Edinburgh’s Stewart Brewing has been named brewery of the year at the third annual Scottish Beer Awards.
The brewery also walked away with awards for growth business of the year and two taste award medals for its Corpse Reviver and Cascadian beers.
Nearly 400 guests from across the UK brewing industry gathered to hear news of award winners. Awards were presented for both business performance and taste, with 296 Scottish beers in the blind tasting competition.
Fierce Beer, from Aberdeen, triumphed in the hotly contended taste awards, winning a total of four gold medals and one silver medal. 2017 champions, BrewDog, enjoyed further success this year, winning six medals in the IPA, barrel aged, stout and amplified beers categories.
Hilary Jones, chair of the judging panel, said: “Now in its third year, the Scottish Beer Awards is an eagerly awaited celebration firmly fixed in the UK brewing calendar.
“With a proven record of inclusivity and collaboration across the whole sector, these awards are truly representative of an exciting industry making first class products.
“To see so many breweries, both large and small, triumph this evening is hugely encouraging and a sign of the growing success of Scottish companies in the world of brewing.”
Emerging talent
This year’s competition saw the introduction of a new category, created in collaboration with headline sponsor ALDI, to recognise emerging talent. The emerging brewer of the year award was presented to Jonathan Robinson, of Innis & Gunn, who was praised by the judging panel for his passion and commitment to the sector, and specifically towards his role as a young brewer in a rapidly growing business.
Graham Nicolson, group buying director at ALDI Scotland, said: “We’re hugely proud to have been headline sponsors of the Scottish Beer Awards since 2016, and privileged to work with so many of the breweries recognised at the awards this evening.
“The popularity of Scottish beer continues to grow, and we are pleased to be a part of such an exciting time for the Scottish brewing sector.
“The quality of beer being produced in Scotland continues to be second to none, and the industry offers some exceptional career prospects for young people. We extend our congratulations to the winner of the emerging brewer award and wish Jonathan from Innis & Gunn every success in his future career.”
• To view all winners, click here
