5 “Must Visit” Craft Breweries in Scotland

, 5 “Must Visit” Craft Breweries in Scotland

Scotland is spectacularly beautiful country with a rich brewing heritage that’s well worth an extended visit. And here are five craft breweries that you absolutely don’t want miss next time you’re touring the Highlands.

BrewDog

Location: Ellon, Aberdeenshire

Let’s start with the “big dog.”

BrewDog is perhaps the most famous Scottish craft brewery, known for its bold and innovative beers. Founded by James Watt and Martin Dickie in 2007, BrewDog has grown into a global craft beer brand with over 100 BrewDog Bars in iconic locations around the world. Their Punk IPA is a staple, but they offer a wide range of beers from stouts to sours.

, 5 “Must Visit” Craft Breweries in Scotland

(BrewDog Founders James Watt and Martin Dickie)

Yes, BrewDog has generated its share of controversies, but we love their punk attitude as much as so many of their beers. Much of what they have done over the years is so subversively brilliant that we can’t help but get onboard.

Tempest Brewing

Location: Tweedbank, Scottish Borders

Tempest Brewing started as a small garage operation in New Zealand founded by a Scottish couple, who decided to bring their brewing talents home.

Since its launch in 2010, Tempest Brewing has grown an impeccable reputation for its experimental and diverse range of beers, many of them with a culinary bent. Their Imperial Stout and Modern Helles Lager are local legends and their focus on quality ingredients and creative brewing, renowned throughout the region techniques.

, 5 “Must Visit” Craft Breweries in Scotland

(Courtesy Stewart Brewing)

Stewart Brewing

Location: Edinburgh

Stewart Brewing is an independent craft brewery nestled under the Pentland Hills of Edinburgh, that was founded in 2004 by Steve and Jo Stewart, who after a visit to Boston, MA  decided to bring that art and energy of craft brewing back to Scotland.

Stewart Brewing is known for their strong community ties and quality beers, they offer a variety of options like the Hollyrood Pale Ale and Edinburgh Gold. And their brewery tour (which begins with an ice cold beer) is not to be missed.

Fierce Beer

Location: Aberdeen

Fierce Beer is a modern brewery based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Founded in 2015,
the first beer was commercially brewed in May 2016.

, 5 “Must Visit” Craft Breweries in Scotland

(Fierce Beer Edinburgh: Courtesy Fierce Beer)

Highly regarded by the UK beer community, they are multi-award winning operation and the most awarded Scottish Brewery in recent years, winning 14 medals at the 2020 Scottish Beer Awards before being named Scottish Brewery of the Year in 2021.

Fierce Beer lives up to its name with bold and adventurous brews. Their beer portfolio includes everything from fruity IPAs to robust stouts. Notable mentions include their Very Big Moose Imperial Stout and the Tropical Tart Sour Ale, but all their beers are worth trying.

Fierce Beer currently operates branded bars, in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Manchester and is looking to expand their bar division in the coming years.

, 5 “Must Visit” Craft Breweries in Scotland

(Courtesy Okney Brewery)

The Orkney Brewery

Location: Orkney Islands

The tranquil Orkney Islands, with its fertile farming lands and fishing grounds, have been inhabited for over 5000 years. Situated in a remote and dramatic setting, and beloved for its authentic brews, the Orkney brewery is housed in the former schoolhouse, one mile from Skara Brae in the heart of Neolithic Orkney.

The Orkney Brewery produces beers that reflect the rugged landscape of their home and their Dark Island Reserve and Red MacGregor are standout beers that are best enjoyed in this dramatic windswept setting.

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