Pint of Gen!us Please! (Sept 2023)

Genius Brewing has launched its light craft beers in draft to coincide with the Rugby World Cup. First launched in retail in distinctive 330ml cans, Gen!us Craft Lager and Gen!us IPA are now available ‘on tap’ to pub-goers seeking a healthier option.

Former Scotland and Lions rugby legend Finlay Calder OBE pulled the first pint of Gen!us in Edinburgh. As fundraising partners of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, 5p from every Gen!us beer goes to Doddie Weir’s MND charity.

Finlay Calder pulls the first pint of Gen!us at Teuchters Bar in Edinburgh

Genius Brewing co-founder Jason Clarke played rugby with Weir and Calder and has been delighted to see how the rugby community has supported such an important cause. “Rugby and beer go hand-in-hand and so having a true legend like Fin pull the first pint of Gen!us feels very special. I hope that this Rugby World Cup will see rugby fans enjoy a pint of Gen!us knowing they’re supporting Doddie’s foundation.”

The former Lions legend still loves a great beer and still fits into his Scotland shirt!

The company recently celebrated its five-year anniversary. For Clarke and co-founder Charlie Craig, the ‘eureka moment’ was to spot that healthy lifestyle trends would lead beer lovers to demand healthier options. Brewing great-tasting craft beers with less alcohol and low calories seemed a no-brainer. Jason and Charlie call it #SmartDrinking.

Charlie Craig said: “Our mission is simple: to make healthier drinking a pleasure, not a compromise. While no-alcohol beers certainly have their place, most moderating drinkers still want a real beer, especially in the pub. Brewed to 3% ABV with the very best ingredients, Gen!us beers offer the flavour, body, and ‘feel good’ of a real craft beer but with 40% less alcohol than many brands.”

“Health-conscious drinkers also care about calories, “ adds Clarke “With alcohol carrying 7 Kcal per gram, being lower-ABV and thus lower-calorie, Gen!us beers really deliver that ‘Better For You’ option.”

Craig reckons that, “In Britain, we still love a pint in the pub. So, although home drinking has grown over the years, any ambitious beer brand has to be in the on-trade and that means being available in draft. It’s a big step for the business and an exciting opportunity to offer our #SmartDrinking craft beers to bars, restaurants, hotels, and sports clubs.”

The initial launch will see Gen!us Craft Lager and Gen!us IPA available in 30L kegs to the hospitality trade in Central Scotland. The recent appointment of Sean Robertson as Brand Agent for London and the south of England will see the Gen!us making its first big foray south of the Border. As more distribution partners are brought on board, the aim is to see Gen!us sold UK-wide.

“Healthier drinking is now a mainstream mindset,” says Clarke “And so we see a market for our low-calorie, light beers right across the country.”

Gen!us Craft Lager and Gen!us IPA are already stocked in some of Edinburgh’s finest pubs including Ryries, Montpeliers, and Teuchters, as well as several rugby clubs across Scotland.

Craig is excited about the future, “Launching Gen!us in draft is an exciting new chapter for the business. With the healthier drinking trend now well established, our ambition is to become the UK’s number one light craft beer brand.”