Drinks industry entrepreneur, innovator and founder of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Patrick J Rigney has invested in Changing Times Brewery, the newly launched brewery in Glasnevin, Dublin backed by the families behind some of Dublin’s best known pubs.

Rigney will join the brewery as Chair, with his involvement bringing its total investment to over €2m.

This investment marks Rigney’s first involvement in a brewery.

Rigney is the Founder & Owner of The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney, behind renowned brands such as Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka and other globally recognised brands. 

Prior to founding The Shed Distillery with his wife Denise, the drinks’ industry pioneer was Instrumental in establishing Irish drinks brands as global leaders, including the world’s number 1 selling liqueur brand – Baileys – during its formative years.

As Executive Director, Rigney went on to invent the then-revolutionary twin-bottle Sheridan’s Irish Cream Liqueur, becoming known across the industry as a creative entrepreneur with an unpredictable ‘maverick’ edge.

He has since gone on to invent over 20 other international drinks brands including the famous Boru Vodka/Castle Brands which developed a range of successful spirits brands before successfully exiting in 2005 through an IPO on the AMEX (NY, USA) with a valuation of over $100m. 

He owns Fastnet Brands, co-founded the Dalcassian Wine & Spirits and is an investor in Ovelle Pharmaceuticals, Horseware Products Ltd and the Walsh Distillery Company.

Changing Times hopes to utilise his extensive contacts, creative entrepreneurship, vast experience in bringing new brands to market and his global perspective in helping to establish and grow their brand and products.

Based along the banks of the Royal Canal, Changing Times, launched in November with two initial products, Daydreamer Lager and After Hours Pale Ale.

The idea for the brewery came from listening to the feedback from customers over the years, which led to conversations between the publican families and then detailed discussions on creating their own brewery. 

As well as Rigney, it is backed by brewer Shane Long, publican Benny McCabe and the publican families behind The Ferryman, The Palace, The Long Hall, The Swan, Darkey Kellys, The Bankers, Arthur Maynes in Donnybrook, Devitts, Doheny & Nesbitts, Sheehans, Lemon & Duke, The Bridge 1859, The Blackrock, The Bank and McSorleys.

Initially the new beers are being stocked in the pubs of the founding members, with further pubs expected to be announced soon.

Speaking about his investment and involvement in Changing Times Brewery, Rigney said, “I was greatly flattered when I was asked to get involved in Changing Times Brewery, which I think represents a real innovation in the Irish beer market.

“What attracted me was the family dimension of this business, which very much aligns with our values in The Shed Distillery.

“The families behind this brewery are steeped in the pub heritage of Dublin and Ireland with years and years’ of experience in catering to their customer’s tastes.

“They are a part of the fabric of the Dublin’s social culture. Who could be better placed to deliver authentic, refreshingly Irish, locally brewed beers?

“I’m excited to come on board and to help them deliver a timely change for customers at the pub counter. 

Rigney’s involvement was also hailed by Marcus Houlihan of The Long Hall who said, “It is absolutely fantastic to have a man of Patrick’s experience, creativity, innovation, connections and more join Changing Times.

“Everyone involved in the drinks’ industry recognises what a titan he is and his history of achievement.”

Photo: Patrick J Rigney. Pic MacInness