Eight Degrees Brewing puts Mitchelstown on the map
A new online beer map has just been launched, showcasing the abundance of quality, independent craft breweries that exist in Ireland, including Mitchelstown’s Eight Degrees Brewing.
Eight Degrees is one of six Cork breweries taking part in the nationwide initiative. The online map will allow visitors to check what breweries are close by their location, and has the potential to build provenance of Irish beers and to directly link breweries to distinct regions for residents and holidaymakers.
Founded by Kiwi Scott Baigent and Australian Cam Wallace in 2010 at the foot of the Galtees, Eight Degrees Brewing began when the two men honed their home brewing skills at VLB Berlin, a research and training institute for the brewing industry.
‘VIBRANT’ MARKET
Cam, who took TheAvondhu’s call while he was halfway up a mountain outside of Glendalough, welcomed news of the thriving industry in Ireland.
“When we started there were only 12 breweries in Ireland, so it’s fantastic to see the scene is so vibrant. We’re delighted to see this map launched, and get people exploring the beers on the doorstep.”
Eight Degrees Brewing has achieved a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per unit volume of beer produced in 2021, mostly through focusing on heat recovery systems and energy conservation.
The brewery has made several innovations with its production and continues to bring new and adventurous limited-edition releases to the Irish market. The brewery has also experimented with barrel aging beers in different woods, and utilising experimental hop varieties in these limited releases.
Today, the Mitchelstown brewery’s range includes seven products, including the Knockmealdown Stout. What’s in a name? Navigators of course will know, but landlubbers will learn that Mitchelstown is 8° west of Greenwich.
The Irish Beer map aims to raise awareness of the vibrant Irish microbrewing industry and to encourage consumers to seek out local beers wherever they are. The Irish Beer map is created in conjunction with the Independent Craft Brewers of Ireland (ICBI) and is supported by Bord Bia - see irishbeer.ie