Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

The Work

Brewing beer and distilling spirits is a mixture of science, art and craft. Some brewers / distillers rely heavily on modern technology, while others use more traditional means and techniques.

It is a science based job, where training typically includes subjects like laboratory science, microbiology and physics.You have to be very conscious of health and hygiene, so following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when sterilising equipment and keeping the work area clean is an important part of your job.

You also have to monitor temperatures and timing very carefully as these things affect the quality of the drink. A level of paperwork is also part of your daily tasks.

In general, beer making and spirit distilling involve a number of different stages, such as weighing and measuring the right ingredients, mashing, mixing, fermentation, maturing, monitoring quality, and labelling and packing the finished product.

Many brewers/distillers are employed by large brewing/distilling companies, but even smaller, independent breweries and distillers typically employ staff. In small breweries/distilleries, you may be responsible for all aspects, and in larger ones you may specialise in a specific part of the process. Regardless of where you work, an extensive knowledge of the scientific and technological principles of the process is required.

You usually work under the supervision of a Master, or Head brewer. The head/master brewer oversees and is responsible for the entire brewing process from start to finish, including the quality of the final product.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
• Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
• Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
• Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
• Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
• Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
• Start agitators, shakers, conveyors, pumps, or centrifuge machines.
• Inspect machines or equipment for hasards, operating efficiency, malfunctions, wear, or leaks.
• Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
• Communicate processing instructions to other workers.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

There are a number of certificates and undergraduate degrees in brewing and distilling in Institutes of Technology where you get the scientific knowledge and competencies required to work in the brewing and distilling industry.

You can also get a general certificate in brewing or distilling through an online course with the UK based Institute of Brewing & Distilling, with a final exam location in Ireland. This certificate is widely recognised by Irish brewers and distillers.

FET Centre PLC: Brewing & Distilling Tech NFQ Level 5 Search our FET PLC coursefinder 

Higher Education CAO entry: Brewing & Disitilling NFQ Level 8 Search our CAO coursefinder  

Professional Development

There is usually some scope for developing your career in a brewery or distillery to a supervision or management role. After a number of years and with a significant amount of experience, you may be able to progress to a Head / Master Brewer role, or you may want to start your own micro-brewery.

It is important to stay up-to-date with trends and developments in the industry, so membership in professional organisations may be useful. See for example: Independent Craft Brewers of Ireland or the IBEC Irish Brewers Association.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €65k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, role, shift pattern and duties.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Morgan McKinley/ Excel

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The strong employment growth rate for this occupation relates to significant growth in employment occurring between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 4,900 persons employed. The volume of vacancies advertised for these roles was small across both DSP and OVATE data, although job adverts for this occupation grew in 2022 (OVATE). Despite the strong employment growth, the data is not pointing to any recruitment issues to date. 

• Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland

  • Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • Click Here

• Institute of Brewing and Distilling

  • 33 Clarges Street, London WIJ 7EE
  • +44 (0) 20 7499 8144
  • Click Here

• Bord Bia

  • Clanwilliam Court Lower Mount Street. Dublin 2
  • (01) 668 5155
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Independent Craft Brewers of Ireland

  • 20 Railway Avenue, Sutton D13 K0E8
  • +353 (0)863949270
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here