The international collaboration marks a major step in Powder Monkey Group’s global expansion strategy, with an initial UK launch followed by Australia, India, the United States and, of course, Jamaica and the Caribbean.
International cricket superstar Chris Gayle has joined forces with Powder Monkey Group to launch a new beer range under his globally recognised Universe Boss brand, marking a significant milestone in the brewing group’s international growth ambitions.
The partnership brings together one of cricket’s most celebrated personalities and a rapidly expanding brewing business with an established stronghold in the UK and Australia, and now expanding into major international markets including India, the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.
Launching initially in the UK, the Universe Boss range introduces two distinctive beers: Universe Boss Pilsner (5% ABV) and Universe Boss Rum Infused Stout (6% ABV), developed in collaboration with Gayle and brewed by Powder Monkey Brewing Co.
Recognised worldwide as the ‘Universe Boss’, Gayle is one of the most influential figures in modern cricket. A two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner and the first player to score 10,000 runs in T20 cricket, his extraordinary career, charismatic personality and international following have made him a household name far beyond the sporting world.
The new range captures that unmistakable personality, combining bold branding with two contrasting beer styles.
Universe Boss Pilsner (5% ABV) is a crisp, refreshing German-style lager with delicate floral and herbal notes, while Universe Boss Rum Infused Stout (6% ABV) delivers a richer, darker beer with a distinctive rum influence, reflecting Gayle’s Caribbean roots.
Chris Gayle commented: “It’s been a great journey developing my Universe Boss beers and amazing to be able to taste them here in Jamaica last week. Excited to see them launched in the UK and expanding from there.”
The launch of Chris Gayle Universe Boss beer represents an important strategic development for Powder Monkey Group, which was established in 2023 to bring together a growing portfolio of brewing and hospitality businesses.
With operations spanning the UK and Australia, the Group is focused on building a stronger international presence through its established beer brands, brewing infrastructure and strategic partnerships.
The Universe Boss partnership is expected to play a key role in this next phase of growth, supporting the Group’s plans to strengthen its position in Australia and establish a presence in the substantial Indian and US markets and beyond.
Andy Burdon, CEO of Powder Monkey Group, said: “Partnering with Chris Gayle is a hugely exciting milestone for Powder Monkey Group and reflects the scale of our ambitions as a business.
Chris is a global sporting legend with an incredible following, particularly across some of the international markets we’re developing. Bringing together his personality and the Universe Boss brand with our brewing expertise creates a fantastic opportunity to build something with genuine worldwide appeal. We see Universe Boss as an important part of that journey, and we’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead.”
The beers are initially being produced by Mark Hamblin, Head Brewer at Powder Monkey Brewing Co’s historic brewery in Hampshire, a former Royal Navy gunpowder magazine overlooking Portsmouth Harbour.
Both beers are now available to order in cans through the Powder Monkey Brewing Co online shop.
Shop the range now: powdermonkeybrewing.com/pages/chris-gayle
