I wanted to share a quick note today as the UK marks the anniversary of the first Covid lockdown and we reflect on how the pandemic changed all our lives in ways none of us could have anticipated.

First off, can I share my condolences to all those who have lost someone in the past twelve months. The effects of the pandemic on all our lives have been staggering, but none more so than for those who have lost a loved one to the virus.

There is no doubt that the last year has been difficult for Fyne Ales. The hospitality industry, of which we are a part, has been one of the most hard-hit areas of the pandemic and the closure of pubs and bars for the majority of the last year has had a profound effect on our brewery. Without the hard work of our team, and the incredible support from our extended community around the UK, the last 12 months may have had a very different outcome.

Current times remind me of the quote from the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as the Infinite Improbability Drive returns to normality – “We are now cruising at a level of two to the power of twenty-five thousand to one against and falling, and we will be restoring normality just as soon as we are sure what is normal anyway.” When we do get back to something resembling the normal that we used to know, for us it’s going to be down to all the amazing people who have supported us by ordering beer or venison from our online shop, by signing up to the Mini-Cask Club, by keeping up to date with us via our newsletter, or sharing our social media posts – all these things have been hugely valuable in keeping us going in our quiet little corner of Scotland.

From myself and from everyone at the brewery – thank you. Your support has meant so much to us, and will continue to as we follow the road out of lockdown, because as much as this is a time to look back, it’s also an opportunity to look forward to inviting you back to Glen Fyne, to getting back to the pub for pints of Jarl and to enjoying everything else we’ve missed this year.

In the meantime, if you need beer – you know where to find us. Thank you again, and here’s to better days ahead.

Jamie Delap
Fyne Ales MD