Are you looking to explore Scotland’s amazing brewing scene? Look no further! With such an impressive array of breweries in Scotland, there’s something for everyone. From traditional real ales to modern hoppy IPAs, I’ve rounded up the top 11 best breweries in Scotland for craft beer lovers.
Scotland has long been renowned for its exceptional beers, with a brewing tradition dating back to the 12th century. Today, craft beer is booming across the country and Scotland’s brewers are creating an array of delicious, innovative beers to be enjoyed all around the world.
11 Best Breweries In Scotland
The following list is in no particular order but you should definitely try them all. Scotland has some of the best breweries in the world, boasting a plethora of unique craft beer styles. I could go on and on about why these breweries are so great, but instead, let’s cut right to the chase.
1. BrewDog
I couldn’t start this list with anyone other than BrewDog. This Scottish craft beer pioneer is renowned for their revolutionary brewing techniques and a huge selection of bold, delicious beers. From classic pale ales to fruity IPAs and imperial stouts, there’s something for everyone here. Be sure to check out their flagship brewery in Aberdeenshire.
In 2012, they proudly constructed an eco-friendly craft brewery in Ellon. Anyone who enjoys amazing beer is welcome to visit their taproom – DogTap – and sample the freshest BrewDog beers available on Earth!
The facility also hosts a pilot brewing kit and features BrewDog merchandise for sale as well as BottleDog where you can purchase takeaway beers. Additionally, customers may savor freshly prepared pizzas from the outdoor terrace while taking in the awe-inspiring Aberdeenshire sunshine.
2. Wellpark Brewery
Discover the secrets behind what makes Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery so uniquely special! They have been bringing Scotland their award-winning brews for over 135 years, and now you get to explore how they do it. Be a part of this historic legacy that has stood the test of time – come see why generations upon generations love Tennent’s!
At Wellpark Brewery, you can journey through time at the UK’s biggest beer attraction – the Tennent’s Story heritage center! This interactive guided tour takes you back to 1556 when brewing first began at Wellpark and follows Hugh Tennent’s incredible story.
Newspapers called it a “madman’s dream” but his brew became what we know today as Tennents Lager! The historical artifacts from this adventure are all on display for free inside the center, so don’t miss out on your chance to explore one of Scotland’s most remarkable stories!
Their brewery tours will take you through the history of the Tennent’s site and through the famous brewing process, there is also a range of masterclasses from Gin to beer.
3. Stewart Brewing Experience
In 1996, Steve and Jo Stewart’s visit to Boston sparked an idea of owning their own craft brewery someday. Years after perfecting home brews, the couple finally made this dream reality when they launched the first official beers from Stewart Brewing in 2004.
Almost 20 years later, Stewart Brewing has become more than just a brewery. You can now book tours or “brew it yourself” experiences to try your hand at beer making. Afterward, you can enjoy their beer with a slice of pizza in their pizza kitchen.
4. Belhaven Brewery
Another huge player in the brewery scene in Scotland, is Belhaven Brewery. For over three centuries, Belhaven Brewery has been crafting the finest beer in Scotland. From its humble beginnings situated amidst lush barley fields of East Lothian just a mere 20 miles away from Edinburgh, this brewery boasts an illustrious history that stands unmatched to this day.
At Belhaven, our passion for brewing comes from generations of tradition. Our devoted team draws on a 300-year-old heritage to craft friendly and inviting beers that showcase Scotland’s character; utilizing 100% Scottish malted barley, local spring water, and the exclusive Belhaven yeast as key ingredients.
They also feature a brewery tour if you’re looking to learn more about Scotland’s oldest working brewery.
5. Cairngorm Brewery
Established in 2001, Cairngorm Brewery Company has since been crafting the finest ale for all to enjoy. Located within the picturesque Highlands of Scotland, nestled in Aviemore at the center of Cairngorms National Park, their 20-barrel Brewhouse is ready to bring forth 6500 liters worth of delicious ales each day.
Their impressive list of cask and seasonal beers satisfy every palate, many of them being available year-round in 500ml bottles. They offer a plethora of craft beer options, from light continental ales to the classic Scottish Milk Stout, both keg and bottled – ensuring everyone’s refreshment needs are met!
6. Black Isle Brewery
Since 1998, Black Isle Brewery has been producing world-class beers. Yet the mission is so much more than that – they strive to exemplify that high-quality beverages can be made with natural barley and hops, thereby encouraging organic farmers and growers who prioritize sustainability.
In the early stages, this faced a lot of challenges. Small numbers of organic hop growers made it difficult to produce certain beer styles and prices rose as a result. Additionally, customers had little knowledge of what organic meant in terms of their purchases from retail and hospitality channels.
Their brewery farm has been home to a vast array of biodiversity, with over 7000 native broadleaf trees, re-established hedgerows and newly created ponds and wetlands. In addition to this environmental endeavor, they have two lively craft beer bars in both Inverness and Fort William that bring people from all walks of life together.
7. Isle of Skye Brewery
Apparently what started out as a joke back in 1992 among a couple of friends is one of my personal favorites, the Isle of Skye Brewery.
Noticing the lack of good beer on Skye someone said that the only way to fix this would be to brew their own! At the time there were just six small independent breweries in Scotland – and none of them on the Isle of Skye.
After three long years of preparation, they proudly brewed their first ale – Red Cuillin. They still use the same recipe to make it today! The only difference is that you now know it as Skye Red.
Pro-tip: They also make an excellent gin!
8. Loch Leven Brewery
Through traditional practices, they create their beers in small batches and by hand. They manually scoop out the mash tun and have to actually get into the wort kettle to remove hops after filtering them with a specialized strainer. The process is highly labor-intensive but yields exceptional results!
They always strive to utilize local and UK ingredients whenever they can. The water is sourced from reservoirs situated in the nearby hills surrounding the brewery, while craft malt used for brewing is both grown and malted by a local farmer.
They have gone the extra mile to craft beers that are perfect for any occasion and appease a variety of palates. Their Great Scots range is entirely gluten-free, as well as vegan-friendly in bottles and kegs.
9. Loch Lomond Brewery
In 2011, the Loch Lomond Brewery was born in a humble kitchen in Luss near the exquisite shores of Loch Lomond. After a history of brewing award-winning beers, such as CAMRA Champion Beer and SIBA Supreme Cask Champion in 2016 and 2017 respectively, they decided to elevate their brand even further by rebranding in 2018.
Their craft brewery, nestled in 12,000 sq feet of space near Dumbarton, features a constantly changing selection of beer that is sure to please everyone. With their state-of-the-art facility and onsite canning capabilities, you are guaranteed the freshest brews imaginable.
10. Holy Goat Brewing
Holy Goat, based in Dundee, proudly specializes in the innovative brewing of mixed fermentation and wood-aged beers. By implementing unconventional yeasts and bacteria during production, they are able to create one-of-a-kind beverages with remarkable tastes that can only be achieved through our signature methodology.
Drawing inspiration from classic mixed fermentation beer styles, their brewing team uses modern methods, distinct fermenting techniques, and the finest ingredients to craft complex yet delightful beers that honor the legacy of their ancestors!
11. Vault City Brewing
At Vault City, they are the leading independent craft brewery and Scotland’s largest sour beer producer. With their base culture and mixed fermentation methods in sunny Portobello, Edinburgh-based brewery, they create heavily fruited modern sours. They use tons of real fruit ingredients to add a unique flavor profile that continuously pushes conventional expectations for beer. Since 2018, their passion lies with relentless exploration when it comes to brewing.
They took the classic style of brewing and brought it into the modern age with our innovative fruited sours. Their beer has been a hit even amongst those who don’t usually like traditional beers, or any kind of beer for that matter!
Scottish Breweries: FAQs
Here’s everything you need to know about Scotland’s breweries and craft beer scene!
How many breweries are there in Scotland?
Once you start looking you’ll end up down a rabbit hole where you’ll find out just how much amazing craft beer is being produced in the best breweries across Scotland. The truth is, there’s a lot! According to the latest count, there are currently over 150 active breweries in Scotland. This makes Scotland one of the most diverse countries for craft beer production in Europe!
What is the most popular beer in Scotland?
One of the most popular beers in Scotland is BrewDog’s Punk IPA. This golden-hued India Pale Ale has a tropical fruit aroma and hop-forward taste. Other popular beers include Innis & Gunn’s Original and Harviestoun Old Engine Oil. So if you’re looking for a classic Scottish beer, be sure to check these out!
Who is the largest brewer in Scotland?
The largest brewer in Scotland is BrewDog. Founded in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, the company has quickly become a household name among beer lovers across the world. With their relentless innovation and commitment to quality ingredients and brewing processes, they are producing some of the finest craft beers Scotland has ever seen.
What is the oldest brewery in Scotland?
The answer to that question would have to be Belhaven Brewery, located in Dunbar, East Lothian. Founded in 1719, it is one of the oldest breweries in Scotland and is considered one of the country’s best. They produce a wide range of craft beers, ales and ciders with an emphasis on flavor and tradition.
Final Thoughts: Breweries In Scotland
The craft beer scene in Scotland has made a huge impact over the last few years, with some of the best breweries in the country bringing international attention to their products and getting people excited about what is happening north of the border.
There are countless great craft beers being produced in Scotland, showcasing different styles and offering something for everyone. From light and refreshing lagers to dark and flavorful stouts, there’s something to satisfy every craft beer enthusiast.
