Who could have known that one man’s quest for the perfect tasting ale would end up as one of Co. Armagh’s market towns’ most successful businesses?
Back in 2018, Portadown man Ryan McCracken embarked on a journey that would change his life forever.
“It all began when I went on a tour of Hilden Brewery in Lisburn. I was hooked. I had always been intrigued by the world of craft beer, but it was that tour that sparked the dream of creating a brewery.”
Ryan started as a passionate enthusiast without a formal business background. While his skills as an IT manager provided him with an advantage in understanding the brewing equipment, he candidly admits that the process was still quite daunting.
The forward-thinking and dedicated businessman established McCrackens Real Ale in September 2018, quickly becoming one of the most successful craft breweries in Northern Ireland.
Under Ryan’s leadership, McCrackens has embraced a philosophy of sustainability and local sourcing, which resonates with consumers who value authenticity and craftsmanship. As a result, McCrackens Real Ale has carved out a niche for itself, appealing to both traditional beer lovers and a new generation of craft beer enthusiasts.
Ryan’s love affair with craft beer started when he grew tired of the same old flavours. So much so that Ryan “asked Santa” for a home brewing kit, and so it all began. What started as a simple kit—a bucket and a packet of extract—turned into a passion project. Although his first attempt didn’t turn out well, it was the catalyst that caught him the brewing bug.
In 2018, as Ryan and his family were looking for a new home, they found a property with some land and outbuildings. This was the perfect opportunity for Ryan to realise his dream. He converted the outbuildings into a brewery and started small, brewing around 350 litres a month. However, as the demand for his award-winning drinks grew, production quickly ramped up to 1,200 liters a month.
Despite the rapid growth, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2020, Ryan faced a significant setback when he lost almost all of his business overnight due to the pandemic. “It was a tricky time, but after three months, I managed to recover with the support of local off-sales, and I was able to start upscaling production.”
As the business has evolved so did the name. To incorporate the new elements of the business Ryan admits it took a couple of times to get the name to reflect the business model. “We started out as McCrackens Real Ale and rebranded to “McCrackens Brewery” in 2020 and then “McCrackens Brewer & Distillery” last year.
Working from a small space added to the brewery’s rapid growth, and the order sheet was not a good blend. To address this, the brewery underwent a significant extension in 2023, allowing for an impressive capacity of 15,000 liters per month. This expansion not only alleviated the cramped conditions but also future-proofed the brewery against potential surges in demand.
Speaking to UrbanABC, Ryan said, “I felt pretty sure I could sell the beer, but you never really know until you’re up and running. On a smaller scale, it was actually tougher because you need the right capacity to start making any profit.”
Fast forward to 2023 when Ryan made significant investments in new distilling equipment and further expanded the brewery’s capabilities by adding a second canning line to the existing machinery. The new machinery increased production capacity to 1,500 bottles of gin and other spirits daily.
These upgrades not only increased production capacity but also improved efficiency. Ryan’s strategic decisions reflect his dedication to maintaining high-quality standards while ensuring the brewery remains competitive in the ever-evolving craft beer landscape.
“At McCrackens, we take pride in our grain-to-glass philosophy, which allows us to oversee the entire distilling process ourselves—from grain to beer and spirit,” he explains.
“This approach guarantees the highest quality while reflecting our dedication to innovation, meticulous attention to detail, traceability, and excellence in all aspects of our work.”
In 2024, Ryan unveiled an exciting new gin recipe that showcases 11 unique botanicals, including local heather hand-harvested by him and his family from the beautiful trails and parks surrounding neighboring Craigavon. This new venture culminated in McCrackens Premium Gin, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship that the brewery is known for.
By sourcing botanicals from the rich natural landscape of the area, McCrackens Premium Gin embodies the essence of its surroundings, offering a taste that is both distinctive and authentic.
The same year saw a landmark turning point for the brand following a partnership with Tesco Northern Ireland. Adding to the already long list of local outlets and Amazon, the multinational grocer became the latest stockists of McCrackens products.
Now, craft beer enthusiasts in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston will soon have the opportunity to savor the taste of Portadown, as the Portadown Entrepreneur has made a significant move into the expansive U.S. market.
After over a year of dedicated effort, McCrackens is thrilled to announce a partnership with a respected importer specialising in shipping premium Irish products to the United States, now making an exciting foray into the alcohol market.
This collaboration positions McCrackens as one of the first brands to lead this new initiative, allowing us to showcase the finest aspects of Northern Ireland’s brewing and distilling heritage to the vast American audience.
Ryan concluded, “This milestone represents a significant achievement for our small business. Our customers have consistently inquired about when they would be able to find our products across the Atlantic, and we are excited to finally share that it is happening.
With this expansion, we look forward to bringing our award-winning brews to craft beer lovers in the U.S., further promoting the rich traditions of Northern Irish craftsmanship.”