Tom Crean micro-brewery gets retail license to sell locally brewed beers

THE great explorer Tom Crean was no stranger to the drinks industry having operated a pub, The South Pole Inn, after his return from his travels in the Antarctic.

Now his granddaughter, Aileen Crean O’Brien, is following in his footsteps with the opening of a micro-brewery in Kenmare. While preparations have been underway for some time to open up the new tourist attraction in Kenmare, the final step fell into place recently when the Tom Crean Brewery was granted a licence to sell craft ale for consumption. It is understood that this is the first such retail license in Kerry and allows them to sell beer under strict licensing rules.

The Tom Crean Brewery, which opened its doors last year, is run by the Kerry explorer’s grand-daughter Aileen Crean O’Brien and her partner, Bill Sheppard.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has hit their business, they have adapted to the situation, more so than most, by bottling their beer and selling to local shops and to the general public. Beer that was destined for kegs for pubs is being sold in bottles, allowing the brewery to continue behind closed doors.

However, new equipment to increase production at the brewery remains in Europe after being ordered last December.

Aileen and Bill have also expanded their range of beers and will, very shortly, be producing five labels – all with their own unique local and Irish history.

Expedition Ale, in memory of Tom Crean, is the primary product, but the Kenmare Brewery is also producing 6 Magpies Stout, named so after Bill and Aileen spotted six magpies in the garden the day the loan got approved for their brewery.

There is also a lager called St Bridget’s, who is the patron saint of brewing according to Irish history. There’s also an IPA called Scurvy Dog, and Killowen Kolsch-style lager.

This would have been the first summer of the operation of the brewery as a tourist attraction in the town, with guided tours daily.

However, restrictions leave tours in limbo, but it is hoped that the Tom Crean Brewery can re-open on August 10 in line with pubs and tourist attractions.

Though guided tours may not be possible, the brewery will be open to locals for ‘Early Door’ tasters alongside the Tom Crean Fish and Wine restaurant, which operates alongside the brewery in Kenmare.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Aileen Crean O’Brien with her two sons – Cian and Morgan – and partner Bill Sheppard launching the new craft beer Expedition Ale in Kenmare.