Brewing

Brewing: A 5,000 year old legacy

From brewery to glass, an alchemy of artistry and tradition has established Scottish beer around the world. 

Keeping up with changing tastes 

While lagers dominate the Scottish beer market, rich stouts and porters, craft ales and IPAs are all enjoyed at home and abroad. There’s also the expanding market for low and no-alcohol beverages – plus Scotland’s growing craft beer brewing, some exponents of which have earned a global reputation. 

Reaching far and wide 

With somewhere in the region of 145 breweries across Scotland, and around £1.4 billion in revenue for beer in the UK in 2022-23, the Scottish beer scene is thriving. Scottish beer travels widely, with Scotland’s beer industry exporting 6.9% of its revenue. That figure is only set to grow, as international trade is forecast to become increasingly important. Scottish beer is already popular in Italy, Sweden, France and Norway. It’s predicted to reach many more corners of the world in years to come, as demand for authentic Scottish produce grows. 

Hand-in-hand with nature 

Scottish barley ripens slowly, making it a hardy crop that’s remarkably resilient to climate change. It’s helped secure Scotland a pivotal role in the global brewing supply chain. Then there’s the purity of Scottish water. Crystal-clear natural sources flow through Scotland's landscapes – giving every sip of Scottish beer its distinct flavour and character. Scotland's cereal production is a cornerstone of its food and drink industry – and barley is the hero. Lawrie from Black Isle Brewery explains: “We have barley grown as locally as we can get it, then draw our own water from the bore hole right next to the brewery. It’s as naturally Scottish as you can get.”

Quality assurance 

What keeps Scotland’s brewing industry one step ahead is a collaborative approach to quality. Quality assurance is handled by organisations such as Scottish Quality Crops and the Society of Independent Brewers. There’s an accrediting scheme, too: Safe and Local Supplier Approval ensuring every Scottish brewer commits to meeting the highest standards. Underpinning Scotland’s brewing industry is the work of research and development institutions like the Brewing Industry Leadership Group. By representing the beer sector at all levels, this body supports the brewing industry’s drive for sustainable and strategic growth. 

Sustainability focus 

As well as aiming to develop net-zero barley, investments are being made in other areas to build a green future for brewing. For example, brewers are bringing in compressed air refrigeration systems, new water conservation measures, and CO2 recovery systems. Organisations like the Society of Independent Brewers are also developing new tools, together with advice on sustainability, as the beer industry commits to minimising environmental impact and being more resource efficient.