Independent brewery expects to sell 5k kegs in 2025 and projects double that number for 2026
Changing Times Brewery, the independent brewery founded by the families behind some of Dublin’s best known pubs, has launched a new product as they celebrate one year in operation this week. ‘Bleedin Red Ale’ becomes the fourth draft product offered by the brewery, joining their existing range of Clockwork Velvet Stout, Daydreamer Lager and After Hours Pale Ale.
The introduction of the new product marks the culmination of a strong first year of operation for the Glasnevin based brewery, following their launch on the 11th November 2024. Changing Times products are now available in 33 venues across the country, up from the initial 15 pubs who stocked their products.
The latest venues to begin stocking their beers include The Storyteller Pub on Grand Canal Street, Bill Ahernes on Aston Quay, The Oval on Abbey Street, Lock 13 in Sallins, Thomas Connollys in Sligo as well as Paul Flannerys, Jerry Flannerys, Patsy Flannerys and Phil Flannerys all in Limerick.
Looking ahead to 2026, the brewery expects to see further growth in demand for their products and are projecting total keg sales of 10,000 for next year. This will be driven by rising customer demand for their beers, expansion of the number of venues stocking their products and a further widening of their product range, with a fifth beer expected to be introduced in the first half of 2026.
The brewery is located along the banks of the Royal Canal in Glasnevin. It is backed by the publican families behind pubs such as Arthur Maynes in Donnybrook, The Bank Bar and Restaurant on College Green, The Bankers, The Blackrock, The Bridge 1859, Darkey Kellys, Devitts, Doheny Nesbitts, The Ferryman, Lemon & Duke, The Long Hall, McSorleys, The Palace, Sheehans on Chatham Street and The Swan. Other partners in Changing Times include publican Benny McCabe, owner of The Shed Distillery and drink’s industry entrepreneur Patrick J. Rigney, as well as brewer Shane Long.
Bleedin Red Ale consists of a smooth, malty body with rich caramel and toffee sweetness, balanced by a subtle touch of earthy hops. The finish is clean and mildly roasted, with a soft, lingering bitterness. Changing Times believe they will sell 3,000 kegs of Bleedin Red Ale by the end of 2027.
Speaking about the new product and their first year in business, CEO of Changing Times Brewery and owner of The Bank Bar and Restaurant on College Green, David Chawke said, “We are delighted to introduce Bleedin Red Ale, which covers off another key product line for us. Practically since the day we launched we have had requests from customers for a red ale and thankfully we now are able to offer them a product we believe is as good as any other red ale on the market. Customers who have tried it are noting how smooth and tasty it is and we’re already seeing strong, repeat custom from red ale drinkers.
“We see this product launch as another key marker for us. Firstly, it is proof that we are doing what we said we would and listening to the suggestions of our customers. They asked for this product and we have now delivered. Adding a fourth product tap also further highlights the growing strength of our range on pub counters, creating more brand visibility for our brewery and for our existing strong line-up of beers.
“It has been a really positive first year of operation for Changing Times and we are very happy with how everything has progressed. Launching a new brewery in this market was always going to be a risk, but we are very pleased with how our brewery has been received. We have already carved out a sizeable, consistent customer base who seek out our products. Even more promising is that number seems to be growing week to week as more people give our products a try and as more venues begin stocking our beers.
“As we look ahead to 2026 we are very excited about where the brewery will go over the next 12 months. We expect to see the number of keg sales double next year based on a further expansion of the number of premises stocking our products, the addition of another beer to our product stable and most importantly, from the consistent and growing number of people who are enjoying our beers. That has been arguably the most satisfying aspect for us, we wanted to offer people a change with some Irish made drinks they could consistently enjoy. Customers are definitely responding to that, and we look forward to seeing our glasses in the hands of even more customers around the country over the next 12 months,” Mr. Chawke concluded.