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A Craft Beer Lover’s Guide to the Best Breweries in Scotland
Who said that Scotland’s all about whisky? Heck, you’re missing out on their beer! From remote islands breweries rooted in folklore to sleek, modern taprooms, Scotland’s craft beer scene is as bold and inventive as it is diverse. Trust me, there’s a pint for every kind of beer lover!
I’ll be honest; I wasn’t always a fan of beer—that is, until a house party where beer was the only option. Lucky for me, my mate had good taste. I can still remember that first crisp, ice-cold sip cutting through the juicy burgers we devoured. I never looked back and converted on the spot.
So, loosen your belt and grab a pint as we hop into the best breweries across Scotland that are well worth the journey (and the hangover!).
Loch Lomond Brewery
Media Credit: lochlomondbrewery
Address: Vale of Leven Industrial Estate, Unit 11, Block 2, Dumbarton G82 3PD
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 4 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 2 PM – 10 PM
Contact Information: +44 1389 755698
Price Point: £
Best For: Seasoned beer geeks and curious first-timers
Must-Try: Lost in Mosaic, Silkie Stout, Zoom Time, Southern Summit, Bonnie N’ Blonde, The West Highland Way, Deadpoint, The Gloaming
Tours & Tastings: None
What started as a humble family business operating out of the Maceachern’s home kitchen in Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond has now become a 12,000 sq ft brewery producing award-winning beers, from traditional West Highland Way to the bold and flavorful Lost Monster.
Their brewery produces seven signature beers catering to various tastes, whether you’re into refreshing flavours or complex characters. In fact, you don’t even need to be a heavy drinker, by any means, to enjoy, as the flavour profiles are universally enjoyed.
Their taproom is also a must-visit with live music and other events throughout the year where guests can enjoy a range of Loch Lomond beers, Scottish craft spirits, wines, and more.
Pro Tip: Adjacent to the tap room is their shop where you can buy their coveted beers and merchandise.
Loch Leven Brewery
Media Credit: lochlevenbrewery
Address: The Muirs, Kinross KY13 8AS
Operating Hours:
- Sunday: 2 PM – 8 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 12 NN – 10 PM
Contact Information: +441577666996
Price Point: £
Best For: Small-town craft beer experiences, local gift shopping
Must-Try: Ploughman Poet’s Lighter, Outlaw King, Warrior Queen, Shining Knight, King Slayer,
Tours & Tastings: Live Music, Quiz Night
Founded in 2017, the Loch Leven Brewery is a proudly independent microbrewery tucked away in Kinross, dedicated to brewing ales the traditional way. Using locally sourced ingredients and brewing in small batches ensures that every pint is fresh, flavorful, and true to the area.
Despite having a limited selection, the taste of each beer clearly showcases their brewing expertise. Personal favourites include the Shining Knight Pale Ale, which has a refreshingly crisp finish, as well as the King Slayer for its balanced malt profile.
As for their taproom experience, you’ll find it cosy and relaxing whether you’re inside or out. With cask ales on handpull and keg taps, it’s the perfect spot to relax and sample their different brews at their freshest.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without chatting with the staff! They’re always happy to share brewing stories, recommendations, and even answer questions.
Tennent Caledonian Breweries
Media Credit: tennentslager
Address: 161 Duke St, Glasgow G31 1JD
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 3 PM
Contact Information: +44 14173 76060
Price Point: £
Best For: Cultural explorers and beer enthusiasts
Must-Try: Tennent’s Lager, Caledonia Best, Tennent’s Scotch Ale, Sweetheart Stout, and Tennent’s Original Export
Tours & Tastings:
- Tennent’s Brewery Tours from £17 per person
- Private Brewery Tours from £300
- Tennent’s Tour and Meal Offers from £47 per person
- Accessible Tours from £17 per person
- Taste of Scotland Tour & Masterclass from £55 per person
- Tennent’s Tour & Beer Masterclass from £50 per person
Tennent Caledonian isn’t just a brewery; heck, it’s part of its DNA! Brewing on the same site since 1556, it’s one of the oldest names in the game and a true cornerstone of the country’s pint-pouring history.
In fact, its flagship Tennent’s Lager, which was first brewed in 1885, is one of Scotland’s best-sellers. If you’ve had a bottle, you’d know why. It’s crisp and refreshing, brewed with Scottish malted barley and freshwater from Loch Katrine.
But if you prefer a more full-bodied lager, their Tennent’s Original Export is a winner. For a stronger, more complex option, the Tennent’s Scotch Ale is a must-try with its rich malt flavours. And if you’re after a local touch, don’t skip the Caledonia Best, made with 100% Scottish barley.
Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for special events and seasonal tastings for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Black Isle Brewing Co
Media Credit: jenrennie_
Address: Old Allangrange, Munlochy IV8 8NZ
Operating Hours:
- Brewery and Shop – Daily: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Tours – Daily: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
Contact Information: +44 1463 811871
Price Point: £
Best For: Eco-conscious beer lovers and beer enthusiasts
Must-Try: Spider Monkey Organic, Goldfinch Organic Gluten-Free, Organic Porter
Tours & Tastings: Brewery and Garden Tour
Leaning into the more organic side of brewing, Black Isle Brewing Co. is at the helm, cultivating its own barley and hops, and keeping things green with an impressively small eco-footprint. But this isn’t all about sustainability; this independent brewery is also racking up awards.
One of their standouts is the Spider Monkey Organic, which took home the ‘Best Beer’ at the BOOM Awards in 2023 thanks to its fun and vibrant flavour that’s as lively as its name.
The rest of their lineup doesn’t disappoint either. Goldfinch Organic Gluten-Free is a favourite for its light, citrusy zin,g and did we mention that it’s gluten-free? For something a little more indulgent, the Organic Porter is also a unique must-try with rich notes of chocolate and coffee.
Pro Tip: Take some time to visit the 5-acre organic gardens to see where some of the beer ingredients are grown. It’s a great way to see the brewery’s roots, and who knows, you might just walk away with a newfound appreciation for what goes into your beer.
Stewart Brewing
Media Credit: stewartbrewing
Address: Bilston Glen Ind Estate, 26a Dryden Rd, Loanhead EH20 9LZ
Operating Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Contact Information: +44 131 440 2442
Price Point: £
Best For: Craft beer enthusiasts and DIY beer fans
Must-Try: First World Problems, Stewart’s 80/-, Stewart’s Lager, Mosaic Hazy Pale, Stewart’s ESB, Edinburgh Black
Tours & Tastings: Brewery Tour, Beer Tasting with a Brewer, Brew It Yourself Experience
When I say that the flavours at Stewart Brewing are absolutely mental, I’m not messing about. Seriously, their beers are proper bangers that’ll have you coming for more. No wonder they snagged Scottish Brewery of the Year in 2024!
Some crowd favourites include the Copa Caledonia, which is a tart yet fruity fusion of Brazilian and Scottish style, and The Wonk, which has an intense blueberry flavour complemented with candied doughnut and cream white chocolate flavours.
Another must-try is their Brew It Yourself experience, where you can create your own bespoke beer right in their kitchen. The best bit? You’ll be guided by their expert brewers through the whole process, showing you all of the coolest tips and tricks.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to put your tokens to good use by trying different kinds of draught beer while at the brewery! Alternatively, you can use it for soft drinks and hot drinks, too.
Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery
Media Credit: uilebheistdistillery
Address: Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SG
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 AM – 11 PM
Contact Information: +44 146 323 4308 / [email protected]
Price Point: £
Best For: Craft beer enthusiasts and cultural explorers
Must-Try: Uile-bheist Inverness Lager, Forest Dweller – Inverness Pale Ale, Dark Horse – Highland Stout, White Witch – Inverness Unfiltered, Highland Storm – Inverness Session Ale
Tours & Tastings:
- Discovery Tour from £31 per person
- Accessibility Tour from £30 per person
- Head Distiller Tour from £200 per person
- Head Brewer Tour from £200 per person
Nestled on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness lies the Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery. Despite being a relatively new player in the game, Uilebheist has quickly become a must-visit destination for its captivating blend of tradition and innovation.
Uile-bheist, meaning “monster” in Scottish Gaelic, is a core part of the brand’s identity and storytelling, with many of its crafts’ names as a clear nod to the cultural heritage of the Highland landscape.
Crowd favourites include the Highland Store, which many describe as the perfect balance of bitter and sweet; White Witch, which tastes similar to a fruit smoothie; and Uile-bheist Inverness Lager, which is light, crisp, with delicate notes of floral and citrus.
Pro Tip: Take the time to explore the scenic views of the River Ness while you’re there and to truly set the tone for a mythical brewery experience.
Fyne Ales
Media Credit: fyneales
Address: Achadunan Bungalow, Cairndow PA26 8BJ
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 AM – 6 PM
Contact Information: +44 1499 600120
Price Point: £
Best For: Craft beer enthusiasts and nature lovers
Must-Try: Jarl, Vital Spark, Avalanche, Hurricane Jack, Easy Trail
Tours & Tastings: Brewery Tours, Brewery Tap & Courtyard
A family-owned Scottish farm brewery, Fyne Ales, located on the Achadunan Estate, has been crafting award-winning beer since 2001. You can join their exclusive behind-the-scenes tours held every Saturday and Sunday to learn all about their brewing techniques and processes.
Their diverse line-up caters to every kind of beer lover, from well-balanced blonde ales such as their Hurricane Jack to dark ales with rich, malty flavours such as their Vital Spark.
And then there’s Jarl, the star of the show. Heck, that’s why it’s their flagship ale, with a fruity citrus punch and a clean finish. Total crowd-pleaser, I tell you.
Pro Tip: On sunny days, don’t miss outon enjoying your beer at the brewery courtyard, the perfect spot to savour each sip amidst the scenic views.
BrewDog DogTap
Media Credit: brewdogdogtap
Address: Unit Balmacassie Industrial Estate, Ellon AB41 8BX
Operating Hours: Daily: 12 AM – 11 PM
Contact Information: +44 135 8724 933 / [email protected]
Price Point: £
Best For: Beer geeks and food & beer pairing lovers
Must-Try: Black Out Stout, Cocoa Psycho, Elvis Juice, Punk IPA, Hazy Jane, Dead Pony Club, Black Heart, Lost Lager
Tours & Tastings:
- BrewDog Brewery Tour from £20 per person
- Beer School Experience from £25 per person
BrewDog DogTap is more than just a bar; it’s an immersive experience that blends cutting-edge brewing, rich museum experiences, and a vibrant culinary scene. What’s not to miss even further is its impressive lineup of 60 craft beers on tap and brewed on-site!
That said, their 90-minute tour is a must-try to see the behind-the-scenes process of their innovative beer-making. Heck, you’ll even get a tour of their brewhouse, beer museum, and even a glimpse into their headquarters!
Even better is that BrewDog Tap is a culinary destination as well, with sourdough pizzas, rotisserie chickens, burgers, and wings to pair perfectly with your beer on tap. Don’t worry, it’s a family-friendly spot, with a children’s play park to keep ‘em busy while you enjoy.
Pro Tip: With 60 taps to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick one pint. Instead, opt for their Beer Flight to sample a couple of different styles, especially if you’re new to BrewDog.
Orkney Brewery
Media Credit: orkney.brewery
Address: Quoyloo House, Quoyloo, Stromness KW16 3LX
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact Information: +44 1856 841777 / [email protected]
Price Point: £
Best For: Small-town craft beer experiences and seasoned beer lovers
Must-Try: Dark Island, Skull Splitter, Red MacGregor, Northern Light, Raven Ale, Corncrake Ale, Dragonhead Stout, Puffin Ale
Tours & Tastings: Brewery Tour from £12
Orkney Brewery operates out of a repurposed Victorian schoolhouse, nestled in the quiet village of Quoyloo. It’s a well-loved favourite for brewing everything you can think of, from IPAs to Scottish ales; there really is something for everyone.
But the one that always steals the spotlight? Their Dark Island Scottish Ale, a rich, full-bodied classic with deep notes of dark chocolate, dates, nuts, and a robust hop finish. Definitely a beer that begs to be paired with a hearty haggis or a juicy steak.
Their Skull Splitter, named after Thorfinn Eirnarsson, is also a winner for its fruity complexity and subtle spice. Northern Light offers a clean finish with a gentle hop. Corncrake Ale, named after the elusive bird, not only tastes great but also supports the RSPB.
Pro Tip: Join their guided brewery tour during the day so that you have the rest of the evening to leisurely enjoy a tasting session with no rush!
