A JOINT brewing venture between The Craft Beer Clan of Scotland and craft brewer Williams Brothers of Alloa has led to the release of four whisky barrel-aged beers.
Known as Clan Brewing Company, the venture is headed
up by Chris Miller, a director of the Craft Beer Clan of Scotland and its parent company, wholesaler JW Filshill Ltd; Scott Williams, founder and brew master of Williams Brothers; and whisky expert Charles MacLean.
Williams and MacLean are both said to have played key roles in the development of the four beers, with Williams tailoring the recipes to match the profiles of the second-fill whisky casks, which were hand selected by MacLean.
The line-up of beers comprises Spruce Ale, Imperial Stout, Red Rye Ale and Golden Ale; all four have an ABV of 8%.
The beers have spent up to nine months maturing in the casks; fewer than 2000 cases across the four expressions were packaged from the first batch.
The second, third and fourth batches of the beers – which are said to be double the size of the first – are now maturing in whisky barrels and will be packaged later this year.
Miller said: “This series of four whisky barrel-aged beers shows off Scotland’s regional whisky variations, the variety and depth of beer styles plus the brewing excellence of Scotland’s craft brewers.”
Miller claimed the Clan Brewing Company has already received a “healthy number of orders”, and said some 80% of the beer would be exported to key markets internationally where there is a “strong demand for Scotch whisky and Scottish brewing”.
Miller attributed this healthy demand to the partnerships already established by the Craft Beer Clan of Scotland, as well as the continued support of Scottish Development International and Scotland Food & Drink.
