As we wave goodbye to 2024, it’s the perfect time to take a moment, raise a glass, and reflect on what’s been another busy year at Rooster’s.
in the biggest, most notable news of the year for us came in May, when we acquired our Harrogate neighbours, Daleside Brewery. Daleside is a name that’s long been synonymous with quality brewing in our home town, spanning over the past three decades and more. Best known for the likes of Daleside Blonde, Morocco and Monkey Wrench, Daleside boasts a commitment to cask beer that resonates deeply with our own values. Since the acquisition, we’ve worked hard behind the scenes to ensure a seamless transition, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow together in 2025 and beyond. Working closely with the design agency that’s represented Daleside for over 15 years, a re-brand is currently underway, so keep an eye out as and when that’s launched - likely in February.
In September, we were also thrilled to welcome Ian Galbraith to the Rooster’s team as our new Sales Director and Joint Managing Director. Ian, who previously held a similar role at Kirkstall Brewery, brings a wealth of experience and a high-level skillset that will help push both Rooster’s and Daleside forwards.
Our love for cask ale remained as strong as ever, accounting for roughly 65% of our total output this year. As part of continuing to promote cask beer and the importance of supporting pubs and encouraging beer drinkers to do the same during what’s been another tough year for the trade, all six of a series of collaborations we brewed with Thornbridge, Brew York, Siren, Lakes, Salt, and Fyne Ales were released as cask only beers.
Following the success of the inaugural festival in 2023, Suds With Buds, proved to be a hit once again this summer. Building on last year’s success, we increased the number of tickets available and still managed to sell out ahead of time. A big thank you to everyone who came along and to the 21 breweries, 4 street food traders and 5 bands that helped make the event enjoyable to for everyone involved. Pop Saturday July 5th in your diary for 2025, and keep an eye out for more details landing soon!
Rooster’s Taproom has hosted another packed calendar of events in 2024, with our monthly Really Funny Comedy gigs continuing to be a highlight. A quite ridiculous line-up of headline acts have joined us over the past 12 months, including Nick Helm, Seann Walsh, Angelos Epithemiou, Josh Pugh and Maisie Adam. This year has also been a big one for live music. Suds With Buds 2023 headliners, Hot Soles came back and blew us all away again, while, fresh from supporting Bastille in Europe, we also welcomed Ralph Pelleymounter for a fantastic gig in November.
Of course, we should remind ourselves that we’re here to make great beer and have been busy developing a brand new gluten free beer that’ll form part of a new-look core range for 2025. Yorkshire’s Best, a gluten-free classic modern bitter that’s smooth, amber, and packed with character and will be available initially in cask, with cans to follow. After an amazing response to its release as a limited edition beer, Good As Hell is also stepping up to become a premium addition to the core line-up. Fans of the Assassin family of beers will also be pleased to hear that Hazy Faced Assassin, a gluten-free Hazy IPA, will launch in the spring as well. The beer is currently available in keg as we fine tune the recipe and will be officially launched with cans coming on board in April.
2025 is shaping up to be another busy year, with lots to look forward to. Make sure you’re following us on socials and signed up to our mailing list so you don’t miss a thing.
Here’s to a cluckin’ good 2025 - cheers!