O Brother Brewing has announced that Ireland and Leinster rugby player James Lowe is joining the Wicklow-based team as an investor.
It marks Lowe’s first venture into the beverage sector and follows an eventful year for the independent craft brewer, which recorded a series of milestones in 2024 and marked ten years since its first sale last month.
“I’ve always admired the creativity and passion that goes into craft brewing, and O Brother has it all – a great team, exceptional beers, and a vision that’s hard to beat,” said Lowe.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this journey and to support an Irish family business that’s making such a big impact.”
O Brother Brewing completed a major project, as it switched its base from Kilcoole to the historic Belmont Demesne in Wicklow last year. The family-founded firm also launched three exclusive brews for Aldi during the year and announced the roll-out of its core four-beer range at 78 Tesco stores nationwide.
Production is now in full swing at the new Belmont Demesne premises, and the company is aiming to open its taproom and visitor centre in the coming months.
The team is also continuing to develop its offering and has recently released a new brew, called Bookends – a collaboration with boutique coffee roaster Roasted Brown, which is based in Kilcoole. The 5.5% amber ale is infused with small-batch Costa Rican coffee.
“We’ve just completed a year of real transformation for us, and having someone of James’s calibre join the O Brother tribe at this point is the perfect way to kick off the new year,” said Barry O’Neill, CEO of O Brother Brewing.
“We have lots to do as we build on the momentum of 2024, and we’re looking forward to having James’s support.”
