve just had our 3rd Birthday at the end of November and released three special beers for the occasion, these are still available so are as close to Christmas beers as we can do.

“This year we released our Dooper DIPA (8.7 per cent abv), Kodiak Imperial Brown Ale (8.3 per cent abv), and a collaboration with Scottish giants Vault City, Snakey B, a diesel sour.”

What does the festive period signify for the business?

“The Christmas period offers half of our business a chance to rest and recuperate whilst being the busiest few weeks for the other half, our production side will wind down in the 2nd week of December but sales and the bar will be very busy with B2B, B2C, and events in our taproom. It also gives us a good chance to sit down and plan for Q1 and Q2 next year.”

Which festive food/drink pairing is your favourite?

“I’m a huge fan of pizza and beer as a food pairing, so I would have to suggest our latest Meridian Pilsner and our taproom Christmas Pizza!”

Any key priorities you’ll be focusing on going into the new year?

“2023 is going to be our year of Cask beer, its a market we’ve not really utilised in the first few years of business but its the bread and butter for most North East breweries, we’re aiming to target every corner or North East cask market over Q1 and Q2 to establish a foothold in the local market.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily