US Brewers Visit Down District - Down Recorder Article 2/12/09
Two senior officials from the High Falls Brewery visited Killyleagh recently to get a flavour of the area.
Master brewer, John Fischer, and business development executive, Don Cotter, also met farmers in the Clough area who are supplying the barley for the range of beers set to hit the US market early next year.
Mr. Cotter said the New York brewery, which has been in business since 1878, produces a lot of beers but has available capacity which it uses via developing partnerships with businesses like the Strangford Lough Brewing Company. “In my business development role, I see a lot of people coming through with crazy ideas. I have seen a lot of brands suceed and fail so I have a decent read of which ones may have a better chance of success. “When the guys from Killyleagh came and presented to us for the furst time, it’s probably the most excited I have been about any brand.”
“St Patrick’s Day has always been in the top three consumption days of beer in the States and High Falls producing these two local beers represents a natural path. I am really excited about the future.” Mr. Cotter said the Rochester Brewery recognised the potential of the Legbiter and St. Patrick’s Best beers from an early stage and while he admitted consumers still have to embrace the product, he believes it has a chance of becoming something very special in the United States.
His optimism is shared by John Fischer who has been brewing beer for 42 years. He said High Falls has a team of experienced people who know how to make a good beer.
He added: “We are very impressed with these products and we feel we can do them justice. We can’t wait to get started.”
Down Recorder Article - Wednesday 2nd December 2009
