Eight Degrees founders buy back brewery

Scott Baigent and Cam Wallace sold the brewery to the drinks firm five years ago in a move that was intended to provide Irish Distillers with beer for its Jameson Caskmates project – whiskey finished in craft stout seasoned barrels.

The decision to buy back the brewery comes after a period of absence from the drinks world for Baigent and Wallace, who spent the past 18 months reflecting on their passions and what they wanted to achieve.

Continuing the journey

“Having re-charged our batteries, we are keen to get back into the driver’s seat and continue the journey we started more than 14 years ago,”​ said Wallace.

“Over the past year or so we have had some time out from the brewing world, time to go into the wilderness and take the opportunity for a bit of self-reflection. It’s brought us right back to where we started.”​

Irish Distillers said the Cork-based group would continue to supply the company with its products in an effort to support the Caskmates range. Baigent and Wallace will continue to work with the same core brewery team.

New brewery

Commenting on their decision to buy back the brewery, Baigent added: “We have enjoyed the journey over these past five years, with Irish Distillers playing a massive role in completing the build of our brewery in Mitchelstown at the foot of the Galtee Mountains in North Cork.​

“With a heap of reckless optimism and a lot of newfound energy, we seek to deliver the Naturally Adventurous message once more. We hope you come along with us to continue the adventure.”​

Established in 2010, Eight Degrees produces a range of craft beers made with ‘only natural  ingredients’. In late 2018, Eight Degrees completed a brewery expansion in Mitchelstown, installing a state-of-the-art 60HL Kaspar Schulz brewhouse.

Meanwhile, Food Manufacture rounds up some of the biggest acquisitions​​ that took place across the industry during 2023.