ABOUT US
Twisted Cat’s story is one of passion, resilience, and friendship. A reminder that even in the hardest times, a little creativity—and a curious cat—can lead to something truly worth brewing.
How It All Began: Brewing Through the Storm
It all started in 2016, in the quiet of a basement in Junglinster. Tom and Alison spent long nights experimenting with hops and flavours, their ever-curious cat, Nonie, perched nearby, watching over their bubbling brews. What began as a weekend hobby soon became an obsession—one batch turned into another, and before they knew it, their friends were asking for more.
Taking a leap of faith, they launched Twisted Cat Brewery, pouring their hearts into every pint. Slowly, word spread, and their beers found a place in local bars and fridges.
Then came 2020. The world came to a sudden standstill, and like so many others, Tom and Alison faced uncertainty. Bars and restaurants closed overnight. A small brewery built on the joy of sharing beer with others suddenly felt fragile. Twisted Cat might not be a COVID baby in the strictest sense—but it came pretty close. That period tested everything.
Rather than give in, they adapted. Switching to cans wasn’t just a business move—it was survival. It meant learning fast, working late, and finding new ways to stay connected with the people who loved their beer. And it worked. A cold can of Twisted Cat became more than just a drink—it was comfort, community, and a quiet reminder that better days would return.
One of their earliest supporters was Andy Schleck, Tour de France champion and fellow Luxembourger. What began as a shared love of beer turned into a friendship—and soon, a partnership. Andy joined them not just in spirit, but in the brewing process itself, believing in their vision as much as they did.
Years of hard work, setbacks, and countless sleepless nights later, Twisted Cat earned international recognition at the World Beer Awards. But for Tom and Alison, success has never been about trophies. It's about the people—those who gather at KANTIN, their gastropub, to share food, laughter, and a pint with friends.
Founders
Gabriel Boisante
Founder
Gabriel’s journey in hospitality began in Paris during his university years in the late 1990s, where he combined studies in Biochemistry and Business with hands-on experience behind the bar. Since then, he has applied his versatile skillset across interior design, operations, and management—bringing thoughtful, creative solutions to every project. A long-time supporter of Twisted Cat, Gabriel offers a grounded, strategic perspective shaped by years in the industry. He also serves on the Luxembourg City Council and frequently speaks at events, sharing insights and encouraging innovation in the hospitality space.
Alison Adams
Founder
A trained psychologist turned craft beer enthusiast, Alison combines sharp instincts with a deep curiosity for flavour. Originally from Florida, she moved to Europe in 2013 and has since explored over 600 unique brews. At Twisted Cat, she leads beer testing and development—bringing a scientific mindset and a finely tuned palate to every recipe. If it doesn’t stand out, it doesn’t make the cut.
Ray Hickey
Hospitality lifer / Scene-maker!!
With over 30 years of shaping Luxembourg’s dining and nightlife, Ray’s made it his mission to craft experiences that stick. He’s been with Twisted Cat since the first basement brews—back when the hops were wild, the batches were small, and every pint was a gamble. A fearless fan of bold flavors and new ideas, Ray’s palate is as sharp as his instinct for what people actually want in a glass…
Thomas Hickey
Founders
Originally from Dublin, Thomas has been a driving force in hospitality since 1995, working alongside his brother Ray Hickey and Gabriel Boisante. Together, they’ve built a reputation for excellence, now overseeing 9 top-tier venues across the Greater Luxembourg region with nearly 300 full-time staff. In 2018, fueled by a love for craft beer and a passion for quality, Twisted Cat was born—brewed in Thomas’s basement with his wife and now business partner, Alison Adams.
Brewers
Joel Back
Brewer& Partner
With over 15 years of brewing experience and a two-year Brewmaster program in Belgium under his belt, Joel Back brings deep expertise to the craft. As a founding member of the Confederation of Brewers and Breweries of Luxembourg, he plays an active role in shaping the country’s craft beer landscape. In 2017, Joel launched Bare Brewing, a project that quickly gained recognition for its creativity and quality. His brewing philosophy and experience now live on at Twisted Cat, where he continues to drive innovation and push the boundaries of modern brewing.
Kevin Ryan
Brewer
I first dipped my feet into professional brewing in a small brew pub in Panama, before this I had been hobby brewing in my kitchen for a few years. For the past ten years I have been fortunate to have been able to convert my hobby into a full time job, having brewed in Ireland, the UK, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, before finding my way back to Luxembourg. To say that I am a fan of beer would be an understatement, to me beer brings people together, it's something that has united people for centuries, and continues to do so to this day. What's the best beer in the world? The one I have in my hand!
David Jaas
Brewer
I began my brewing journey with an apprenticeship at Bofferding Brewery, where I trained from 2015 to 2018. After completing the program, I continued working there until 2022, gaining hands-on experience and refining my skills. Eager to push beyond my comfort zone and deepen my craft, I made the bold decision to leave my job and pursue advanced training at the VLB in Berlin. I completed the Master Brewer program at the end of 2023 and, in February 2024, proudly stepped into my role at Twisted Cat Brewery.
John Herke
Associate and craft beer co-conspirator
By day, he’s Global Commercial Director at a top-tier engineering firm, with 25 years of crushing it across Energy, Automotive, and Aerospace—from Asia to the Americas. A master of strategy, sales, and sealing the big deals. By night? He’s the guy cracking open rare brews and nice bottles of vino .When Twisted Cat needed a business brain with a beer soul, John was the obvious call.
Andy Schleck
Twisted Cat Brand Ambassador & Tour de France Champion
Andy Schleck is the most successful sportsman in Luxembourg’s modern history. As a professional cyclist from 2005 to 2014, he won the 2010 Tour de France and was crowned Best Young Rider three times — a rare achievement that cemented his place among cycling’s elite.
Today, Andy brings that same dedication and drive to his role as brand ambassador for Twisted Cat Brewery. A true craft beer enthusiast and close friend of the brewery, Andy is more than just a name — he’s actively involved in the brewing process, tasting sessions, and shaping the spirit of the brand.
Passionate about authenticity, quality, and sustainability, Andy embodies the values Twisted Cat stands for. His journey from world-class athlete to brewing ambassador reflects a shared love of community, creativity, and doing things with heart.
From the podium to the pint — Andy Schleck is part of what makes Twisted Cat truly special.
Our values
Water
At Twisted Cat we use less water than traditional brewing methods and reclaim water during production to reduce waste. We recuperate the hot water used to cool the beer after boiling, collect it centrally, and reuse it in the next boiling process. Every drop matters, and we’re committed to brewing responsibly.
Ingredients
Great beer begins with great ingredients. We use only carefully selected malts, hops, and yeasts to ensure quality in every batch. Whenever possible, we source locally to support nearby growers and keep our flavours fresh, distinctive, and true to style. It’s about crafting beer that’s rich in character and clean in execution.
Recycling
Sustainability is at the heart of our packaging. All our beers come in 100% recyclable aluminum cans — a lightweight, eco-friendly option that lowers emissions and supports a circular economy. From brewing to packaging, we’re committed to reducing our impact without compromising quality or convenience.
Low ABV
We believe moderation should never mean missing out. That’s why many of our beers are brewed with lower alcohol content, while still delivering full flavour, complexity, and depth. You don’t need a high ABV to enjoy a great beer — just one that’s well-balanced and brewed with care.
Why Cans?
We can our beer because it’s simply the better choice — for the beer itself, for the planet, and for the people who drink it.
Cans protect beer from light and oxygen, keeping it fresher and full of flavour. They’re lightweight, infinitely recyclable, and come with a carbon footprint up to 40% lower than glass bottles — especially when it comes to transport and recycling.
As the craft beer scene has evolved, most modern breweries have moved away from bottles. Cans chill faster, travel better, and leave less waste behind — all without compromising on quality.
At Twisted Cat, it’s not about trends. It’s about doing what’s right — for the beer, and for the future.
