Light craft lager firm Genius Brewing toasts investment from industry heavyweights

The founders of what is billed as the UK’s first light craft lager are celebrating the second anniversary of its launch with investment from two drinks industry heavy-hitters.

From left: Jason Clarke and Charlie Craig. Picture: contributed.

Genius Brewing, founded by Jason Clarke and Charlie Craig, has received a “significant” investment from fellow Scots Mark Hunter, former Molson Coors global chief executive, and David Wither, founder and chairman of the Montpelier Group, which is behind a range of high-profile Edinburgh venues.

The Glasgow-based brand, which launched its 3 per cent strength Gen!us Craft Lager in 2018, is tapping into growing appetite for healthier drinking, saying UK sales of no- and low-alcohol beer grew by £15.2 million in 2019.

Operations director Craig said: “Securing investment from two of Scotland’s most respected figures within the drinks industry is a huge vote of confidence and a great way to celebrate a successful first two years.

“The Gen!us mission is to make healthier drinking a pleasure, not a compromise. Both Mark and David recognise that today’s consumers want a great beer that’s part of a healthy lifestyle.

“Of course, like every drinks brand, coronavirus has hit our on-trade business, However, we’ve quickly adapted to focus on our online channel Flavourly.com where sales are rocketing.”

Hunter, who recently retired as president and chief executive after 30 years at Bass and Molson Coors, said: “There’s a lot of great work happening in the No & Low alcohol space and Genius Brewing is a brand that is paying attention to the evolving lifestyle changes of drinkers all over the world. Its light craft lager delivers on taste and allows drinkers to enjoy one of life’s pleasures without compromise.”

Montpelier Group’s Edinburgh venues include Tigerlily and Indigo Yard. Wither, who founded the organisation, said: “I’ve seen huge changes in the beer industry since we started in the 90s. Craft beer has raised people’s expectations of flavour but not everyone wants their strong [alcohol by volume measures] and calorie content. I can see huge potential for Gen!us, especially when it launches in draft.”

Genius Brewing is also a fundraising partner of Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir’s motor neurone disease foundation.

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