A Stockport brewery which collaborated with Stockport County FC has been forced to close down, it has said, citing the ongoing cost of living crisis. Thirst Class Ale produced craft beers from its facility in Reddish, and also teamed up with other local breweries like Burton Road, Torrside and Quantum Brewing.
But it has now become the latest casualty of the crisis facing the brewing industry. Owner and head brewer Richard Conway made the announcement with a thread on Twitter. “It is with a tear in my eye and a heavy heart that I make the following announcement. I have made the tough decision to close Thirst Class Ale over the coming months,” he said.
“When I decided to open a brewery back in 2015 it was with a sense of enthusiasm and optimism and most of the last eight years have been a joyous and rewarding experience. As a brewery, we've seen many highs - we've had our beers in amazing venues across the UK, been invited to amazing beer festivals and events and won various awards.
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“We've also had the chance to team up with other great breweries, bars, bottle shops, cinemas and even the great Stockport County FC to brew some fantastic collaboration beers. However, the trials of the coronavirus pandemic and the current cost of living situation have made trading conditions tough, and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to carve a living in what was already a difficult industry to begin with.
“After much soul searching I've decided now is the time to wind things down and start a new adventure. Although I'm not sure what that will be as yet!
“I'd like to thank the great people who have worked with me over the years, especially Peter, Mark, Duncan, Rebecca, Dan and Gemma. You've all been a massive part of the brewery and my life. We couldn't have achieved the things we have without you and for that I am truly grateful.
“Also a big thanks to my family and friends who have been there for me throughout this journey and have been of great comfort and support while I've been making this difficult decision.
“Finally a huge thanks to everyone who has supported Thirst Class over the last eight years - if you've stocked our beer, bought directly from us, promoted us, drank our beer or just appreciated what we've done it means a lot to me and you have my utmost appreciation and respect.
“It's not quite over yet, we've still got quite a bit of stock left, so if you want to pour some last pints of Thirst Class, stock some cans or order direct from our online shop please do so as it will really help!”
The likes of The Smithfield Market Tavern and fellow breweries like Polly's, Track, Pomona Island and Runaway all sent messages of support to Conway, following the news.
It’s just the latest in a string of independent breweries to wrap up its business, in the face of increasing costs in all aspects of brewing. It follows the likes of Beatnikz Republic and Alphabet Brewing Company to wind up their trade in the past year.
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