Christy’s – New lager, new flavour, new business
The first bottle of Christy’s, a new Irish Lager was today presented to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Flanagan, T.D., who officially launched this new Laois business at its office in Portlaoise Enterprise Office.
Christys Irish Lager is produced by Slieve Bloom Drinks, a Laois based company, which was set up in 2014. Christys is a flavoursome lager, brewed with German and American hops in Trim, Co. Meath, with a view to developing a brewery in county Laois in the near future. Christy’s has been developed for the Irish market with the initial aim of import displacement, but also with significant plans for export. The company was set up by Rob Flanagan, the son of Irish emigrants from Laois who grew up in Burton On Trent, the U.K. capital of brewing, and now divides his time between Ireland and the U.K. Christys, named after the Patron Saint of travel, St. Christopher, reflects Rob’s background of travel and movement like many other families.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Flanagan said “I am delighted to be associated with this new business start-up in Laois. The beer industry is responsible for 1% of all jobs at EU level, with other related sectors also benefitting from the industry success. In recognition of the growth in the micro brewing sector in Ireland, and the spin off potential for Irish businesses the Government increased the excise relief ceiling significantly in the most recent budget. I look forward to monitoring Slieve Bloom Drinks success as they expand and grow into the future.”
Managing Director of Slieve Bloom Drinks, Rob Flanagan, said that “Christy’s is born out of a passion for beer and a pride in the quality of Irish produce, along with a personal attachment to Ireland and Laois. As the son of Irish emigrants, I have always spent time in Ireland, both personally and professionally and am excited to have the opportunity to establish this business in Laois and acknowledge the support of the Laois Enterprise Office”.
Christy’s currently employs three people at its office in Portlaoise with plans to increase that number to five people over the next year. The company was set up with support from the Laois Enterprise Office and the European Regional Social Fund.
For further information and details of availability for Christys, please contact
Email: info@christyslager.ie
Phone: No: 057 8670754/086 8098598
www.christyslager.ie