Scotland’s Belhaven Brewery is turning 300 years old in 2019 and is marking its tricentenary with a year-long programme of celebrations.
Belhaven is kicking off the year with 1719, a specially brewed celebration pale ale beer, but has also announced a weekend music festival at the brewery this summer, and 300 days of celebrations across Belhaven and Greene King pubs.
Internationally, there will be Belhaven-themed parties across export nations, including America and Russia, and performances from Talisk, the winners of the £25,000 Belhaven Bursary for Innovation in Scottish music, at this year’s Belhaven -sponsored New York Tartan Week.
And if all that wasn’t enough, the brewery has announced a new £500,000 visitor centre, set to open this summer.
Founded in 1719 by local man John Johnstone, Belhaven has been brewing from its historic brewery in Dunbar ever since. It took its name, which means ‘beautiful bay’, from the stunning coastal location in East Lothian on which is resides.
Today, Belhaven uses only the finest local Scottish barley, water from its brewery well, its own unique Belhaven yeast, and choice hops from around the world.
Thriving innovative business
Managing director, Matt Starbuck, said: “John Johnstone would, no doubt, be delighted to see his beloved brewery today, not only the oldest working brewery in Scotland and the home of Scottish brewing, but a thriving innovative business and a great Scottish success story abroad.
“With 30% of all Belhaven beer now enjoyed overseas, and a market-leading position at home, Belhaven has plenty to celebrate.
“We are continuing to invest in Belhaven with a new visitor centre opening this year, bringing tourism to Dunbar, and warmly welcome fans of Belhaven beer to join us in celebrating the brewery birthday this year.”
The new beer, 1719, pours three centuries of brewing expertise into creating a perfectly modern session pale ale. Triple hopped with Centennial for the triple centenary, along with Mandarina Bavaria and Galaxy, it is a clean, bright, mouth-watering pale ale.
The beer is 4.5% ABV and has a citrus and tropical fruit character. It will be available on cask, keg and in 330ml bottles throughout 2019.
